Al-Watani Strengthens Readiness of Future Leaders with Four Cohorts of Middle Management Development
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, Kuwait Finance House (KFH) has launched four new cohorts of its flagship Middle Management Development Program.
The 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 organizational performance.
The program is built on a comprehensive leadership development vision, which includes enhancing managers’ abilities to motivate their teams, strengthening communication and personnel management skills, and supporting the succession planning system. This contributes to building a leadership cadre capable of sustaining performance and enhancing competitiveness.
The 2026 updated edition of the program features qualitative improvements in its content, reflecting the bank’s commitment to aligning with the latest global leadership development practices. 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 enhanced with modules focusing on innovation and creativity in leadership, updated topics on time and stress management, and the development of coaching and mentoring skills. These additions support improved team performance and reinforce a culture of continuous development.
Commenting on the occasion, Najla Al-Saqer, First Vice President and Head of Talent and Learning Management, 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 personnel are equipped with the mindset and tools needed to keep pace with the demands of a changing work environment and to contribute effectively to supporting the bank’s growth trajectory and long-term success.”
She emphasized that KFH boasts a unique work environment culture, thanks to the training and development programs it provides to its employees, which ensure 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, ensuring the bank’s superiority, and consolidating its leadership position.
It is worth noting that KFH has cemented its leading position among private sector institutions that have consistently attracted, trained, and honed the skills of national talent. Furthermore, the bank boasts the highest employee retention rates and is the most attractive private sector institution for Kuwaiti talent, as well as the largest private sector employer of national workforce in Kuwait.
The program is delivered in collaboration with Euromoney, following 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 have learned in their work environment, enhancing their efficiency in managing teams and effectively addressing challenges.
The new cohort 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.
Since its launch in 2016, the program has achieved notable milestones, with more than 800 mid-level managers graduating from 40 cohorts across different departments of the group. High satisfaction rates have been recorded, reflecting the quality of the training content and the effectiveness of its outcomes in enhancing leadership performance within the bank.
