Al-Watani Launches Four New Batches of the Middle Management Program
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 administrative 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, registering 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 updated 2026 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, the reintroduction of time and stress management topics in a modernized format, and the development of coaching and mentoring skills, all aimed at improving team performance and reinforcing a culture of continuous development.
The program is delivered in collaboration with Euromoney, utilizing 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 their acquired knowledge in their work environment, enhancing their efficiency in managing teams and effectively addressing challenges.
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. This continues 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, Vice President and Head of Talent and Learning at NBK, stated: “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.”
Al-Saqer added: “We strive through this program to combine strategic learning with practical application, ensuring that our cadres are 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 trajectory and long-term success.”
She 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 constitutes one of the key strategic pillars for achieving sustainable growth and ensuring the bank’s excellence and leadership position.
It is worth noting that Al-Watani has solidified its leading position among private-sector institutions that have consistently attracted, trained, and honed the skills of national talent. In addition, the bank boasts the highest employee retention rates, is the most attractive private-sector employer for Kuwaiti professionals, and is the largest Kuwaiti private-sector institution in terms of employing national workforce.
