Kuwait " 10 September, 2009: Gulf Bank, in collaboration with the Manpower and Government Restructuring Program (MGRP), focused on their drive to assist Kuwaiti's that have been affected by the downturn in parts of the private sector by employing them at Gulf Bank.

Due to recent economic trends, a number of private sector organizations have been forced to cut costs by reducing their workforce. In response, Gulf Bank, working in conjunction with MGRP immediately launched a campaign to promote and provide promising career opportunities to nationals in the Bank.

Gulf Bank's workforce is now well over 60% Kuwaiti, with over  80% in branches, one of the highest rates of any business in Kuwait.

Many new Kuwaiti employees have been hired by Gulf Bank since the beginning of the year in various departments and the Bank continues to make job opportunities available to professional Kuwaitis, seeking a rewarding career in the banking sector.

"This is a significant accomplishment for the Bank which has had a long-term strategy of recruiting and developing Kuwaiti talent and of investing in community initiatives that encourage young people to join the banking sector. We are very pleased that we are able to contribute towards the economy by supporting the MGRP program," said Surour Alsamerai, General Manager " Human Resources.

"The Bank has invested heavily in the professional development of Kuwaiti talent and in offering young Kuwaiti's the opportunity to build a career and contribute to our country's economic advancement," added Alsamerai.

Gulf Bank remains proud of each and every member of its professional and valued staff and remains committed to developing and investing in the future of Kuwaiti's and the Kuwaiti society.

Gulf Bank has sponsored INJAZ Kuwait for four consecutive years; this continued sponsorship is part of its commitment to building a prosperous Kuwait, helping support young Kuwaitis develop professional business skills and to give them the opportunity to become the successful entrepreneurs of the future.

The GCC Council of Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs recognized Gulf Bank as the winner of the prestigious Localization Award for four consecutive years. The award recognizes the Bank's achievement in employing the highest percentage of Kuwaiti nationals in the private sector.

Through dedicated HR practices geared to supporting Kuwaitis, including tailored training and development, the Bank is helping people to achieve their career aspirations in the banking industry.

Gulf Bank continuously strives to be a socially responsible entity, and has been successful in doing so through their extensive CSR initiatives that are geared towards education where it retains and encourages local talent, as well as investing in their future.