KUWAIT: As part of its keenness to motivate and encourage innovative ideas, Gulf Bank has concluded the first edition of 'Fekrety' Innovation Tournament, which aims to foster innovation amongst all bank employees, giving them the opportunity to be heard, to bring forth positive, valuable changes to the bank, the industry, and the wider community.

The tournament took place last Saturday at Al Shaheed Park, with the attendance of Gulf Bank's top management and employees, who participated by voting for the most promising and innovative ideas. It is worth mentioning that Mr. Sulaiman Al-Anjeri, COO of 'Dabdoob' - the GCC's largest online toy store - was also invited to the event as a guest speaker to thoroughly speak about innovation in Kuwait's competitive business landscape.

The 'Fekrety' Innovation Tournament and all innovation initiatives led by Gulf Bank fall in line with Kuwait's Vision 2035. Innovation is a key pillar in Kuwait Vision 2035, which focuses on adopting smart and digital technologies, and innovating its services to drive the economy and improve the quality of life. Gulf Bank aims to bring all its talents into this sphere of influence, giving them a chance to play a key role in achieving the vision. The Head of Digital Transformation and Innovation Unit at Gulf Bank, Mai AlOwaish, said that competitions are a natural way to spark innovations.

The Fekrety tournament, she added, is an opportunity for all employees, from various departments in the bank, to contribute to developing the customer experience. Referring to the slogan "Innovation for All", she further explained that providing the best services and products to customers is a collective goal for various departments, employees and officials.

Al-Owaish indicated that Gulf Bank seeks to unleash all horizons of innovation amongst employees, without setting any limitations, regardless of how premature the ideas might be. The Digital Transformation and Innovation Unit will help in developing the ideas and train the employees to provide customers with simplified and more accessible services.

She added: "Gulf Bank has a great human capital and a distinguished group of talents and expertise from various fields, characterized by a high degree of efficiency and professionalism. We must make the most of their capabilities and help them unleash their ideas and innovations." Al-Owaish also pointed that all the managers in the bank are keen to encourage their teams to present innovative ideas that contribute towards providing customers with easier, simpler, and innovative services. This aligns with Gulf Bank's 2025 strategy, which places the customer experience at the forefront.

Gulf Bank is leading a successful journey of digital transformation, by providing technological solutions to customers, enhancing the outstanding employees' performances based on their interaction and participation principles, and by adopting the highest international standards in risk management practices. Al-Owaish stated that Gulf Bank takes responsibility in contributing to Kuwait's digital transformation and 2035 Vision and is committed to supporting talents in society.

She further mentioned that 2022 witnessed the first Datathon and Hackathon competitions, which aim to provide society with a new set of skills and challenges. These competitions are great tools for future generations to employ their skills in sustainable development, and to strengthen the economy and contribute towards the collective benefit of society through data and digital services.

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 robust developments in sustainability at environmental, social and governance levels through diverse sustainability initiatives, strategically selected to benefit both the internal and external community. Gulf Bank supports Kuwait Vision 2035 "New Kuwait" and works with various parties to achieve it.