Home lists 100 Most Powerful Arabs 2023 Shaikha Khaled Al Bahar Deputy group CEO, National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) Origin: Kuwait Residence: Kuwait Sector: Finance Shaikha Al Bahar is a powerful voice in the region’s banking industry. The ‘Distinguished Services to Arab Banking’ award she received from the Arab Bankers Association in November last year is a testament to her influence. Al Bahar has been with the National Bank of Kuwait for over 35 years, during which the bank has become the largest in Kuwait. In 2022, NBK recorded over $1.7bn in profit from a net operating income of $3.3bn. The Shaikha is recognised for her crucial role in shaping NBK’s strategic vision, positioning it as the most valuable banking brand in Kuwait and among the top five banking brands regionally. In addition, she is a strong proponent of women empowerment, launched ‘NBK Rise’, a first-of-its-kind global women’s leadership initiative that advocates for greater boardroom diversity.