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Burgan Bank Joins Regional Sustainability Leaders with Inclusion in FTSE4Good Index Series

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KUWAIT CITY, Jul 29: Burgan Bank announced its inclusionas a constituent in the FTSE4Good Index Series, an ‎affirmation of its unwavering commitment to ESG best practices. Developed by global index ‎and data provider FTSE Russell, the FTSE4Good Index Series is a globally recognized ‎benchmark that measures the performance of companies demonstrating strong Environmental, ‎Social, and Governance (ESG) practices.These indices are widely used by investors and asset ‎managers to incorporate ESG factors into their investment decisions, as well as to create and ‎evaluate responsible investment funds and related financial products.‎

Built on transparent management standards and rigorous assessment criteria, FTSE Russell’s ‎evaluations consider performance in areas such as corporate governance, health &safety, anti-‎corruption,and climate change.  Companies included in the FTSE4Good Index Series ‎demonstrate compliance with a variety of stringent ESG criteria.‎

Commenting on this accomplishment, Mr. Fadel Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer – Kuwait at ‎Burgan Bank, stated: “We are honored to beone of the five organizations in Kuwait recognized ‎by globally renowned FTSE Russell for our unwavering efforts to adopt the best ESG practices ‎in the banking sector and embed them into our operations, culture, and stakeholder engagement. ‎Burgan’s inclusion in the FTSE4Good Index Series is a testament to our consistent and ‎measurable progress in sustainability practices.Thisrecognition affirms our strategic commitment ‎to sustainable business growth, designedto create a positive impacton our community, industry, ‎and natural environmentwhile supporting a resilient and equitable futurefor all stakeholders.”‎

The inclusion in the FTSE4Good Index Series provides external validation of Burgan Bank’s ‎efforts to align with global sustainability standards and frameworks such as UN Sustainable ‎Development Goals (SDGs), Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Sustainability Accounting ‎Standards Board (SASB), and Kuwait Vision 2035. This recognition reflects Burgan’s strong ‎ESG agenda, driven by a comprehensive framework and strategic roadmap, under which the ‎Bank has achieved significant progress across its four ESG pillarsof Good ‎Governance,Responsible Banking, Community Betterment, and Environmental Impact ‎Reduction.‎

On the environmental front, Burgan Bank was awarded the LEED Gold certification (O&M v4.1) ‎for its head office, recognizing its exceptionalenergy-efficient design and sustainable operations. ‎The Bank continues to advance its Green House Gas (GHG) mapping and reduction efforts to ‎design a long-term decarbonization strategy.The Bankhas installed electric vehicle (EV) charging ‎stations at its head office and select branches, and motion-sensor lighting to optimize energy ‎efficiencyas well as installed rooftop solar panels for clean renewable energy. Furthermore, the ‎Bank has made concerted efforts for climate risk integration in its credit portfolio.‎

On the social sustainability front, Burgan Bank reaffirmed its recognition as a certified Great ‎Place to Work® and continued to champion diversity and inclusion within its workforce. The Bank ‎surpassed the mandated Kuwaitization target with 86% national representation, while women ‎comprised 45% of its total staff, including strong representation in senior leadership roles. The ‎Bank’s efforts for social sustainability were also evident in its learning and development ‎programs, tailored to address diverse needs and interests. In its pursuit of establishing a culture ‎of healthy work-life balance, Burgan Bank currenly offers five days of fully paid paternity leave, ‎one day of birthday leave, and four self-care days, in addition to the standard annual leave days. ‎The Bank also offers numerous programs, benefits, events, and sporting initiatives for the ‎comprehensive development of its employees. Moreoever, Burgan Bank has launched several ‎initiatives and programs to empower women in the workplace and support their professional ‎development – such as the “Lean In Circle” program and the “Empower Her” initiative. It is worth ‎noting that the Bank is also major supporter of the “Partners for Hire” campaign, which aims to ‎sustainably empower people with disabilities and provide them with job opportunities across ‎various departments. Along the same lines and to cater to this community, Burgan Bank has also ‎allocated six branches to serve customers with disabilities to promote equal access to banking ‎services.‎

As part of its social impact agenda, the Bank maintained its long-standing support for the Kuwait ‎Association for Care of Children in Hospital (KACCH) and Bayt Abdullah Children’s Hospice ‎‎(BACCH), helping ensure access to vital palliative care services. In 2024, Burgan Bank also ‎partnered with the Kuwait Olympic Committee (KOC) as a sponsor of the national delegation to ‎the Paris 2024 Olympics, reinforcing its commitment to community development and national ‎pride.‎

