Salma Al-Hajjaj and Hashem Behbehani

KUWAIT: Gulf Bank is launching its new AJYAL Tech program, a comprehensive coding and digital technology learning journey for Kuwaiti youth who have a passion for technology. The bank is currently accepting applications both from within the bank and beyond, and is encouraging all those who have majored in technology fields or who are passionate about technology to apply.

The new program is part of Gulf Bank's strategy for the year 2025, which aims to provide customers with an unprecedented banking experience based on digital transformation. The launch of the new program marks yet another milestone by the bank to train local youth in the latest technology trends and to ensure future employees remain at the forefront of digitization. Gulf Bank has partnered with CODED, the first coding bootcamp in the Middle East, to launch the new program. The first program of its kind in Kuwait, AJYAL Tech is dedicated solely to local tech savvy youth. Eligible applicants will be embarking on an intensive bootcamp-style program to prepare them for future jobs at Gulf Bank.

"With the launch of our newest AJYAL Tech program, we aim to train and develop a select group of Kuwaiti youth with all the necessary technological tools and soft skills required to not only advance in their personal careers, but to also achieve Gulf Bank's overarching vision of being the leading Kuwaiti Bank of the Future," said Gulf Bank's General Manager of Human Resources, Salma Al-Hajjaj.

"One of the key pillars of Gulf Bank's 2025 strategy is our investment in integrated technological solutions, a transformation which will be tangible to all those who are connected with Gulf Bank. We are proud to be setting the bar high for our employees from the very beginning of the hiring process, and look forward to everything that our employees can accomplish with the necessary training and tools required to achieve the excellence our clients expect from Gulf Bank."

With the banking sector heading toward a new era of digitization, Gulf Bank has demonstrated a proven dynamism in responding swiftly to today's demands. The bank's latest digital-driven strategy aims to transform the bank into a full-fledged digital bank that will exceed the aspirations of future generations.

Gulf Bank has a divested interest in cultivating young Kuwaiti talent for the local banking industry and for the future of Kuwait. Since 2014, Gulf Bank's 'AJYAL' initiative has targeted Kuwaiti professionals as part of an intensive training program designed to develop future Kuwaiti leaders. The program aims to help candidates develop key banking skills, cultivating holistic bankers that have shown growth potential on both a personal and professional level. Earlier this year, Gulf Bank's Talent Development Department graduated their seventh cohort (Ajyal 7), and are initiating their eighth (Ajyal 8).

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. The bank also supports Kuwait Vision 2035 "New Kuwait" and works with various relevant parties to achieve it.