WarbaBank

As part of its ongoing commitment to empowering youth, fostering innovation and cultivating a new generation of leaders in the digital economy, Warba Bank honored Kuwaiti students enrolled in universities across the United Kingdom (UK) for their participation in the fifth edition of the Rowad Program, held in collaboration with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Innovation Hub.

The Rowad Program is a pioneering initiative designed to empower Kuwaiti youth by equipping them with the tools and knowledge to create forward-thinking solutions that address future challenges and evolving needs in the banking sector. Originally launched to foster innovation among Warba Bank employees, the program has since expanded to include students from Kuwait University and private universities in Kuwait. This year’s edition, Rowad 5.0, centered on Kuwaiti students studying in the United Kingdom, offering them invaluable practical experience and skills essential for academic excellence and professional growth.

This year’s program saw the participation of 18 Kuwaiti students from various universities and specializations across the UK. Over six weeks, participants developed innovative ideas under the guidance of Warba Bank’s experts and DIFC Innovation Hub mentors. The program began with in-depth training on the cognitive and operational aspects of the banking sector, culminating in advanced solution development to meet customer needs and align with digital transformation objectives.

Commenting on the program’s success, Anwar Bader Al-Ghaith, Deputy CEO of Support Services and Treasury at Warba Bank, said: “Through Rowad 5.0, Warba Bank reaffirms its commitment to supporting innovation and empowering young people to face future challenges. This program is more than a training initiative; it is a platform that prepares a generation capable of driving progress and innovation. By equipping students with technical knowledge and practical skills, we are helping them become future leaders capable of achieving excellence.”

During the program, students engaged in intensive training on information technology systems, artificial intelligence, and their applications in developing banking products and operational solutions. Key areas of focus included the application of algorithms to power AI solutions, the ethics of technology use, and the importance of collaboration in multidisciplinary environments. This comprehensive approach inspired participants to combine practical experiences with theoretical knowledge, fostering creativity and innovation in their respective fields.

Al-Ghaith added: “The goal of Rowad is to inspire students to create actionable solutions that can be implemented in real-world scenarios. Each year, participants impress us with their innovative ideas, reflecting their vision for today and their ambitions for tomorrow. These efforts place them among global innovators and equip them to contribute to the growth of Kuwait’s economy through sustainable solutions. We are incredibly proud of what Kuwaiti students have accomplished, and we at Warba Bank will continue investing in initiatives that empower youth and prepare them to be tomorrow’s leaders.”

The Winning Innovation of Rowad 5.0

This year’s program concluded with a win from the "Warba Web" team, composed of students Bader Al-Saeed, Mohammed Al-Daihani and Khaled Al-Mazidi. The team presented innovative financial solutions aimed at advancing technological development within Kuwait’s labor market. Their project was evaluated based on several technical criteria, ultimately earning them first place in the competition.

Speaking of the team’s success, Bader Al-Saeed, an economics student at Metropolitan University, said: "Winning first place in the Rowad Program is a milestone for our team after weeks of hard work and innovation. This program provided us with an enriching experience, including interviews with startups and direct mentorship from international experts. These interactions allowed us to deepen our understanding of our fields while gaining practical knowledge from Warba Bank and DIFC Innovation Hub. This journey has equipped us with valuable skills for our academic and professional futures."

Warba Bank has recently been recognized with prestigious recognitions, including The Most Sustainable Bank and Best Islamic Digital Services Provider in Kuwait 2024 by International Business Magazine. The Bank was also honored by "Network International" for its leadership in digital innovation and by Mastercard for achieving the highest growth in activating digital credit cards in Kuwait.