بنك البحرين الوطني

The National Bank of Bahrain has announced the selection of the top 10 teams advancing to the next phase of its Digital Banking Challenge, held in partnership with Bahrain FinTech Bay The teams, chosen from the intensive two-day bootcamp, will take part in a six-week incubation programme that will help them transform their ideas into business-ready digital #banking solutions.

Congratulations to Mr. Abdulaziz Al Ahmed, NBB’s Chief Executive – Strategic Accounts for being awarded as a national action pioneer for his efforts and outstanding service by His Majesty The King at an event hosted in celebration of Bahrain's national days.

Highlights from NBB’s National Day celebrations with its employees.

NBB has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Diyar Al Muharraq to extend exclusive benefits to clientele interested in acquiring properties within the Al Naseem real estate development. As part of the #agreement, NBB will offer prospective homeowners #competitive interest rates, up to 18-month grace period, a special gift up to BHD 5,000 for each #beneficiary, no processing fees, #financing tenor of up to 30 years, and a fast approval process.

NBB’s Head of IT Strategy & PMO George Faraj recently took stage as a distinguished speaker at the MEET ICT Conference held in Bahrain from 3rd to 5th December. Organised in conjunction with the BITEX Exhibition, the event carried the theme of “AI for All,” and gathered industry leaders, technology enthusiasts, and academics to explore how Generative AI can shape the workplace of tomorrow. George’s session focused on key themes, including the future of jobs, upskilling workforces, balancing automation with human #creativity, and the ethical considerations of #AI adoption. His participation reflects NBB’s ongoing #commitment to be part of important industry dialogue on advancing innovation and supporting Bahrain’s journey towards a more digitally-driven future.

Gaby S. El Hakim, Group Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary at NBB, was among the panellists in the inaugural session of the monthly lecture series organised by the University of Bahrain (UoB) College of Law and Judicial and Legal Studies Institute to help #students understand and navigate the job market after graduation. Held on the 15th of October, the session was title “Your Career in Law: #Opportunities and Challenges” where Gaby delivered key insights into building a successful legal #career in the investment and #banking industry. As a seasoned professional, he shared his experience and perspectives to inspire students to seize impactful opportunities in the legal field.

NBB, Bank ABC and Gulf International Bank B.S.C. (GIB) successfully led and closed a dual-tranche syndicated term facility for Beyon. Contributors to the conventional tranche included Mashreq Bank and the National Bank of Kuwait – Bahrain. Meanwhile, the Murabaha tranche received strong backing from Ahli United Bank, Al Salam Bank, Bahrain Islamic Bank - BisB and Boubyan Bank Kuwait. The 5-year facility features both conventional and Islamic tranches which were executed under competitive terms to meet Beyon’s financing objectives. As Initial Mandated Lead Arrangers, Bookrunners, and Underwriters (IMLABs), NBB, Bank ABC, and Gulf International Bank led the primary syndication process, securing participation from local and regional financial institutions. Both tranches have received high level of demand from banks, a testament to Beyon’s standing and the confidence in Bahrain’s economy.

NBB was an active participant at the recent #IRONMAN 70.3 Middle East Championship Bahrain 2024, where the Bank’s leadership and employees showcased their perseverance, #teamwork, and commitment to wellness. Mr. Yusuf Abdulla Alireza, the Bank’s Vice Chairman led by example by completing the IRONMAN race individually. Usman Ahmed, Group Chief Executive Officer also participated alongside other staff members to demonstrate the spirit of camaraderie and #determination. The Bank also sponsored a relay team of women from Bahrain Polytechnic, whose outstanding #performance earned them first place in their category. NBB’s contributions to the event were further recognised by His Highness Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who presented an award to the Bank’s Group Chief Executive Officer Usman Ahmed.

NBB was the exclusive sponsor of IRONKIDS 2024, the annual youth running contest, held near Reef Island on 28th November, the event welcomed children from around the Kingdom for a day filled with #excitement, healthy #competition, and community spirit. In addition to featuring age-based challenges, this year’s IRONKIDS featured a special race where NBB invited children from the Bahrain Down Syndrome Society, Alia Rehabilitation for Autism, and Smile of Bahrain. NBB IRONKIDS Village returned this year with lively activities and interactive challenges for families. The Village featured branding inspired by NBB’s Yalla Family Account with jerseys, trophies, and merchandise carrying its theme. The Bank’s new youth-centric digital banking #solution was also showcased in a dedicated space where attendees explored its unique features and benefited from exclusive rewards when opening their accounts on-site.

NBB recently celebrated #BahrainiWomensDay with its female employees. As part of the celebration, NBB Club, the bank's #social committee, visited the Bank’s departments to distribute special giveaways in honour of all the dedicated and #hardworking Bahraini women who are an integral part of TeamNBB.