Kuwait Finance House Named Best Local Institution for Nationalizing Labor in the Private Sector

The Council of Ministers of Labor and Social Affairs of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries honored Kuwait Finance House (KFH) in recognition of its excellence in replacement and localization programs and training, and its pioneering results in attracting and qualifying national cadres. KFH was selected as the best institution in the field of labor localization across the private sector in Kuwait, during a special award ceremony held under the patronage of the GCC Ministers of Labor and Social Affairs in Manama.

The honor for KFH came during the 12th meeting of the GCC Committee of Ministers of Social Affairs and Development, attended by a number of senior officials and Gulf decision-makers, including Bahrain’s Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, GCC Secretary-General Jassem Al-Budaiwi, Kuwait’s Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood Dr. Amal Al-Huwaili, and the Kuwaiti Ambassador to Bahrain Jassem Al-Najim. This recognition underscores the bank’s leading position in the localization of national labor and the development of human capital.

Following the receipt of the award plaque, Ahmed Al-Hamad, Acting Head of Human Resources, expressed his pride in the honor, which represents official recognition of the bank’s pioneering efforts in developing national human capital and supporting localization programs. He affirmed the bank’s continued cooperation with relevant authorities to enhance opportunities for the qualification and training of national cadres, and to elevate their scientific and professional capabilities in accordance with best practices and global standards.

Al-Hamad clarified that KFH’s selection as the best institution in labor localization within Kuwait’s private sector was based on precise criteria and advanced performance indicators, enabling the bank to achieve outstanding levels in Kuwaitization rates and training and development programs, according to data and classifications from official competent authorities.

He noted that KFH takes pride in being the largest employer of national talents among Kuwaiti banks and all private sector institutions. The proportion of Kuwaitis among new hires in recent years ranged between 98% and 100%, while the overall Kuwaitization rate reached 83%.

Al-Hamad emphasized the continuation of efforts to enhance Kuwaitization rates in line with regulatory requirements and controls, with a focus on expanding the participation of national talents in managerial and leadership positions. He pointed out that Kuwaitis hold approximately 76% of leadership roles within the bank.

In the same context, Al-Hamad noted that KFH continues to make tangible progress in sustainability goals related to human resources by entrenching transparency principles, developing professional policies, and strengthening commitment to environmental, social responsibility, and governance standards. These efforts contribute to building a sophisticated corporate culture and reinforcing the bank’s values.

He added that the bank pays special attention to empowering women and enhancing their presence across various departments and job levels, reflecting its belief in their vital role in supporting economic and social development. Many female employees hold leadership and executive positions, demonstrating high competence in managing various tasks and responsibilities within the bank. He stated that women represent approximately 32% of the bank’s workforce across its branches.

The award was based on several controls and criteria, including the requirement for each GCC country to select private sector institutions that achieve high and advanced rates in implementing replacement and localization programs, rely heavily on national labor, and commit to providing appropriate qualification and training opportunities for national employees. The criteria also considered the quality of benefits and incentives offered by the nominated institution, which contribute to the stability of national labor, and the extent to which such benefits are available.

Among the selection procedures, a specialized committee is formed under the supervision of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, in collaboration with the Chambers of Commerce and Industry and other relevant entities, to review and evaluate the information pertaining to the institution slated for selection, based on available statistical data and the specified criteria and conditions for the award.

The record of Al-Bait Financing Group is replete with awards and honors that reflect its leadership and distinction in the field of human resources and human capital development. The Group won seven prestigious awards in 2026, including five awards at the 23rd edition of the Stevie Awards, as well as two awards from the Association for Talent Development (ATD). These achievements underscore the success of its strategy in building an advanced work environment, adopting innovative best practices in human resource management, enhancing employee experience, empowering competencies, and consolidating an institutional culture based on continuous learning, development, and innovation.

6. AI-Enhanced Learning and Development Award from the Association for Talent Development (ATD) as part of the Middle East Excellence Awards, won by Kuwait Turkiye Bank.

7. Talent Attraction Center Award from ATD as part of the Middle East Excellence Awards, won by Kuwait Turkiye Bank.