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Egypt: Zewail City of Science and Technology and NBK ink EGP 6.25 million cooperation protocol
13.08.2018Zewail City of Science and Technology and National Bank of Kuwait inked a cooperation protocol worth EGP 1.25 million annually for a term of 5 years to provide 10 scholarships to the City’s students in 2018.
The protocol comes in line with the strategy adopted by both parties aimed to support and develop scientific research and to empower innovative scientists by providing all the required prerequisite for success to develop the Egyptian society, in line with the Sustainable Development Strategy: Egypt's vision 2030. One of the main objectives of Zewail City is aimed at keeping abreast of scientific development and contribute towards scientific research to propel Egypt to a leading position among developed countries in the areas of science and research. Meanwhile, NBK is a firm believer that advanced education is the first step on the road to promote the country and head towards a better future, in addition to the importance of education for the Egyptian society’s progress and advancement.
The protocol was signed by Zewail City’s Executive President, Prof. Sherif Sedky and the Managing Director at National Bank of Kuwait – Egypt, Dr. Yasser Hassan. The signing ceremony was attended by a number of Zewail City faculty members and management, as well as representatives of the National Bank of Kuwait.
The protocol stipulates that a number of students shall be selected to benefit from receiving the scholarships according to a specific criteria in order to ensure equal opportunities for all qualified students, and to provide a continuous resource to benefit them. Additionally, students are required to maintain academic excellence and outstanding academic performance throughout their term at the university.
"Research has shown that there is no higher return on investment than science and scientific development, but we have to admit that no matter how large budgets get, Zewail City won’t be able to accomplish this difficult task on its own" said Zewail City’s Executive President, Prof. Sherif Sedky “Hence we are witnessing today the importance of the close cooperation between the private sector represented by National Bank of Kuwait and civil society organizations represented by Zwail city, as a scientific research institution that promotes scientific research and innovation, in line with the objectives set forth by the higher education system and scientific research in order to achieve sustainable development in society”.
Prof. Sedky expressed his happiness for signing the protocol and stressed on the importance of such steps as a milestone toward the successful completion of the project that Dr. Ahmed Zewail had long dreamed of establishing to be a beacon for research in the Middle East responsible for graduating highly educated cadres with heightened awareness towards science and technology so that they would contribute to the development of the Egyptian economy and face its challenges. It also strives to propelling Egypt to a leading position among developed countries in the areas of science and research.
Moreover, Prof. Sedky highlighted that this partnership complements Zewail City’s cooperation efforts with private and public institutions and civil society organizations. He also expressed his hopes for continuous flow of support to complete the various stages of the city and achieve a breakthrough in the scientific research arena both in Egypt and the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Dr. Yasser Hassan said that signing this agreement comes in line with NBK’s corporate social responsibility aimed at carrying out the bank’s prominent role to serve the society by directing its support and contributions to many non-profit organizations aimed at developing the society and the people through various means.
Dr. Hassan explained that the University of Science and Technology at Zewail City of Science, through its free scholarships program, sets an ideal model of trustworthy institutions that strive to utilize the support and assistance they receive in the best way possible. He added that this initiative constitutes an important part of NBK’s social corporate responsibility program as the bank strives to support such constructive developmental activities to enrich the community and contribute towards the advancement of its skillful students to showcase their scientific talents and enrich them academically in one of the best scientific research hubs in the country.
Dr. Hassan stressed that all civil society institutions in Egypt should extend their support and develop governmental institutions to aid them in supporting the citizens who need them the most, especially at this crucial time in the country’s history as it seeks to pave the way for a brighter future.
He also added that NBK Group’s overall policy, on the local, regional and international levels, is focused on social corporate responsibility covering the fields of education and health care as it firmly believes in their important role in building societies, developing nations and the prosperity in various fields and aspects.
Zewail City of Science and Technology is a nonprofit, independent institution of learning, research and innovation. Its strategy is to build a new generation of leaders, scientists and entrepreneurs capable of having a significant impact on society. It also aims to introduce new cutting-edge fields of endeavor. The City has established a five-component structure consisting of the he University of Science and Technology, Research Institutions, the Technology Pyramid, the Academy, and the Center for Strategic Studies. Zewail City has been able to register about 380 research papers and obtain 12 patents in the fields of health and environment, which is no small feat by any means.
NBK-Egypt (previously known as Al-Watany Bank of Egypt) is a member of NBK Group and was established in 1980. The bank has a network of 45 branches situated at various strategic locations across Egyptian governorates and cities including Cairo, Giza, Alexandria, Delta, Sinai, the Red Sea, and Upper Egypt, as well as industrial areas like Sixth of October, and Tenth of Ramadan. NBK-Egypt is also one of the few banks licensed to offer Sharia compliant solution in addition to the conventional products through its two Islamic branches.
