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Shaikha Al-Bahar: Public-Private Partnership is a national necessity and a key pillar in realizing Kuwait Vision 2035

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KUWAIT CITY, May 18: Ms. Shaikha Al-Bahar, Deputy Group CEO of National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) stated that ‎Public-Private Partnership (PPP) has become a national necessity, emphasizing that it ‎represents the cornerstone of Kuwait’s future economic and developmental trajectory.‎

Al-Bahar noted that PPP projects are a key pillar in realizing Kuwait Vision 2035 and the ‎country’s broader development objectives, contributing to the creation of sustainable value ‎for the national economy.‎

Her remarks were delivered during the opening of the “Third Kuwait PPP Conference ‎‎(PPPKW3)” held under the patronage and in the presence of Eng. Noura Al-Fassam—‎Minister of Finance, Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment, and Chair of ‎the Higher Committee for Public-Private Partnership Projects—with the participation of ‎public and private sector institutions, alongside key regulatory authorities.‎

In her address, Al-Bahar highlighted that Kuwait’s PPP model offers promising ‎opportunities, particularly in the energy, infrastructure, logistics, and healthcare sectors. She ‎pointed out that such partnerships can play a vital role in diversifying Kuwait’s economy by ‎fostering cooperation in sectors such as renewable energy, technology, and tourism—‎opening new avenues for growth, generating job opportunities for Kuwaiti youth, and ‎enhancing Kuwait’s regional competitiveness.‎

Long-term Partnership

‎“At NBK, we take pride in being a long-standing partner in Kuwait’s national development ‎journey, having financed and supported some of the largest infrastructure and public sector ‎projects in the country’s history. As Kuwait’s leading financial institution, we remain ‎steadfast in our commitment to advancing partnership initiatives by leveraging our deep ‎market insight, decades of experience, and robust network of international partners to drive ‎successful project financing and execution.”‎

She explained that NBK’s role is not limited to financing but extends to combining regional ‎expertise, investor confidence, and collaborative efforts to propel the progress and ‎prosperity of the national economy. She emphasized the bank’s unwavering commitment to ‎this role, noting its contribution to facilitating the success of partnership projects through ‎innovative financing solutions, advisory services, and capital markets offerings. She also ‎reiterated NBK’s full readiness to support upcoming partnership initiatives—particularly ‎those focused on sustainability, which the bank considers among its top strategic priorities.‎

Huge Potential

Despite Kuwait’s abundant financial resources, Al-Bahar emphasized that navigating the ‎accelerating global complexities requires an innovative approach and a strong framework ‎that leverages the private sector’s efficiency, expertise, and capital to fund world-class ‎infrastructure, enhance public services, and drive economic diversification. She ‎underscored Kuwait’s immense potential to build a future-ready economy underpinned by ‎cutting-edge infrastructure.‎

She added that partnership projects have the potential to take the lead in key sectors, ‎including transportation, smart cities, social development, healthcare, education, housing, ‎renewable energy, technology, and tourism.‎

Regulatory Framework

‎“To ensure the continued success of partnership projects and to maximize their ‎effectiveness in driving national economic growth, it is essential to develop a solid ‎regulatory framework, and a supportive environment built on streamlined decision-making, ‎well-defined legal structures, and transparent procedures,” Al-Bahar stated. She stressed that ‎ongoing dialogue and cooperation between the public and private sectors are vital to ‎improving these frameworks and fostering an environment conducive to successful ‎partnerships.‎

Furthermore, Al-Bahar praised the recent regulatory reforms and Kuwait Public-Private ‎Partnership Authority’s efforts to streamline procedures and foster viable partnership ‎models. She recognized that these advancements are crucial for enhancing Kuwait’s ‎competitiveness, while also highlighting challenges related to regulatory clarity, governance, ‎and risk-sharing. She called on all relevant stakeholders to act swiftly and collaboratively to ‎address these issues and attract both local and international investments.‎

She further stated that PPPs should evolve beyond traditional infrastructure to encompass ‎areas such as education, digital transformation, healthcare technology, and renewable ‎energy. She reaffirmed NBK’s commitment to playing a central role in this journey by ‎mobilizing capital, fostering innovation, and advancing sustainable development in line with ‎Kuwait Vision 2035.‎

Al-Bahar concluded her speech by addressing attendees from both the public and private ‎sectors, stating: “Let us seize this opportunity as a starting point for collective responsibility ‎in shaping a future where innovation flourishes and the well-being of our beloved country ‎is safeguarded. Together—government, private sector, and financial institutions—let us ‎work to build a stronger, more diversified, and inclusive Kuwaiti economy.”‎

