Through a variety of activities and initiatives aimed at consolidating sustainability principles

• Ahmad Al-Amir: We are proud to have been regularly engaging and communicating with our local community — especially with our customers — throughout the year.
• Gulf Bank presented a truly unique model of sustainability through carefully selected initiatives designed to benefit the local community
• The eighth edition of the Gulf Marathon set records for the number of participants
• Gulf Bank launched the first sustainable fashion conference in Kuwait, "OUD FASHION TALKS"
• As part of Gulf Bank’s support for youth, the Bank launched the first "Off Road Challenge" in Kuwait
• Gulf Bank organized successful community and charitable events in Ramadan, culminating in Gulf Bank Fit, a community wellness initiative
• The Bank renewed its partnership with INJAZ Kuwait and launched an exciting second season of its popular "Let's Talk Business" podcast
• The Bank witnessed a 10% increase in the number of followers on its social media channels
• Gulf Bank launched a fantasy football competition in honor of the World Cup, and a "GB Masterclass" series.
• Gulf Bank spearheaded multiple female empowerment initiatives, and took part in Environment Month
• Gulf Bank was the strategic banking partner at the National Union of Kuwait Students Conference in the US

Within the framework of its keenness to consolidate the principles of sustainability, Gulf Bank succeeded in achieving many sustainability efforts in 2022. The Bank’s multiple efforts and initiatives have strengthened its ties to society and have resulted in more diverse outreach than ever, with Gulf Bank organizing events that meet the aspirations of a wide variety of customers and the general public.

Ahmad Al-Amir, the Deputy General Manager of Corporate Communications at Gulf Bank, said, "We are proud to have been regularly engaging and communicating with our local community — especially with our customers — throughout the year. Gulf Bank is keen to engage with the local community through a variety of initiatives and across various occasions both directly and online through the Bank’s multiple social networks.”

He added: “In implementation of its five-year strategy, Gulf Bank continued to spearhead a truly unique model of sustainability in 2022. 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 the local community.”

He pointed out that social responsibility has been, and will continue to remain, one of the main pillars of Gulf Bank's strategy, which aims to support the community, promote awareness, and actively implement solutions to societal and environmental problems.

Al-Amir provided an overview the recent achievements of the Corporate Communications department, a testament to Gulf Bank's adherence and commitment to social responsibility:

Gulf Bank 642 Marathon: the Biggest Marathon in Kuwait

Gulf Bank successfully wrapped up the eighth edition of its annual Gulf Bank 624 Marathon, one of the most important sporting and social events in the country and the only certified and accredited local marathon. This year, over 11,000 people participated in the marathon, with over 2,000 international participants and more than 107 nationalities participating.

Launch of the First Ever Off-Roading Challenge

As part of its ongoing commitment to social responsibility and its continuous support of local youth, Gulf Bank also launched an Off-Roading Challenge, the first sports event of its kind in Kuwait that Gulf Bank spearheaded as part of its role in advocating for local youth’s mental and physical health, and social wellbeing. The event was attended by local off-roading enthusiasts of all ages.

First Sustainable Fashion Conference in Kuwait

Gulf Bank successfully wrapped up OUD Fashion Talks, the first sustainable fashion conference in Kuwait. The conference highlighted the work of a group of international and Kuwaiti designers, as well as a large number of fashion investors, interested parties and specialized journalists. The success of the conference has inspired Gulf Bank to consider organizing the conference on an annual basis.

Ramadan Successes & Community Initiatives

The community and charitable activities organized by Gulf Bank during the holy month of Ramadan achieved remarkable success. This year, Gulf Bank introduced the "Gulf Bank Fit" week of activities at 360 Mall, launching multiple sports and health events, competitions, and prizes. In addition, the Bank distributed iftar meals and other forms of assistance to disadvantaged families, people in debt, and refugees. In celebration of Kuwaiti customs and traditions and in support of SMEs, Gulf Bank also organized a weekly “Nuqsat Al-Khamis” initiative and distributed water and refreshments to people during the last ten days of Ramadan.

Strategic Partnership with INJAZ Kuwait

Gulf Bank has announced the renewal of its successful strategic partnership with INJAZ Kuwait, continuing their partnership in support of Kuwaiti youth in 2023. Gulf Bank is proud to extend the work of INJAZ Kuwait’s various programs, the most notable of which is the “Company Program,” which is very popular among high school and university students.

Strategic Banking Partner at NUKS Conference - USA

Gulf Bank participated as a strategic banking partner at the NUKS Conference in the United States of America. The Bank was keen to organize multiple events, competitions and prizes for the participating students, in addition to setting up a diwaniya to host viewing parties of the World Cup matches.