Kuwait: NBK Posts Strong Net Profits of KD 575.6 Million in FY2025
28.01.2026National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) has announced its financial results for the financial year ended 31 December 2025.The Bank reported a net profit of KD 575.6 million (USD 1.9 billion), compared to KD 600.1 million (USD 2.0 billion) for the financial year 2024. Earnings per share (EPS) stood at 64 fils for 2025, compared to 66 fils for 2024.
Profit before tax increased by 5.4% on a year-on-year basis, reaching KD 734.6 million (USD 2.4 billion) at the end of 2025, compared to KD 696.8 million (USD 2.3 billion) in 2024.
Total assets as of December 2025 grew by 13.1% year-on-year, reaching KD 45.6 billion (USD 149.4 billion), while customer deposits grew by 14.0%, totaling KD 26.1 billion (USD 85.3 billion) by the end of 2025.
Meanwhile, Group loans and advances reached KD26.8 billion (USD 87.8 billion) by December 2025, reflecting a growth of 13.1% year-on-year. In the meantime, shareholders' equity also saw an increase, standing at KD 4.3 billion (USD 14.0 billion), up by 9.2% year-on-year.
In terms of distributions, the Board of Directors has proposed a cash dividend of 35 fils per share for the financial year 2025, equivalent to 53% of net profits. In addition, the Board has recommended the distribution of bonus shares at a ratio of 5%. These proposed distributions are subject to the approval of the Annual General Assembly (AGM).
A Prudent Approach
Commenting on the Bank's annual financial results, Mr. Hamad Al-Bahar, NBK Group Chairman, affirmed that, despite the challenges posed by the global economic environment in 2025, including the repercussions of geopolitical tensions, tariff pressures, and the accommodative trajectory of interest rates, the Bank succeeded in further consolidating its position as a leading financial institution. This performance was underpinned by a prudent operating approach and a flexible strategy anchored in diversification and financial discipline.
Al-Bahar noted that the Bank’s financial results for the year ended 31 December 2025 reflect NBK’s ability to adapt and navigate a wide range of economic conditions, supported by a diversified business model, a strong capital base, high-quality assets, comfortable liquidity position, and a robust governance and risk management framework.
He added that the Bank continues to successfully execute its strategy of balancing the delivery of superior returns to shareholders with meeting the evolving needs of its customers. He further emphasized that sustainability has become a central pillar of NBK’s long-term growth agenda. The Bank recorded a significant year-on-year increase of approximately 23% in the value of its sustainable assets, reaching USD 6.10 billion by the end of 2025. This represents 61% of its strategic 2030 target of USD 10 billion. Al-Bahar added that 2025 marked a year of significant achievements that further reinforced NBK’s position as the largest contributor to corporate social responsibility initiatives in Kuwait. Among the most notable milestones were the inauguration of the Shuwaikh Beach Development and Beautification Project, funded by the Bank at a cost of KWD 3 million, as well as the laying of the foundation stone for the expansion of the NBK Children’s Hospital for Hematology, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplant. The expansion includes the construction of a new building at an estimated cost of nearly KWD 19 million.
Solid Operating Performance
Meanwhile, Mr. Isam J. Al-Sager, NBK Group Vice Chairman and CEO, said: “The Group’s 2025 results reflect the solid operating performance delivered across its various business segments, led by its core banking activities, despite the volatile global operating environment and its spillover effects on regional and local markets. During the year, the Group recorded a year-on-year growth of 3.6% in net operating income, reaching KWD 1.3 billion (USD 4.2 billion).”
He noted that the Group’s profit before tax recorded a year-on-year increase of 5.4% in 2025, while net profits were impacted by the application of the domestic top-up minimum tax on multinational entities operating in Kuwait. He emphasized that this impact on profit growth is transitional in nature, reflecting the base-year effect of 2025 as the first year of the tax’s implementation.
Al-Sager emphasized that NBK Group’s diversified business mix, carefully calibrated strategic investments, and disciplined risk management have mitigated the impact of adverse global economic conditions. He added that NBK continues to invest in technology and innovation as fundamental pillars of inclusive and sustainable growth, while also expanding its customer base and capitalizing on opportunities across promising markets and key sectors.
He further noted that, throughout 2025, the Bank continued to roll out innovative banking services and products specifically designed to meet the evolving needs of its customers. In addition, the Group’s Consumer and Digital Banking arm launched its new five-year strategy through 2030, marking a strategic shift from mere digitization of services to a fully customer-centric, underpinned by data collection and advanced analytics. This transformation further reinforces NBK’s leadership position locally and regionally, offering an exceptional banking experience.
