Kuwait- 22, August, 2017: Reinforcing its active role in supporting Kuwait's youth and the development of Kuwait's economy, Gulf Bank is pleased to announce that it has signed a strategic partnership with the Manpower and Government Restructuring Program (MGRP). This partnership will support the Recruitment Screening Program initiative, and offer career counseling, as well as guidance to Kuwaiti nationals seeking employment opportunities in the private sector.

Mrs. Salma Al-Hajjaj, General Manager for Human Resources at Gulf Bank, and Mr. Fawzi Al-Majdalli, Secretary General at MGRP signed the agreement on 21 August 2017 at the MGRP headquarters. Through this agreement, Gulf Bank will enrich the program by deploying its HR expertise and offering job seekers professional career counseling and guidance for each candidate based on an assessment delivered through the Recruitment Screening Program. The program has been developed with the aim of analyzing and assessing character, strengths and weaknesses, and skill set, based on which a recommendation on the most suitable post and company environment is made for the job seeker.

Commenting on the importance of this partnership, Mrs. Salma Al-Hajjaj said: "A major focus area for Gulf Bank is supporting young Kuwaiti nationals and we are strongly committed to making a difference, not only in the lives of our young fresh graduates, but on a nationwide level. That said; this agreement will allow us to maximize our reach, and influence and impact so many young Kuwaitis, and ultimately, encourage and support employment in the private sector by placing the right people in the right places, and ensure sustainability through the development of local talent".

Mrs. Al-Hajjaj continued: "Gulf Bank has had the privilege of working closely with the MGRP for many years now, and when two entities share the same objectives and passion for change and growth, it yields room for more positive initiatives and hence, positive results. At Gulf Bank, we've established a solid track record of developing and supporting programs for youth which also contribute to the future of our beloved Kuwait. Today, this partnership acts as an opportunity for Gulf Bank to take its commitment to the next level and make use of its high degree of expertise and professionalism in the HR field to offer sound and constructive guidance that will act as the first solid stepping stone in these candidates careers, as they move forward in the private sector'.

"In February of this year, Gulf Bank was awarded the 'Best Training Plan 2016' from the MGRP, which highlighted the bank's commitment and dedication to support Kuwait's youth. Now, this new agreement is the next step in our longstanding partnership, and  I would like to thank the MGRP for putting its trust in us to act as supporters of this significant program and as counselors and mentors for Kuwait's younger generations" Mrs. Al-Hajjaj added.

Gulf Bank's support of Kuwait's youth has been demonstrated through several initiatives, some of which include its external training programs held in collaboration with the MGRP and its long term sponsorship of INJAZ Kuwait which offers jobs skills and entrepreneurial training for high school and university students.  Internally, the Bank is proud of its Ajyal Graduate Development Program which nurtures young Kuwaiti talent early in the career to develop them into 'holistic bankers' and prepare them for future leadership positions in the Bank. Furthermore, the Bank also offers a Bank-wide learning and development program, which includes a wide range of training programs and courses for employees of various levels and from different departments, including the staff at its branches.

For further details about Gulf Bank initiatives, please visit the Bank's website: www.e-gulfbank.com or its social media accounts.

Mrs. Salma Al-Hajjaj, General Manager for Human Resources at Gulf Bank, and Mr. Fawzi Al-Majdalli, Secretary General at MGRP during the signing ceremony

Mrs. Salma Al Hajjaj and Mr. Fawzi Al-Majdali along with Gulf Bank and MGRP's senior management teams