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2012 marks sixty years since the institution of the National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), the first local bank and shareholding company in Kuwait and the Gulf region. Considered a milestone for the institution, the 60th anniversary celebrates NBK’s loyal and dedicated service to Kuwait. NBK has succeeded to evolve from a small shop located in the old business district of Kuwait City into the highest rated, best bank in the Middle East and one of the biggest banking institutions in the region with a presence in 16 countries.
On this occasion, here are some interesting facts that caught our attention about the bank we all grew up knowing and the name that has been serving us all along.
Did you know?
– On May 19, 1952, The Amiri decree was issued to establish NBK with a capital of 13,100,000 Rupees (less than KD 1 million).
– NBK’s 9 original founders are Khalid Al Zaid Al Khalid, Ahmad Al Saoud Al Khalid, Khalifah Al Khalid Al Ghunaim, Khalid Al Hamad, Sayed Ali Sayed Suliaman, Yousif Al Fulaij, Yousif Al Ghanim, Mohammed Al AbdulMohsen Al Khorafi and AbdulAziz Al Hamad Al Sager.
– Khalid Zaid Al Khalid was the first Chairman for NBK’s Board of Directors.
– 6 months later, on November 15, 1952, NBK opened its doors to customers.
– April 1965, NBK’s first Headquarters opens in Mubarakiya.
– In 1984, NBK opened its New York branch to be the first bank to expand outside Kuwait.
– During the Iraqi invasion, NBK’s Board of Directors made the historic decision on the 2nd August, 1990, to continue operating and managing the bank from abroad, to assist all of its customers.
– Today, NBK has more than 176 branches and subsidiary offices around the world, covering more than 15 countries.
– NBK is the highest rated and best bank in the Middle East and one of the 50 safest banks in the world. These are only but a few interesting facts about the bank that has been part of our heritage for the past 60 years.
For all the latest updates, facts and upcoming competition for NBK’s 60th anniversary celebration, follow NBK at Facebook: NBK.fans and Twitter @NBKPage and Instagram @nbkpage.