Furthermore, Al-Sager pointed to the key contribution of both NBK Group’s corporate banking and international operations, as well as Boubyan Bank— the Group’s Islamic banking arm— in strengthening the Group’s profits. He further highlighted that NBK Wealth has continued to consolidate its position as the largest wealth management entity in Kuwait and among the largest in the region, by offering an integrated suite of private banking, investment management, and advisory services through a globally connected network of operations.
On major financing transactions, Al-Sager stated: “During 2025, NBK led a KWD 1.5 billion syndicated term facility with Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC). This transaction represents the largest financing of its kind denominated in Kuwaiti Dinars. The Bank served as the mandated lead arranger and bookrunner for the facility, as well as the agent for the conventional tranche. NBK’s share amounted to KD 495 million of the total financing, making it the largest contributor among all participating conventional and Islamic banks, accounting for approximately 60% of the KD 825 million conventional tranche.”
Al-Sager noted that this transaction reinforces NBK’s position as the largest financier of Kuwait’s oil sector and the primary banking partner for energy companies in supporting their expansion and growth plans.
He further noted that Kuwait Clearing Company’s selection of NBK as the country’s main settlement bank represents a testament to the Bank’s substantial investments in digital infrastructure and its high level of operational readiness. This milestone further strengthens NBK’s role in advancing the development of Kuwait’s capital market infrastructure.
On the sustainability front, Al-Sager affirmed that NBK continues to deepen its leading role in shaping a more sustainable future through its green financing initiatives and the development of products and solutions that reflect global best practices in sustainable finance. In this context, he pointed to the Bank’s signing in 2025 of Kuwait’s first-ever green loan agreement. He also highlighted NBK’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) framework through measurable initiatives that support emissions reduction and the achievement of carbon neutrality by 2060.
The Operating Environment
Al-Sager expressed his optimism regarding an improvement in the domestic operating environment in 2026, supported by a number of key factors.
He explained that the Financing and Liquidity Law enacted in 2025 has established an advanced framework for long-term sovereign debt issuances, thereby enhancing banking system liquidity through high-quality sovereign assets and supporting the financing of large-scale projects. He added that the Real Estate Financing Law—once approved—would enable banks to provide long-term financing for the residential sector, helping address the housing challenge and stimulating activity across construction and real estate–related sectors.
Moreover, Al-Sager noted that the value of government-awarded projects in 2025 exceeded KWD 4 billion, surpassing 2024 levels by well over 60%. Meanwhile, bank credit recorded solid performance, with credit to residents growing by approximately 7.63% year-on-year as of the end of December 2025, the fastest pace since 2023.
He indicated that project awards are expected to gain further momentum in 2026, supported by the broad pipeline of initiatives under the government’s capital projects program across multiple sectors, alongside a gradual pace of interest rate cuts. This combination bodes well for the outlook and is set to create a favorable environment for credit growth for both corporates and individuals during the year.
He emphasized, however, that while the domestic outlook remains positive, it is accompanied by certain regional and global challenges, including persistent geopolitical tensions, tariffs, and their associated negative economic repercussions.
Prestigious Awards
During 2025, NBK further consolidated its leadership position by receiving a series of prestigious awards from leading global institutions and publications.
Among these accolades, MEED named NBK Best Retail Bank and Best SME Bank in Kuwait, in addition to awarding the Bank several regional honors across the Middle East and North Africa, including Best Loan Offering, Best Contactless Payment Experience, and Best Payment Solutions for SMEs. NBK’s digital subsidiary, Weyay Bank, was also recognized with the Most Innovative Product Award for its children’s card, “Jeel.”
NBK also received three prestigious awards from Global Finance, including Best Digital Payment Solutions and Best Online Product Offerings in Kuwait, while Weyay Bank was named Best Digital Bank in Kuwait. Furthermore, the Bank won four awards from Euromoney, including Kuwait’s Best Bank for ESG, Kuwait’s Best Bank for Large Corporates, Kuwait’s Best Bank for Diversity and Inclusion, as well as Kuwait’s Best Digital Bank for Weyay Bank.
Key financial indicators for the financial year ended December 31, 2025
• Net operating income stood at KD 1.3 billion (USD 4.2 billion), up 3.6% year-on-year
• Total assets grew by 13.1% year-on-year, at KD 45.6 billion (USD 149.4 billion)
• Total loans and advances increased by 13.1% year-on-year to KD 26.8 billion (USD 87.8 billion)
• Customer deposits grew by 14.0% year-on-year to KD 26.1 billion (USD 85.3 billion)
• Total shareholders’ equity amounted to KD4.3 billion (USD 14.0 billion), registering an annual growth of 9.2%.
• Strong asset quality metrics, with NPL/gross loans ratio at 1.36% and an NPL coverage ratio of 240%
• Robust Capital Adequacy Ratio of 17.0%, comfortably exceeding regulatory requirements.