Kuwait 3rdConference for Public-Private Partnership, held over two days, brings together a ‎wealth of international, regional, and local expertise. The event’s program provides valuable ‎insights into best practices, industry standards, and practical experiences in PPPs, equipping ‎stakeholders to address potential challenges and empowering relevant authorities to identify ‎and implement effective solutions.‎

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Gulf Bank Concludes Successful Participation in University Admission Fairs at ‎Kuwait University and Abdullah Al-Salem University

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KUWAIT CITY, Aug 12: As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting education and empowering Kuwaiti ‎youth, Gulf Bank has successfully concluded its distinguished participation in the ‎university admission fairs at Kuwait University and Abdullah Al-Salem University. The ‎Bank actively engaged with new students, introducing them to its tailored banking ‎solutions designed specifically for young people.‎

Gulf Bank took part in the interactive admission fair held at Kuwait University’s Sabah ‎Al-Salem University City in Al-Shadadiya from 19 to 29 July 2025. The Bank’s booth ‎attracted a high turnout from students and parents, who showed great interest in the ‎banking services designed for university students.‎

Similarly, the Bank participated in the admission fair hosted by Abdullah Al-Salem ‎University at its Khaldiya campus from 6 to 17 July 2025. Gulf Bank’s presence ‎featured direct interaction with visitors, providing comprehensive information on ‎student accounts and other tailored services.‎

These participations are part of Gulf Bank’s continuous efforts to strengthen ‎engagement with youth and support them in the early stages of their academic journey. ‎Alongside sharing information on academic majors and admission processes, the ‎Bank also offered financial tips to help students manage their resources effectively ‎from the start of their university life.‎

At both events, Gulf Bank showcased its red account, one of its leading banking ‎solutions designed for customers aged 15 to 25. The account offers a wide range of ‎benefits, including prepaid cards, exclusive discounts, rewards on purchases, and ‎access to unique events and experiences that enrich both personal and professional ‎growth. ‎

Beyond its features, the red account serves as a platform to promote financial literacy ‎among youth, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to make informed ‎financial decisions early in life – positively shaping their future and fostering a ‎generation that is financially aware and capable of managing resources effectively.‎

Gulf Bank’s team expressed pride in supporting students throughout their high school ‎and university years, offering innovative banking services designed to keep pace with ‎their fast-paced lifestyles.‎

Gulf Bank concluded its participation by thanking the administrations of both ‎universities for organizing the fairs, which serve as valuable platforms to connect with ‎youth. The Bank reaffirmed its commitment to continuing its support for educational ‎and youth initiatives that contribute to Kuwait’s development and enhance the quality ‎of life for its students and community.‎

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Menzies Aviation set to expand MASIL operations at Mosul International Airport

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KUWAIT / LODNON, Aug 12:  Menzies Aviation, the leading service partner to the world’s airports ‎and airlines, has announced it will deliver ground, air cargo and fuelling services at Mosul ‎International Airport (OSM) in Iraq through MASIL, its joint venture with Iraqi Airways, Air BP and ‎Al-Burhan Group.‎

One fully operational, MASIL will provide a full suite of aviation services at OSM, under a new ‎‎10-year license, further strengthening its footprint in the region. This builds on MASIL’s ‎operations at Baghdad International Airport (BGW).‎

MASIL provided ground services for the presidential flight that signified the official reopening of ‎OSM. The flight, attended by Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani, represented a ‎landmark moment in the airport’s history, which has been non-operational since 2014.‎

The milestone underscores the joint venture’s capabilities and readiness to support future air ‎traffic at the revitalised airport.‎

Mosul International Airport has undergone extensive reconstruction and is now equipped with a ‎main terminal, VIP lounge, and advanced radar surveillance system. The airport is expected to ‎be fully operational within the coming months, supporting both domestic and international flights ‎and handling an estimated 630,000 passengers annually.‎

The expansion marks a significant milestone in the continued growth of the MASIL joint venture ‎across Iraq and demonstrates Menzies’ commitment to supporting the country’s aviation ‎infrastructure and long-term development.‎

Charles Wyley, Executive Vice President Middle East, Africa and Asia, Menzies Aviation, ‎said: “We’re proud to expand our presence in Iraq with new operations at Mosul International ‎Airport through our MASIL joint venture. This is a major step in our journey to support the ‎redevelopment of Iraq’s aviation sector and bring world-class standards to the country’s airports. ‎Handling the presidential flight was a privilege and a clear signal of MASIL’s professionalism and ‎reliability as a trusted service provider.”‎

Menzies Aviation and Iraqi Airways formed MASIL in 2021 to provide ground handling, cargo, ‎and fuelling services. The joint venture includes operations at key airports including Baghdad and ‎will soon include Mosul, as it continues to support the modernisation of Iraq’s aviation sector.‎

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Kamco Invest reports a net profit of KWD7.1mn for the ‎first half of 2025‎

