Finance Minister attends GIB golden jubilee reception

Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy, attended a reception celebrating the golden jubilee of the Gulf International Bank (GIB).

Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa underscored that marking GIB’s 50th anniversary reflects pride in a successful banking journey and a pioneering institutional experience that has shown its ability to adapt to economic and financial changes, while strengthening trust and partnership between governments and the private sector in the markets where the bank operates, foremost among them the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The minister emphasised that the Kingdom, in line with the comprehensive development process led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and supported by the balanced economic policies of the government led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, as well as its advanced regulatory environment, has succeeded in consolidating its position as a leading financial and banking hub in the region and a bridge for Gulf economic integration, making it a preferred destination for regional and international financial institutions.

Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa added that GIB embodies a successful model of economic, financial and banking cooperation between the two kingdoms, a partnership that derives its strength and development from the deep-rooted ties linking the two countries throughout history and their close cooperation in the financial, banking and economic domains. This cooperation contributes to supporting development pathways and brings prosperity and growth to the two peoples.

The minister noted that the financial and banking sector is among the most significant contributors to Bahrain’s gross domestic product, given its central role in financing projects, stimulating investments, increasing economic diversification, and supporting growth and prosperity pathways within a comprehensive economic vision based on fairness, sustainability and competitiveness.

Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa congratulated the Board of Directors of GIB, its executive management and all its employees, wishing them continued success and the achievement of further qualitative accomplishments that strengthen Bahraini-Saudi partnership and support the national economy.

Fahad Al Saif, Chairman of the Board of Directors of GIB, said that celebrating the golden jubilee in the Kingdom under the slogan Rooted Legacy, Accelerating Horizons marks a key milestone in the bank’s journey and an opportunity to recognise fifty years of solid institutional work and deep strategic partnerships that have strengthened its position as a leading regional financial institution. He noted that over decades of transformation and growth, Gulf International Bank has consolidated its role in supporting economic development in the region through a clear vision, sound management and quality investments.

Abdulaziz Al Helaissi, Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of GIB, said that the celebration reflects pride in the achievements realised over five decades of expansion and innovation, during which the group built an integrated and flexible banking model serving regional and international markets and strengthening competitiveness. He added that these cumulative successes stem from the dedication of employees, the trust of clients and the support of shareholders, which will continue to drive the group towards a new phase of sustainable growth.

GIB was established in Bahrain in 1975 and currently operates as an integrated banking and financial institution across the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. It provides a wide range of banking and investment services, including corporate and institutional banking, global banking, asset management and treasury services, in addition to the digital retail bank "Meem". The group’s operations extend through its branches and subsidiaries in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.