Al-Watani Launches Four New Cohorts of the Middle Management Program to Enhance the Readiness of Future Leaders

As part of its ongoing strategy to develop human capital and build banking leadership capable of keeping pace with the rapid developments in the global banking industry, National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) has launched four new cohorts of its flagship Middle Management Development Program.

The Middle Management Program is one of the bank’s most prominent initiatives, specifically designed to prepare employees transitioning from supervisory roles to managerial leadership positions by equipping them with leadership skills that enable them to manage teams efficiently and make strategic decisions that support institutional performance.

The program is built on a comprehensive vision for leadership development, which includes enhancing managers’ abilities to motivate their teams, strengthening communication and people management skills, and supporting the succession planning framework. This contributes to building a leadership cadre capable of sustaining performance and enhancing competitiveness.

Since its launch in 2016, the program has achieved notable milestones, with over 800 middle managers graduating across 40 cohorts in various departments of the group, recording high satisfaction rates that reflect the quality of the training content and the effectiveness of its outcomes in developing leadership performance within the bank.

The 2026 updated edition of the program features qualitative enhancements in its content, reflecting the bank’s commitment to aligning with the latest global best practices in leadership development. New modules on digital leadership and artificial intelligence applications have been introduced, with a focus on linking these technologies to leadership skills, and raising awareness of the organizational, ethical, and risk management aspects associated with their use.

Additionally, the content has been enriched with modules focusing on innovation and creativity in leadership, updated topics on time and stress management, and the development of coaching and mentoring skills, all aimed at improving team performance and reinforcing a culture of continuous development.

Delivered in collaboration with Euromoney, the program follows a comprehensive training methodology that combines interactive learning with practical application through strategic simulations, individual and group exercises, personal assessments, and case studies. This approach enables participants to directly apply what they learn in their work environment, enhancing their ability to manage teams and address challenges effectively.

The new cohorts will include approximately 100 participants from various departments of the bank, distributed across four training sessions scheduled throughout the current year according to a defined timeline, continuing the program’s role in preparing promising banking leaders capable of supporting the bank’s growth and development trajectory.

Commenting on the occasion, Najla Al-Saqer, First Vice President and Head of Talent and Learning at NBK, said: “The Middle Management Program is a cornerstone of our leadership development strategy. Through it, we empower managers at all levels of experience to acquire the competencies and skills necessary to lead high-performing teams, achieve operational excellence, and foster a culture of innovation across the bank.”

She added: “We strive through this program to combine strategic learning with practical application, ensuring that our workforce is equipped with the mindset and tools needed to keep pace with the changing demands of the work environment and contribute effectively to supporting the bank’s growth and long-term success.”

Al-Saqer emphasized that NBK enjoys a unique work environment culture, thanks to the training and development programs it provides to its employees, ensuring them a bright and sustainable professional future. She noted that investing in human capital is one of the key strategic pillars for achieving sustainable growth and ensuring the bank’s excellence and leadership position.

It is worth noting that NBK has established its leading position among private sector institutions that have consistently attracted, trained, and refined the skills of national talent. The bank also boasts the highest employee retention rates, is the most attractive private sector employer for Kuwaiti talent, and is the largest private sector employer of national workforce in Kuwait.