Let’s Talk Business Podcast

As part of its ongoing efforts to spearhead social sustainability, and in line with its continuous support of small and medium-sized enterprises, Gulf Bank is wrapping up the second season of its “Let’s Talk Business” podcast. This season included 10 interviews with young entrepreneurs, all of which highlighted their entrepreneurial journeys and the stories of how each project grew from a simple idea into a successful business.

Female Empowerment Efforts

As part of its continuous support for women, Gulf Bank renewed its participation in "Orange the World,” a global initiative launched by the United Nations to eliminate violence against women. The campaign lasted for 16 days, with Gulf Bank illuminating its main building in orange in support of efforts to eliminate violence against women and champion broader human rights efforts.

The Bank also organized a series of awareness activities and offers for women in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, providing women with discounts and exclusive offers in partnership with a variety of hospitals and medical partners in the medical sector. In addition, the Bank organized a Walkathon at Al Shaheed Park, in addition to an introductory panel session on breast cancer awareness.

Gulf Bank also sponsored a panel discussion organized by the Soroptimist Association on female leaders in the diplomatic corps. The event was held in the presence of leaders from the Kuwaiti diplomatic corps, and multiple ambassadors of Arab and foreign countries in Kuwait.

Social Media Outreach & Community Engagement

Gulf Bank's continuous efforts to engage with the local community met with record success in 2022 — especially on social media. The Bank was able to increase the number of its followers on various social media by 10% compared to the previous year, with a noticeable increase in interactions in terms of comments, responses and shares.

Gulf Bank organizes several activities on social media every week, including competitions for the chance to win a series of souvenirs signed by famous celebrities (“GB memorabilia” & “GB competitions”), cash prizes, and offers and discounts in partnership with local owners of small and medium-sized businesses (as part of Gulf Bank’s “GB community” initiative).

Launch of a "Masterclass GB" Series

As part of its continuous efforts to interact with the local community and consolidate sustainability principles, Gulf Bank has launched a series of “Masterclass GB” classes in partnership with a group of experts specialized in various fields. The classes include a series of chapters, each of which highlights a specific discipline that is presented by a specialized expert whose aim is to develop participants’ capabilities, increase their skills, and enhance their knowledge.

“Fantasy Football” World Cup Competition

As part of its ongoing efforts to engage with customers and support their interests, Gulf Bank has launched its fantasy football competition to mark the occasion of the World Cup launch in Qatar. Fantasy football is one of the most popular simulation games among football lovers around the world, with Gulf Bank distributing over KD 5,000 in prizes over the course of the tournament.

Environment Month 2022

As part of its continuous efforts to elevate the principles of sustainability at the environmental, societal and economic levels, Gulf Bank participated in various Environment Month 2022 activities organized by the Scientific Center under the title "Investing in Our Planet.” In addition, Gulf Bank's employees participated in an underwater clean-up near Kubbar Island.

The Bank, in collaboration with Enviroserve, safely disposed of 22.3 tons of electronic waste in 2022, which included the disposal of 9.6 tons of electronic waste that included desktop computers / laptops, printers, screens, currency counters, landline phones, and other electronic devices.

Diamond Sponsor of the Kuwait Arabian Horse Championship

Gulf Bank participated as a diamond sponsor of the Kuwait Championship for Purebred Arabian Horses, which was held last January, as part of its keenness to support all national activities aimed at preserving Arab and Kuwaiti heritage. It is worth noting that Arabian horse beauty championships have become a hub for equestrian and horse enthusiasts from Kuwait, the region, and all over the world.

Second Annual Sustainability Report

In line with international standards and guidelines to enhance transparency with regard to issues related to the environment, society and governance, Gulf Bank is in the process of issuing its second annual sustainability report, titled "Building a Sustainable Institution," which highlights the Bank's support for accelerating the national development plan and implementing Kuwait Vision 2035.

Diraya Campaign Support

As part of its keenness to enhance financial literacy and education, Gulf Bank is continuing to spearhead various efforts in support of the Diraya campaign, an awareness campaign initiated by the Central Bank of Kuwait and the Kuwait Banking Association. The campaign aims to spread financial literacy in society, raise awareness of the role of the banking sector, and promote the various services that banks offer to their customers. Gulf Bank is supporting the campaign by broadcasting and disseminating awareness and educational materials through social media, the Bank's website, and other channels, including through the production of a song that aimed to inspire users to beware of financial scammers.

Environmental Sustainability Initiative

Within days, Gulf Bank will launch an environmental sustainability initiative in partnership with a number of local co-ops. The initiative aims to change the local culture and inspire people to adopt reusable bags, with the aim of preserving Kuwait's environment from pollution.