Warba Bank, a leader in Kuwait’s Islamic digital banking sector, has concluded the sixth edition of its flagship talent initiative, Rowad 6.0, in London. The intensive eight-week program culminated in a final showcase where 25 university students from Kuwait and the GCC presented innovative financial technology projects developed under the mentorship of specialists from the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
The program is a cornerstone of the bank’s Let’s Own Tomorrow vision, designed to nurture the next generation of economic and technology leaders by bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application.
A Global Stage for MENA’s Future Leaders
The finale of “Rowad 6.0” was hosted at Queen Mary University of London, providing a global platform for the participating students. The event served as a celebration of their growth in critical competencies, including teamwork, creative problem-solving, and forward-thinking analysis.
Students presented their prototypes to a judging panel that included Warba Bank’s Deputy CEO for Support Services and Treasury, Group Heads, and other industry specialists. This offered participants invaluable exposure in a global financial hub and the potential for future funding opportunities, transforming theoretical concepts into viable, market-ready solutions.
An Investment In Tomorrow
Anwar Bader Al-Ghaith, Deputy CEO for Support Services and Treasury at Warba Bank, underscored the program’s strategic value. “The conclusion of the sixth edition of the ‘Rowad’ program in London is not merely the end of a training journey; it is the starting point for a new generation of innovators and leaders who will shape the future of the region,” he stated.
Al-Ghaith added, “At Warba Bank, we view the ‘Rowad’ program as a strategic investment that transcends traditional training to become a cornerstone in building the knowledge-based economy of our region. Our continued investment in ‘Rowad’ embodies our firm belief in our vision, ‘Let’s Own Tomorrow’.”
Forging Talent Through Strategic Partnership
A key element of the program’s success was its strategic partnership with the DIFC Innovation Hub. This collaboration gave students direct access to a dynamic ecosystem of startups, financial institutions, and international fintech experts.
The partnership provided high-level mentorship and hands-on exposure, enabling participants to develop practical solutions aligned with the latest industry trends. This engagement expanded their professional networks and enriched their understanding of the global fintech landscape.
From Local Initiative to Regional Incubator
“Rowad 6.0” marks a significant milestone in the program’s evolution. What began as an internal training initiative for bank employees has grown into a prestigious platform attracting top GCC students from leading European universities specializing in fintech, AI, and cybersecurity.
This year’s cohort included 25 participants from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman. Over the past five years, the Rowad program has graduated nearly 100 young talents and successfully transformed over 25 ideas into applied projects in digital banking and artificial intelligence.
About The Rowad Program
The Rowad Program is Warba Bank’s flagship initiative aimed at developing the skills of university students in technology and finance. Its intensive curriculum covers the latest AI applications in banking, programming fundamentals, cybersecurity ethics, and entrepreneurship. The program connects promising GCC talent studying in Europe with global expertise through strategic partnerships, most notably with the DIFC Innovation Hub, to cultivate a new generation of innovators capable of leading the region’s knowledge-based economy. The winning team for Rowad 6.0 included Sulaiman Al-Mukhaizeem, Yousef Al-Aqeel, Abdulaziz Al-Zanki, Khaled Al-Mazeedi, and Bader Al-Enezi.
Source: Zawya
