Kuwait, December 5, 2006: Gulf Bank is taking a leadership role in the development of Kuwait's human resources through a series of major strategic initiatives.

Gulf Bank has signed an agreement to be the Platinum Sponsor of Injaz Kuwait, a non-profit non-governmental organization dedicated to educating young people about business, economics and entrepreneurship.

Injaz Kuwait is part of JA Worldwide (Junior Achievement), the world's largest and fastest growing organization dedicated to economic education and is supported by Her Majesty Queen Rania Al-Abdullah of Jordan, the Regional Ambassador for Injaz in the Arab world. Injaz teaches Kuwait's students the fundamentals of business and economics and gives them the skills and confidence to achieve success in the real world of business.

In addition, Gulf Bank is a major corporate supporter of the National Union of Kuwaiti Students (NUKS) U.S. Branch and was the Gold Sponsor of the 23rd Annual NUKS Conference held recently in New York. Gulf Bank also supports Kuwaiti students through its summer internship programmes and its Red and Freedom programmes are the leading banking services for students in Kuwait.

"Gulf Bank is making a significant investment in Kuwait's human capital and in developing the skills, talents and ambitions of young Kuwaitis," said Sana. A. Juma, Acting Chief General Manager of Gulf Bank. "The Bank's management team is fully committed to this important effort.  Gulf Bank has sponsored  three  Kuwaiti members of management who have  graduated with their MBA degrees from Maastricht University, namely Amal Al Hamli, , Ahmed Abul, and Alghalia Al Samak.  We are proud to be helping Kuwait build a strong knowledge-based economy and to be assisting young Kuwaitis in reaching their full potential.

"However, inspiring young people is only a part of our commitment. Gulf Bank is also investing heavily in providing rewarding professional careers with ongoing training and development for young Kuwaitis."

In one of its most significant achievements, Gulf Bank recently won first place in the prestigious Localization Award from the GCC Council of Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs for the second year in a row. The award recognises the Bank's outstanding success in achieving the highest percentage of Kuwaiti nationals in employment in the private sector in Kuwait.

Gulf Bank is also the first Kuwaiti company to receive an International Business Award for the best HR team.

"Through our recruitment policies, our training and development programmes and our sponsorship of Injaz Kuwait and NUKS, Gulf Bank is making a major investment in Kuwait's future. We are proud to be leaders in development of Kuwait's human capital which is such an important factor in our country's economic growth and future prosperity," Mrs. Juma said.

"Gulf Bank is helping to create the next generation of Kuwait's business leaders and is equipping them with the skills and expertise to achieve success in an increasingly competitive global economy."