19/10/2026 04:42 AST
As part of its longstanding commitment to supporting women's empowerment and advancing sustainable economic development, National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) sponsored Women & the Economy Conference, held under the patronage and in the presence of Abdulaziz Nasser Al-Marzouq, Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment.
The conference explored ways to expand women's economic participation and examined the role of technology, finance, and policy in supporting their advancement. NBK participated in a key panel discussion titled "The Future of Women in the Economy: How Fintech, Artificial Intelligence, and Public Policy Will Shape a More Inclusive Economy". The session was moderated by the British Ambassador to Kuwait, Qudsi Rasheed, and featured Amal Al-Duwaisan, Head of Weyay Bank, representing NBK.
Weyay also participated in the conference's dedicated Youth & Children panel, represented by Alya Al-Sane, Vice President - Marketing. The Women & the Economy Conference brought together policymakers, business leaders, academics, and industry experts to explore ways to strengthen women's economic participation and support a more inclusive and sustainable economy. NBK's participation reflects its ongoing commitment to empowering national talent, advancing financial inclusion, and driving responsible digital transformation in line with Kuwait's economic development goals.
Women at the forefront of economic and digital transformation
NBK's participation in "The Future of Women in the Economy" panel highlighted the Bank's continued efforts to promote women's leadership across the financial and technology sectors. Through its people-first strategy, NBK remains committed to creating opportunities for women to take on leadership roles and contribute meaningfully to Kuwait's evolving digital economy.
During the discussion, Al-Duwaisan addressed the rapid changes reshaping the workforce, noting the growing demand for skills in artificial intelligence, data analytics, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies. She also highlighted the success of female leaders within NBK Group who have played a key role in advancing the organization's digital transformation journey.
Al-Duwaisan emphasized that women are increasingly becoming key drivers of innovation and decision-making across industries and stressed the importance of creating an enabling environment that allows them to capitalize on opportunities created by the digital economy.
Fintech as a catalyst for financial inclusion and economic growth
NBK's participation in the conference also underscored its commitment to leveraging innovation and technology to expand access to financial services and enhance customer experiences. As part of the discussion, Al-Duwaisan highlighted the growing role of fintech in broadening financial access and supporting entrepreneurs as well as small and medium-sized enterprises. She noted that digital solutions have simplified financial transactions, reduced barriers to entry, and created more accessible and efficient banking experiences.
She also emphasized the importance of building a digital financial ecosystem that not only promotes innovation but also encourages financial literacy, responsible money management, and long-term financial wellbeing.
Flexible regulation and trust: Foundations of sustainable innovation
As digital transformation continues to reshape industries, NBK believes that fostering innovation requires regulatory frameworks capable of adapting to rapidly evolving technologies while maintaining strong standards of governance and customer protection.
During the session, Al-Duwaisan pointed to the importance of principles-based regulation focused on transparency, consumer protection, privacy, cybersecurity, and financial stability. She noted that such frameworks create an environment where innovation can thrive responsibly while preserving public trust. This approach aligns with NBK's broader strategy of developing customer-centric digital solutions built on accountability, transparency, and long-term trust.
Investing in women and youth to build the economy of the future
NBK's participation in the conference reflects its belief that people remain at the heart of sustainable development. The Bank continues to invest in empowering women and equipping young talent with the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing economic landscape.
Al-Duwaisan stressed that the accelerating pace of innovation in artificial intelligence and fintech makes continuous learning, upskilling, and financial literacy more important than ever. She noted that building a more inclusive and sustainable economy begins with empowering individuals and preparing them for future opportunities. She further emphasized that organizations able to balance innovation with trust, and technology with human capital, will be best positioned to create lasting value for both society and the economy.
Commenting on this, Al-Duwaisan said: "At NBK, we view technology as a tool to empower people, expand opportunities, and drive financial inclusion, rather than an end in itself. The future belongs to institutions that successfully balance innovation and trust, and technology and human connection, creating a positive and sustainable impact on both society and the economy."
Weyay highlights the future of banking at Youth & Children Panel
As part of its commitment to empowering future generations and promoting financial literacy among young people, Weyay, Kuwait's leading digital bank, participated in the Youth & Children Panel through an interactive discussion led by Alya Al-Sane. In a unique reflection of the conference's focus on youth engagement, the session was moderated by one of the participating children.
The session brought together students, young innovators, and aspiring entrepreneurs, including members of the Sabah Al Ahmad Center for Giftedness and Creativity. Al-Sane shared Weyay's vision for the future of digital banking, highlighting the increasing demand among younger generations for smarter, more seamless, and fully integrated banking experiences that align with their digital lifestyles.
She also showcased Weyay's efforts to encourage saving habits and early financial planning through innovative digital tools, including savings features, spending management solutions, and the Bank's "Jeel" initiative, which aims to strengthen financial awareness and promote healthy financial habits among young people. Al-Sane noted that the future of banking extends beyond traditional financial services to helping young people build a healthy and sustainable relationship with money from an early age, enabling them to make more informed financial decisions throughout their lives.
She concluded by reaffirming Weyay's commitment to developing innovative banking solutions tailored to the evolving needs and aspirations of younger generations, emphasizing that investing in youth is ultimately an investment in the future of the economy and society.
Kuwait Times
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