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Kuwait City, 12August2025: Kamco Invest, a regional non-banking financial powerhouse with one of the ‎largest AUMs in the region, announced its financial results for the six-month periodended30June2025. The ‎Company reported a net profit of KWD7.1mn (EPS:20.72fils) compared toKWD2.5mn during the same ‎period in 2024 (EPS:7.26fils).‎

Total revenue stood atKWD19.0mn, an increase of 48.2% compared to the same period of 2024, whereas ‎fee and commission income reached KWD7.5mn (6M 2024: KWD8.1mn).The rise in total revenue was ‎primarily driven by the performance of the Company’s investment portfolio, supported by one-off ‎proceeds from a legal case ruled in the Company’s favor.‎

Assets under management grew by 7.5% to reach USD17.1bn as of 30June 2025, due to new money raised ‎in various products during the period, as well as the performance of portfolios and funds. Kamco Invest ‎maintained its ranking amongst the ten largest asset managers in the MENA region, according to Forbes ‎Middle East. The Company enjoys a strong track record and deep expertise in delivering diverse investment ‎solutions to its clients.‎

Managed portfolios continued to outperform their respective benchmarks, while the Company’s equity ‎funds maintained their positions amongst the top performing funds in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, based on ‎the fund disclosures published on Boursa Kuwait and Tadawul websites.‎

As forAlternative Investments, which includes real estate, private equity and structured products, the team ‎continued to expand its range of offerings to provide clients with added value. During the period, Kamco ‎Invest finalized the acquisition of a 60% majority stake in European Green Logistics Space (EGLS), a ‎company specializing in the development, investment, and management of logistics assets in Europe. This ‎acquisition reflects Kamco Invest’s commitment to growing its recurring fee income while unlocking value-‎adding opportunities for regional clients in the sustainable logistics sector.‎

Furthermore, the Company successfully exited its investment in Yargici, a leading Turkish fashion and ‎accessories brand held by one of Kamco Invest’s private equity funds, through a sale to TIMS Group, a ‎diversified Turkish business group with operations in content production, tourism, construction, and land ‎development. The exit highlights Kamco Invest’s commitment to delivering long-term value to its clients ‎while ensuring the continued growth and success of its portfolio companies.‎

The Investment Banking team continued to advise clients on several transactions across equity capital ‎markets, debt capital markets, and M&A, with deals expected to close during the year. During the six-‎month period, the team advised OSN Group on the sale of a 30% stake of its subsidiary, OSN Streaming ‎Ltd., to Warner Bros. Discovery for USD57mn. The team also acted as Joint Lead Manager on five bond ‎and sukuk issuances totaling USD2.3bn for regional banks and institutions across Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, ‎UAE, and Qatar.‎

First Securities Brokerage Company, Kamco Invest’s brokerage arm, continued to strengthen its ‎competitive position and attracted new clients through its online trading platforms. ‎

Kamco Invest -Saudi and Kamco Invest – DIFC continued to strengthen their presence in their respective ‎markets by improving their services and contributing more to the company’s core businesses, particularly ‎in asset management. Kamco Invest – Saudi signed a strategic partnership with Flexam Invest to offer ‎leasing opportunities to their clients. Furthermore, Kamco Invest – Saudi completed the fit-out of its new ‎premises in the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), with the official move taking place in July 2025.‎

Kamco Invest was awarded the “Kuwait’s Best for Alternative Investments” at the Euromoney Private ‎Banking Awards 2025, highlighting the Company’s rapid growth and sustained success in the alternatives ‎space. In addition, Kamco Invest was named “Kuwait’s Best Investment Bank – DCM” at the Euromoney ‎Awards for Excellence 2025, in recognition of the team’s outstanding performance in executing bond and ‎sukuk transactions for local and regional clients.‎

Total assets increased by 4.4% during the period to reachKWD135.5mn, whereas shareholders’ equity rose ‎by 8.7%toKWD67.7mn. The Company also enjoys a strong financial position and a “BBB” long-term credit ‎rating and “A3” short-term rating with stable outlook by Capital Intelligence in their latest review in May2025. ‎

Commenting on the results, Sheikh Talal Ali Abdullah Al Jaber Al Sabah, Chairman, said, “Our performance ‎in the first half of 2025 highlights the resilience of our strategy and the strength of our diversified business ‎model. We are well positioned to navigate market dynamics and grow our business while continuing to ‎deliver value to our shareholders.”‎

Faisal Mansour Sarkhou, Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We delivered solid growth during the six-‎month period on various fronts including assets under management and achieved strong returns across our ‎investment portfolios. Strategic developments, such as the acquisition of a majority stake in EGLS, ‎demonstrate our focus on long-term value creation. We remain committed to enhancing our offerings, ‎expanding our regional footprint, and delivering sustainable growth for our clients and stakeholders.”‎

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