KUWAIT: The National Bank of Kuwait signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the American International University to provide collaborative and innovative training programs and professional development workshops. Signing the memorandum were Emad Al-Ablani – Group Chief Human Resources Officer from NBK and Nael Alawadhi – Member of Board of Trustees from AIU with the attendance of officials from both institutions.

According to the agreement, AIU will invite NBK representatives to participate in training programs and workshops organized by the university, which stands as a remarkable chance for exchanging knowledge and experiences. Moreover, specialized training programs will be organized for NBK employees in collaboration with the Human Resources Department, further enhancing the partnership in the field of professional development and elevating professional competencies.

From its end, AIU will share its activities with the bank to explore sponsorship opportunities, and it will facilitate and prioritize NBK’s access to campus to attend the different workshops and activities. AIU will also provide special care for students working part time at NBK by adjusting their schedules in line with their professional obligations, which reflects the two institutions’ commitment to supporting continued education and professional development.

This initiative comes as part of NBK’s continued efforts to promote social responsibility and support education, as it firmly believes that investing in education is key to achieving a sustainable future, and it mirrors its dedication to collaborate with academic institutions to develop national professionals in line with Kuwait Vision 2035 and build a private sector-led economy that is diversified, sustainable, and underpinned by education, innovation, and technology.

On this occasion, Al-Ablani commented: “We strive to provide cutting-edge educational and training tools as per the latest international standards for competency development and enable our employees to access a diversified educational content that imparts knowledge and necessary experiences to boost innovation and enhance sustainability.”

Al-Ablani added: “We are proud of our long-standing relationships with all of Kuwait’s educational and academic institutions that enable us to exchange training experiences and ultimately enhance professional competencies, as we are keen on aligning our own economic sustainability objectives with Kuwait’s, and this relies heavily on providing training opportunities as per the highest international standards.”

Al-Ablani also emphasized NBK’s strong belief in education and its essential role in shaping the future of society, further indicating that the collaboration with AIU confirms NBK’s commitment to preparing a generation of competent leaders and innovators in different fields by motivating students and establishing a nurturing environment that promotes innovation and creativity.

Due to its essential role in affirming its leadership and excellence, NBK is remarkably keen on investing in its human capital by providing the best specialized programs as per international standards, presented by top banking experts who impart their knowledge, and transform professionals into future leaders.

OSAKA: Kuwait’s pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan — dubbed the Visionary Lighthouse — has been attracting long daily queues since opening, thanks to its captivating blend of heritage and innovation. The pavilion showcases Kuwait as a country where tradition and progress coexist, using culture as a bridge for dialogue and understanding.

Visitors journey through Kuwait’s past, present, and future across two levels. The first floor explores the nation’s rich heritage and traditions, while the second presents its aspirations through cutting-edge technology. Four exhibition halls use immersive features and AI to bring these stories to life. At the heart of the pavilion lies The Pearl, a symbolic space honoring Kuwait’s historic pearl-diving legacy.

A video circulating on social media, showing visitors interacting with Kuwaiti desert sand inside the pavilion, has helped drive interest. “We saw the clip and came to try it ourselves — it looked fun,” said two young women waiting in line. A visiting family described the experience as magical: “The planetarium felt like lying under the stars in the desert… We hope to return.”

OSAKA: Visitors enjoy the different attractions at Kuwait’s pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan. — KUNA photos

On Friday, a Kuwaiti folklore troupe energized the stage in celebration of the visit by His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. A group of five women told KUNA they loved the performance. “Kuwaiti music is so rhythmic and beautiful,” one said. “We didn’t know much about Kuwait, but the music created a sense of connection,” added another.

Minister of Information and Culture Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi said the pavilion offers a rich, multidimensional experience. “It reflects Kuwait’s future ambitions while honoring its authentic identity — a blend of cultural openness and deeply rooted values,” he told KUNA.

Expo 2025 Osaka runs from April 13 to October 13 on Yumeshima Island under the theme Designing Future Society for Our Lives, with sub-themes including Saving Lives, Empowering Lives, and Connecting Lives. The expo focuses on innovation, sustainability, and cultural exchange, with around 160 countries and nine international organizations participating. More than 28 million visitors are expected. Kuwait’s participation continues a historic legacy — it was one of just four Arab nations represented at Expo Osaka 1970, the first world expo held in Japan, which drew over 64 million visitors. — KUNA

KUWAIT: First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Saud Al-Sabah held separate meetings on Monday at Bayan Palace with several ambassadors of friendly and brotherly countries accredited to the State of Kuwait. The discussions focused on matters of mutual interest, particularly in the areas of security and humanitarian affairs.

According to a press statement issued by the General Department of Security Relations and Media at the Ministry of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef met with the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Kuwait Belinda Lewis, the Ambassador of the French Republic Olivier Gauvin, and the Ambassador of the State of Palestine Rami Tahboub.

KUWAIT: First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Saud Al-Sabah receives French Ambassador Olivier Gauvin.

Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef receives UK Ambassador Belinda Lewis.

Sheikh Fahad affirmed Kuwait’s keenness to build bridges of communication and strengthen ties with friendly and brotherly countries, praising the ambassadors’ roles and efforts in supporting and enhancing bilateral cooperation.

The statement added that the ambassadors expressed their gratitude and appreciation to the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior for the warm reception, reaffirming the depth of relations between their countries and Kuwait and their commitment to further developing these ties across various fields.

The meetings also addressed ways to enhance bilateral relations and discussed a range of issues of mutual concern in order to serve shared interests and boost cooperation and coordination in various sectors. — KUNA