Burgan Bank remains committed to fostering a strong compliance culture across the ‎organization, focused on preventing financial crime, including money laundering, terrorism ‎financing, fraud, corruption, and bribery. This commitment is underpinned by a robust ‎governance framework that reflects the Bank’s dedication to ethical conduct, responsible ‎leadership, and maintaining the highest standards of security in the banking sector.‎

The Bank’s comprehensive ESG strategy also delivered notableadvancements in digital ‎transformation, particularly in cybersecurity, with the implementation of cutting-edge ‎technologies, AI-driven threat detection, and proactive incident response measures to ensure ‎maximum data protection for all stakeholders.‎

Moreover, Burgan Bank has consistently led the way in transparency and sustainability,reporting ‎its sustainability related efforts and achievements consecutively for thelast six years since 2019. ‎This reinforcesthe Bank’s committedadherence to transparent governance and proactive ‎sustainability leadership,demonstratingits year-on-year improvements in the sustainability and ‎ESG performance.‎

As a trusted financial partner and a bank that is “Driven by You”, Burgan Bank remains ‎dedicated to upholding its responsibility toward its customers, community, and investors, by ‎adopting the highest standards of ESG practices and ensuring that its business success reflects ‎positively on its stakeholders.‎

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Kuwait-China ministerial committee advances key development projects

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His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah chaired a meeting of the Ministerial Committee at Bayan Palace on Thursday to follow up on the implementation status of agreements and memoranda of understanding signed between the governments of the State of Kuwait and the friendly People’s Republic of China.

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 18: His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah chaired Thursday, at Bayan Palace, the 27th ministerial committee meeting to follow up on the implementation of agreements and memoranda of understanding signed between Kuwait and China. The meeting reviewed the latest progress in executing developmental projects included in the MoUs, especially cooperation in Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, electricity systems, renewable energy, low-carbon recycling, housing, environmental infrastructure, free zones, and economic zones.

The meeting examined the outcomes of Chinese delegations’ visits this month, regarding cooperation between Kuwait and Chinese companies in environmental fields, afforestation, combating desertification, and ensuring effective collaboration to implement the agreed development initiatives efficiently and sustainably. His Highness directed committee members to ensure the strict implementation of signed agreements with major Chinese government companies, emphasizing adherence to strategic plans to achieve the intended results within the specified timeframes, ensuring proper execution of all projects. Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs, committee member and rapporteur Samih Jawhar Hayat, stated that the meeting discussed major development projects, reviewed upcoming Chinese delegations’ agendas, and highlighted that the Chinese state company will begin phases three and four of renewable energy projects, emphasizing Kuwait’s commitment to advancing joint initiatives and strengthening bilateral cooperation.

The meeting was attended by Head of the Prime Minister’s Office Abdulaziz Al-Dakheel, Minister of Public Works Noura Al-Mashaan, Minister of State for Municipality Affairs and Housing Abdullatif Al-Mishari, Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy and Minister of Finance and Acting Minister of State for Economic and Investment Affairs Sabeeh Al- Mukhaizem, Director General of the Direct Investment Promotion Authority Dr. Meshaal Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Head of Fatwa and Legislation Office Salah Al-Majid, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defense Abdullah Al-Sabah, and Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs and Member and Rapporteur of the Ministerial Committee Samih Jawhar Hayat.(KUNA)

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Kuwait Oil Company begins commercial production at the Mitribah field

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Kuwait Oil Company begins commercial production at the Mitribah field

Kuwait Oil Company CEO Ahmad Al-Eidan delivers his speech

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 18:  Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) has officially begun commercial production at the Mitribah oil field in northwestern Kuwait, CEO Ahmad Al‑Eidan announced Thursday, marking a major milestone in the company’s strategic expansion.

Al‑Eidan, speaking at a ceremony in Ahmadi City under the patronage of Oil Minister Tareq Al‑Roumi, described the launch as more than just completing a project. He called it “a living testimony” to the determination, innovation, and cooperative spirit within KOC.

He said Mitribah now joins KOC’s productive assets, giving “a strong push” to the company’s strategic path. Reflecting on his own history with the field, Al‑Eidan recalled his early work in the 1990s as a geologist in KOC’s exploration group, witnessing its development through many years.

