Warba Bank has launched the sixth edition of its ‘Rowad’ program, designed to equip youth with advanced knowledge and technical skills in technology, artificial intelligence, and banking innovation, preparing them to lead the region’s digital transformation.
Rowad 6.0 is organized in collaboration with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Innovation Hub. The program crowns five consecutive years of achievements and has today become a comprehensive innovation platform attracting top Kuwaiti students studying abroad.
This year, the program targets not only Kuwaiti students but also Gulf students studying at European universities, especially in the UK. It reflects Warba Bank’s commitment to nurturing youth potential, supporting education, and developing human capital as a foundation for sustainable growth.
As a core pillar of Warba’s vision, ‘Let’s Own Tomorrow’, the Rowad 6.0 prepares young leaders to drive digital transformation and economic progress, reinforcing the Bank’s dedication to innovation, education, and social responsibility as drivers of long-term development.
Five years of ongoing success
Since its launch, the Rowad Program has grown from an internal initiative for bank employees into a regional platform fostering innovation. Expanding edition by edition, it welcomed students from Kuwait University, private universities, Kuwaiti students in the UK, and now, in its sixth edition, students from GCC countries studying in Europe.
Over five years, it has graduated nearly 100 students who developed more than 25 innovative projects in fields such as fintech, AI, and digital banking, significantly advancing banking services and customer experience.
Objectives and key pillars of Rowad 6.0
The Rowad 6.0 Program is designed to empower youth with advanced knowledge and technical skills in fintech and artificial intelligence, fostering innovation and practical solutions to modern banking challenges. It builds strong connections between students and industry experts through interactive learning, mentorship, and collaborative teamwork.
The Rowad 6.0 program’s pillars include hands-on training in AI applications for banking, programming and app development, technology ethics, cybersecurity, and entrepreneurial skills, all aimed at providing a well-rounded understanding of financial technology opportunities and risks. Through its teamwork-based approach, participants also strengthen leadership, communication, and stress management skills essential for career growth.
In partnership with DIFC, Rowad 6.0 offers access to world-class training and mentorship from global fintech experts, ensuring participants gain practical and industry-relevant knowledge to create impactful, innovative solutions.
Anwar Bader Al-Ghaith Deputy CEO Support Services & Treasury – Warba Bank
“We are delighted to announce the launch of the sixth edition of the Rowad program, which has become a hallmark of Warba Bank’s journey and an integral part of our vision ‘Let’s Own Tomorrow’. Over the past years, this program has successfully graduated generations of creative youth who today carry the torch of innovation across various sectors. Our investment in youth is not just a social responsibility; it is a long-term strategy to build a prosperous future for our nation and our region. Today, with the launch of the sixth edition, we reaffirm our commitment to continuing to invest in the minds of our youth, equipping them with the knowledge and tools that enable them to lead change and create sustainable banking solutions that serve our customers and our community. As we expand to include students from the GCC, Rowad 6.0 reflects our full conviction in the importance of Gulf-wide cooperation in education and innovation. We are confident that GCC youth possess immense potential, and it is our duty to provide them with the tools and knowledge necessary to transform that potential into tangible achievements that serve our societies and contribute to sustainable economic development.”
Details of Rowad 6.0: Programs and participation
The Rowad 6.0 Program spans eight weeks of intensive training, where participants collaborate in multidisciplinary teams to design innovative projects under the mentorship of experts from Warba Bank and the Dubai International Financial Centre. Its structure combines interactive workshops, lectures by industry leaders, brainstorming sessions, and hands-on projects that turn creative ideas into real-world solutions.
Participants gain specialized training in diverse fields, including AI applications in banking, algorithm and predictive model design, information security and cybersecurity, user experience for financial applications, and the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and responsible innovation. The program also gives students direct access to industry leaders, allowing them to benefit from expert insights and practical knowledge in developing impactful technological solutions.
Call for participation, Registration details
Kuwaiti students and GCC students studying at European universities, especially in the UK, are invited to apply for the Rowad 6.0 Program. This unique opportunity allows young innovators to gain valuable skills, enhance their academic and professional growth, and compete for prizes offered by Warba Bank.
Students can register for Rowad 6.0 through Warba Bank’s website or by contacting the program team via email. The simple process requires an application form, a personal statement on motivation and goals, and a brief summary of academic background and interests in technology and innovation.
Previous Editions of Rowad
The five previous editions of the Rowad Program have produced remarkable success stories showcasing the innovation and talent of Gulf youth in technology. In its fifth edition, the Warba Web team, Kuwaiti students Bader Al-Saeed, Mohammed Al-Dihani, and Khaled Al-Muzaidi; secured first place with a project offering advanced financial solutions to support technological progress in Kuwait’s labor market.
Earlier editions also saw participants creating smart apps for investment portfolio management, intelligent credit risk analysis systems, and innovative digital banking customer experience solutions. Many of these projects not only won awards but were further developed and implemented in real business and financial settings, highlighting both the quality and practical value of the program’s outcomes.
The partnership with the DIFC Innovation Hub is a cornerstone of the Rowad Program’s success, combining Warba Bank’s expertise in Islamic banking with DIFC’s position as a global hub for financial innovation. This collaboration gives participants access to advanced technologies, international fintech mentors, and a vibrant ecosystem of startups, financial institutions, and technology leaders, enriching their learning experience and expanding their professional horizons.
Warba Bank continuously enhances the Rowad Program to keep pace with the latest advancements in technology and education. Each edition features updated curricula, new industry-aligned topics, and more interactive learning methods. Moving forward, the program plans to expand to students from more countries, introduce specialized technical tracks, and establish a strong alumni network to support future participants, while strengthening partnerships with leading educational and technology institutions to broaden its impact.
