Gulf Bank headquarters recognized as Kuwaiti landmark – Building highlighted at Dar Al-Athar Al-Islamiyya’s ‘Modern Architecture in Kuwait’ exhibition

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KUWAIT CITY, May 27: Gulf Bank was founded in the heart of Kuwait in 1961, and its headquarters building is widely recognized as a Kuwaiti landmark. Dar Al-Athar Al-Islamiyya is currently hosting an exhibition entitled ‘Modern Architecture Kuwait’ which showcases the history and architecture of Kuwait during the period of 1949 and 1989, and features the Gulf Bank head office.

Gulf Bank’s iconic building stands out on the Kuwaiti architectural landscape due to its outer façade. The design of the building was inspired by the sea, using ‘accropode’ type structures which are designed to resist the action of waves. This outer concrete façade was created to provide protection from the sun and elements, as well as to provide a uniform look. Jean-Robert Delb, is the French architect who was appointed to design Gulf Bank’s headquarters after the completion of his well-known ‘Tour Europe’ in Paris. He was awarded the ‘Deuxieme Prix de Rome’ in 1957 for his work.

Laila Al-Qatami, Assistant General Manager for Corporate Communications at Gulf Bank, said: “Gulf Bank is honored to be highlighted for its place in the architectural landscape of Kuwait City. We would like to thank the organizers at Dar Al-Athar Al-Islamiyya for an enriching exhibition that deepens knowledge of our country’s architectural environment, and provides information on the city’s urban development. Gulf Bank is proud of its unique heritage and to being an active contributor to our country’s growth and development. Gulf Bank thanks our valued customers for their continued loyalty to Gulf Bank. The Bank also expresses its gratitude and appreciation to all those who, over the years, have been part of the Gulf Bank family. “

Osama Al Balhan, Director of Media Programs and Public Relations at Dar Al-Athar Al-Islamiyya stated: “Our exhibition on Kuwait’s modern architecture combines history with architectural design. We are displaying the most distinguished buildings such as the Diwan Al Amiri’s building, the National Assembly building, the Kuwait Towers, unique school buildings, along with distinguished buildings from the private sector which we believe have contributed immensely to the development of the city’s landscape. We are pleased to have Gulf Bank’s headquarters featured amongst the most iconic ones; it has long been considered as a monumental building in Kuwait.”

Commenting on the nautical theme of Gulf Bank’s building and its identity, Al-Qatami said: “The Bank’s head office, which dates back to 1969, is one of the most recognizable buildings in Kuwait, its outer façade provides a solution to the country’s harsh climate conditions by providing shading from sun exposure and heat, in addition to being uniquely inspired by marine elements used for protection of break waters. Additionally, the Bank’s logo and branch concept design is also strongly inspired by Kuwait’s seafaring heritage. The decor in our 56 branches has been specially designed in the shape of a dhow and fitted with complementary accessories in the same theme. Customers entering the branch experience the warmth and spirit of true Kuwaiti heritage in a high-quality banking environment.”

The construction of Gulf Bank head office started in 1969 and was finished in 1974. During this phase, the first banking institutions envisioned new purposed buildings that were built and conceived in different areas of the Central Business District. Over the years this area has expanded and changed, consequently not many of the early building constructed in that period remain and even fewer are still being used for their original purposes. Gulf Bank headquarters is one of the remaining few remaining still be using for its original purpose and with its outer façade in tact.

For more information about Gulf Bank’s initiatives, products, and services customers are encouraged to: visit one of the Bank’s 56 branches, call the customer contact center on 1805805; log onto www.e-gulfbank.com; or follow the Bank’s social media channels.

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