Al‑Eidan explained that the milestone comes at a pivotal moment for KOC, which recently undertook a major organizational restructuring designed to enhance efficiency, sharpen its vision, and boost momentum across all its sectors. A key outcome of that reorganisation is the formation of the “New Exploration Group,” aimed at accelerating the process from exploration to production—especially in complex or unconventional reservoirs.

He pointed out that Mitribah is the first major achievement under this new structure. Institutional support and a clear strategic vision, he said, helped reduce project timelines, mitigate risks, and strengthen Kuwait’s position in global oil production.

Al‑Eidan praised the work of specialized geologists, engineers, planners, operators, and technical support staff. He also acknowledged the role of partners and contractors, whose cooperation and commitment he said were essential to overcoming infrastructure challenges and deploying advanced technologies efficiently.

He added that this achievement is not the end but the start of a more ambitious journey. He called on all involved to maintain momentum, continue adopting the latest technical solutions, and foster a culture of innovation and excellence, united by a strong sense of responsibility and teamwork.

Commercial output from Mitribah officially began on June 15, 2025, after connecting several wells to KOC’s production facilities. The field, located in a previously undeveloped stretch in northwest Kuwait, covers more than 230 square kilometres and lies outside the area of fields already operated by the company. Light oil with commercial viability was first discovered there in 2009. One of the major technical challenges was managing hydrogen sulfide gas concentrations of up to 40 percent, which contributed to delays in production start‑up.

The CEO of Kuwait Oil Company presents commemorative gifts to the Minister of Oil.

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US-Arab Chamber of Commerce names Kuwaiti Al-Mudhaf as new Director of External Affairs

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US-Arab Chamber of Commerce names Kuwaiti Al-Mudhaf as new Director of External Affairs

Kuwaiti Fawaz Al-Mudhaf appointed director of External Affairs at US-Arab Chamber of Commerce

WASHINGTON, Sept 18:  The US-Arab Chamber of Commerce has appointed Kuwaiti national Fawaz Al-Mudhaf as its new Director of External Affairs, in a strategic move aimed at deepening US-Arab economic ties and empowering emerging regional talent.

The announcement, made on Wednesday, reflects the Chamber’s broader vision to enhance cross-border cooperation and nurture young leaders capable of navigating the evolving landscape of global trade and diplomacy.

“This appointment embodies the Chamber’s commitment to developing regional talent that contributes to and enhances cross-border cooperation,” the Chamber stated in a press release. It added that the selection of Al-Mudhaf aligns with the organization’s goal of equipping emerging leaders to adapt to rapid transformations in US-Arab economic and diplomatic relations.

Al-Mudhaf is expected to spearhead the Chamber’s external affairs strategy, focusing on strengthening relations with decision-makers, global companies, and major institutions in both the United States and the Arab world. His leadership will be crucial at a time of shifting global alliances, new trade priorities, and the increasing need for international collaboration.

Expressing gratitude for the appointment, Al-Mudhaf said the role is “both an honor and a responsibility.” He emphasized that the US-Arab Chamber of Commerce is “more than just a business platform,” calling it “a trusted forum for dialogue, mutual respect, and opportunities for joint cooperation that strengthen ties between peoples.”

He affirmed his commitment to the Chamber’s mission, pledging to serve “with all sincerity” and to help consolidate US-Arab partnerships at a time when, he noted, “international communication has become more urgent than ever.”

Chamber President and CEO David Hamod praised Al-Mudhaf’s appointment, stating, “We are extremely proud of Fawaz, who is a fundamental pillar of the Chamber’s team. He is a fine example of a young Kuwaiti who is leaving an influential mark on the international scene.” Hamod added that Al-Mudhaf’s contributions are a “fundamental pillar in the Chamber’s success story.”

The US-Arab Chamber of Commerce, established over 50 years ago, is widely recognized as the oldest American organization dedicated to advancing US-Arab trade. It is often described as the “first commercial gateway” to the Middle East and North Africa for the United States.

As an independent, membership-based organization, the Chamber boasts over 50 members and partners and is the only American trade body officially recognized by both the League of Arab States and the Union of Arab Chambers. It continues to serve as a preeminent voice for American business interests in the Arab world, working to strengthen economic partnerships across the region.

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