Former Chairman and General Manager of the Bank, and Chairman of KEO – the Firm That Supervised the Construction of the Headquarters

• Abdulaziz Sultan AlEssa: “Gulf Bank’s headquarters stands as a distinguished architectural landmark- a national asset whose preservation is essential for future generations.”
• Ahmed Mohammad AlBahar: “Preserving this building embodies our commitment to a forward-looking vision, while honoring Kuwait’s architectural heritage and identity.”

As part of Gulf Bank’s celebrations marking 65 years since its establishment, the Bank welcomed Dr. Abdulaziz Sultan AlEssa, Chairman of the International Engineering Consultancy (KEO) and former Chairman and General Manager of Gulf Bank, during an official visit to the Bank’s headquarters. He was received by Gulf Bank’s Chairman, Mr. Ahmed AlBahar, in the presence of Acting CEO Mr. Sami Mahfouz and Chief Marketing Officer Mrs. Najla Aleisa.

Dr. AlEssa congratulated the Board of Directors and all Gulf Bank employees on this milestone, recalling memories of the Bank’s early beginnings in 1960, when operations started from a small rented apartment on Fahad Al-Salem Street with only fifty employees. Over the years, the Bank evolved into one of Kuwait’s most prominent and fastest-growing financial institutions, playing a vital role in driving economic and social development.

He noted that Gulf Bank’s first headquarters was located next to the former Central Bank of Kuwait building, remaining in use until the Bank relocated to its current headquarters- a building that has become an integral part of Kuwait’s financial history.

Dr. AlEssa stated: “Gulf Bank’s main headquarters represents a convergence of history, architecture, and sustainability. This building is not only an architectural achievement, but also a national legacy that must be preserved for future generations.”

He explained that the construction of the current headquarters began between 1972 and 1973 and was completed in 1976, emerging at the time as one of Kuwait’s most advanced architectural projects. The design reflected Kuwait’s ambitious post-oil-boom spirit by combining functionality, aesthetic appeal, and an early environmental consciousness.

The building’s precast concrete façade, engineered to provide natural shading and reduce sun exposure, was a pioneering concept in Kuwait’s desert climate, predating modern global sustainability trends by decades. This distinguished architectural feature became a hallmark of engineering excellence, positioning Gulf Bank among the region’s earliest adopters of sustainable design.

Dr. AlEssa added that supervising the construction of Gulf Bank’s headquarters was one of KEO’s first major accomplishments. He highlighted the role of French architect Jean-Robert Delb, who brought to Kuwait a modern European vision blending form, function, and authentic Kuwaiti identity, honoring the past while embracing modernity.

Architectural and Organizational Legacy

For his part, Mr. Ahmed Mohammad AlBahar expressed his appreciation for Dr. AlEssa’s visit, saying: “Dr. Abdulaziz Sultan AlEssa played a pivotal role in shaping the architectural and organizational legacy of Gulf Bank. His visit today serves as a reminder of our responsibility to protect our history as we continue progressing toward a sustainable future.”

He added: “The Gulf Bank headquarters remains a living symbol of resilience, innovation, and national pride. As we advance on our sustainability journey, we strive to balance heritage with modernity reflecting our institutional culture and core values.”

He concluded: “The Gulf Bank building embodies the continuity of our story from the Bank’s founding to its transformation into a modern, customer-centric institution. Preserving it is not merely an acknowledgment of our past; it is a strategic message of our forward-looking vision and respect for Kuwait’s architectural identity.”

Comprehensive Restoration and Modernization

Gulf Bank has carried out extensive restoration and modernization works to preserve the historical integrity of the building while aligning it with the latest efficiency and sustainability standards. The restoration was executed with exceptional precision to maintain the original architectural character designed nearly five decades ago, while integrating modern green-building innovations.

Today, Gulf Bank’s headquarters stands as one of the few remaining early-modern commercial buildings in Kuwait still serving its original purpose with its façade and structure fully preserved. Recent upgrades incorporated green-building principles, including energy-efficient lighting systems, advanced ventilation technologies, and enhanced indoor air quality.

As part of these ongoing efforts, Gulf Bank is currently pursuing global certification to join the list of internationally recognized green buildings in Kuwait, reinforcing its position as a leading institution that bridges heritage with environmental sustainability.