Bait Al-Mal Reinforces Its Leadership in Social Responsibility with Sustainable Impact Initiatives

Yousef Al-Ruwaih, Head of Public Relations and Media at Kuwait Finance House (KFH), affirmed that the bank continues to consolidate its position as a leading financial institution in the field of social responsibility and sustainability. This is achieved by expanding its programs in education, health, environment, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship support, innovation, sports, and volunteerism, thereby enhancing its positive impact and contribution to community development.

**Best Islamic Bank for Social Responsibility in the World**

Al-Ruwaih noted that the bank’s win of the “Best Islamic Bank for Social Responsibility in the World” award for 2025 from Global Finance magazine is a culmination of its pioneering journey and continuous efforts to adopt the highest standards of sustainability and sustainable community work at both local and international levels.

He explained that the bank’s 2025 Annual Sustainability Report highlighted more than 200 community initiatives and programs under a comprehensive vision aimed at achieving long-term positive impact and enhancing community development across various sectors, in collaboration with a wide network of local and international partners.

**Broad Developmental Impact and Strategic Initiatives**

Al-Ruwaih pointed out that the bank has succeeded in creating a qualitative leap in community work through strategic initiatives and substantial investments in social responsibility, targeting various segments of society. This reinforces its status as a leading model of social responsibility in the banking sector and solidifies its presence as an active partner in achieving comprehensive development. In this context, he outlined a number of strategic initiatives, including:

* Contributing over KWD 61 million to settle the debts of guarantors, in a humanitarian initiative that helped thousands of families regain their financial and social stability.

* Contributing to the reconstruction of the damaged area in Souq Al-Mubarakiya, valued at approximately KWD 8 million, a step underscoring its commitment to preserving national heritage and supporting local economic activities.

* Contributing KWD 20 million to establish 15 ambulance centers, supporting the healthcare system and enhancing its response to emergencies.

* Contributing the largest share to the fund supporting government efforts during the coronavirus crisis, valued at KWD 10 million.

* Supporting a sustainable environmental initiative to develop Al-Watania Square.

* Establishing and equipping the tenth wing of the Addiction Treatment Center, continuing the bank’s initiative to establish the center in 2005.

* Donating USD 20 million to the Kuwait Red Crescent Society to support relief efforts for earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria.

* Implementing various cooperation programs with the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

* Continuing its pioneering role in providing community contributions to the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences, the National Employment Support Program, the Banking Institute, and other various community initiatives.

Al-Ruwaih emphasized that KFH adopts a comprehensive approach to contributing to environmental awareness and conservation, based on values that balance resource usage with social responsibility.

In this regard, the bank continues its environmental campaign “Keep it Green,” which includes a series of integrated environmental initiatives aimed at raising environmental awareness and promoting sustainable practices. These efforts have included beach and island cleanup campaigns, large-scale afforestation initiatives, and awareness programs targeting school and university students.

Among the bank’s notable achievements in this field is its collaboration with the Green Vision team to plant more than 12,000 trees comprising 25 types of local plants, contributing to supporting vegetation cover and preserving biodiversity in the desert environment. Its efforts also included launching community walking initiatives in which more than 10,000 people participated, with the proceeds allocated to support afforestation projects.

**Environmental Sustainability Award**

Al-Ruwaih stated that the bank strengthened its partnership with the Public Authority for Environmental Affairs and the Ministry of Social Affairs, organized environmental competitions in collaboration with Kuwait University with wide student participation, and launched the annual Environmental Sustainability Award for students at the College of Engineering and Petroleum at Kuwait University. This award aims to encourage innovative projects that contribute to environmental protection and support sustainable development.

**KFH Academy**

The bank’s efforts are not limited to environmental and community initiatives; its interest extends to developing professional skills through “KFH Academy,” which provides advanced training programs in public relations and media, digital transformation, and business management, thereby qualifying youth for the job market and enhancing their professional readiness.

