Attracting a record number of digital data and analytics enthusiasts

• Mai Al-Owaish: We would like to congratulate this year’s winners, and are looking forward to organizing these types of events on an annual basis

Kuwait, 01 June 2022: Gulf Bank successfully wrapped up the first “Datathon” competition for digital data and analytic enthusiasts in Kuwait. The event, which took place over two days, witnessed a large number of participants, including data specialists, university students and new employees who are interested in working in the fields of data and analytics.

The panel, consisting of professors from Kuwait University and the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, announced the winning teams of this year’s competition. The winning team in the “Data Modeling and Visualization” category received a prize of KD 1,000, with the winners in the "Data Visualization" and "Digital Analytics" categories taking home prizes of KD 500 each.

The Datathon’s activities also included three training workshops that were broadcast live on YouTube. The workshops promoted a culture of data science and analytics, and were held under the supervision of three specialists from Gulf Bank: Mai Al-Owaish, Fouzan Al-Sumait and Haider Al-Mohri.

In honor of a successful launch of the Datathon, the Chief Data and Innovation Officer at Gulf Bank, Mai Al-Owaish, said: “We are very pleased to have witnessed such a large turnout at this year’s Datathon, which attracted a wide variety of participants over the age of 18. The positive turnout not only demonstrates a widespread interest in the data analytics field, but also is encouraging us to consider organizing the competition annually to build on this year’s momentum and success. We are so proud to have seen such a diverse audience in the first edition, including a large number of local youth and women.”

She added that Gulf Bank also chose the winning student teams based on who achieved the highest points in the field of data analysis and visualization. The winning teams will be receiving internships in the Bank’s data and innovation unit during the summer, applying what they learned in the competition in real life, as part of the Bank’s efforts to prepare local youth for the labor market. This year’s winning students are: Dhuha Al-Yaseen, Arwa Al-Qatami, Fajer Al-Ahmad, Haider Hajieh, and Afnan Al-Ansari.

Al-Owaish commented that the Datathon is set to promote a culture of data analytics in the local digital community, especially among data analysts, application developers, e-commerce professionals, web authors, and all types of digital content creators.

She also noted that Gulf Bank continues to contribute to Kuwait's digital transformation and Kuwait Vision 2035 through an active commitment to developing a local tech-savvy community — all as part of the Bank’s ongoing digital transformation strategy. It is worth noting that Gulf Bank’s Datathon marks one of the first competitions for digital data enthusiasts in the country.

She stated that the Datathon is one of several initiatives aimed at providing society with a new set of skills and opportunities, helping future generations use data to achieve the Bank’s sustainable development goals, strengthen the economy, and contribute to society’s collective benefit.

Al-Owaish indicated that global demand for big data analysis tools and technology is increasing, especially from growing companies in the region. Data analysis tools assist businesses in running their operations effectively, increasing revenues, growth and profit — a phenomenon which has naturally led to a rise in demand for professionals with skills in big data analysis.

Gulf Bank’s vision is to be the leading Kuwaiti Bank of the Future. The Bank is constantly engaging and empowering its employees as part of an inclusive and diversified workplace in recognition of every employee’s role in delivering customer excellence and serving the community at large. With its extensive network of branches and innovative digital services, Gulf Bank is able to give its customers the choice of how and where to conduct their banking transactions, all while ensuring a simple and seamless banking experience.

Gulf Bank is committed to maintaining a robust sustainability program at the community, economic, and environmental levels through sustainability initiatives that are strategically selected to benefit both the country and the Bank. Gulf Bank supports Kuwait Vision 2035 “New Kuwait” and works with various parties to achieve it.