**Recognizing Achievers**

Al-Ruwaih confirmed the continuation of efforts to sponsor outstanding and creative Kuwaiti youth, supporting their capabilities and assisting them in participating in major global competitions and tournaments in various sports, cultural, and social youth activities under the umbrella of the “KFH Mubadiru” program.

**Enhancing Financial Literacy**

In terms of enhancing financial literacy, the bank organized a series of seminars and workshops targeting hundreds of students, aiming to spread awareness of responsible financial management and consolidate concepts of saving and investment.

**Sustainable Partnerships**

He noted that the bank’s success in achieving this broad impact is due to a strong system of strategic partnerships with government entities, non-profit institutions, and international organizations, which contributes to maximizing initiative results and ensuring their sustainability.

**Connecting Through Goodness**

The bank continues to implement impactful seasonal community programs, most notably the Ramadan program “Connect Through Goodness in the Month of Goodness.” This program included the distribution of thousands of iftar meals, support for needy families, and the organization of awareness, health, and sports activities, in addition to a Quran competition and various community initiatives directed at different segments of society.

**Supporting Innovation**

Reflecting the bank’s interest in and appreciation for initiatives and events that support technological development and innovation, Kuwait Finance House continued its participation in the NEXUS Technology Exhibition 2025, one of the most prominent platforms supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in Kuwait.

**“Digital Sustainability” Award**

Kuwait Finance House also established the “Digital Sustainability” award, aimed at encouraging participants in the “Kuwait Codes” initiative to acquire practical skills in developing eco-friendly applications that align with sustainability standards.

**Continuing Positive Contributions**

Al-Ruwaih concluded by emphasizing that Kuwait Finance House will continue to invest in high-quality initiatives and programs, and expand its partnerships with various government, academic, community, and international entities. This is driven by its commitment to making positive contributions and supporting sustainable development goals, in line with its vision as a financial institution that leads community work according to global best practices.

Digital Initiatives

Al-Ruwaih noted that the bank has implemented numerous initiatives focused on the environment and sustainability. These include a digital printing initiative aimed at reducing paper usage by transitioning to digital services and processes, and a water conservation initiative that promotes sustainable practices to preserve natural resources for future generations. This latter effort involves the use of advanced devices employing the innovative “Atmospheric Water Generator” technology to convert air into water.

On the international front, Kuwait Finance House joined the Global Takaful Alliance in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with the aim of providing Islamic takaful insurance and empowering approximately 100 million farmers worldwide.

Empowering Youth and Investing in the Future

Within the framework of its comprehensive vision, Al-Ruwaih clarified that Kuwait Finance House focuses on empowering individuals as one of the key pillars of sustainability. This is achieved through supporting education, innovation, and the development of national youth capabilities. He highlighted the bank’s long-standing strategic partnership with Coded Academy, which serves as a successful model in supporting technological education. More than 1,700 children have benefited from approximately 50 training programs under the “Coded Juniors” initiative, which has contributed to developing programming skills and creative thinking among the younger generation.

Supporting Education and Academic Collaboration

The bank reinforces its commitment to education through its strategic partnership in the “Ma’ Al-Tullab” (With Students) program, which aims to highlight youth potential. Additionally, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the bank organized the largest ceremony to honor approximately 140 top-performing high school students across various scientific, literary, and special education tracks, as well as winners of international awards.

Al-Ruwaih emphasized the bank’s continued efforts to support education and innovative student activities by strengthening cooperation with the University of Kuwait, Abdullah Al-Salem University, the Gulf University for Science and Technology, the College of Engineering and Petroleum, and various other universities and colleges in both the public and private sectors. He also noted support for student clubs, which contributes to developing initiatives that benefit students and youth. Furthermore, Al-Ruwaih pointed out that Kuwait Finance House is the primary and largest sponsor of students at the College of Engineering and Petroleum, University of Kuwait.