Kuwait, 30 September 2026: Reflecting its continued commitment to empowering Kuwaiti entrepreneurs and strengthening the local business community, Kuwait International Bank (KIB), through its start-up incubator and accelerator subsidiary, KIB Business Center, hosted “Move & Build”, an exclusive networking event that brought together owners of gyms, fitness studios, and wellness centers from across Kuwait. Held recently at the Center, the event formed part of KIB’s broader corporate social responsibility efforts, creating a platform for industry dialogue and exchange that supports business development and contributes to sustainable economic growth. Participants gained access to market knowledge, peer expertise and valuable insights to help them identify emerging opportunities within their sector.
Commenting on the initiative, Abdulaziz Al-Shammari, Assistant General Manager of Retail Banking at KIB, said: “At KIB, our role in serving Kuwait’s business and entrepreneurial community extends beyond banking solutions. We believe that the growth and development of local enterprises are fundamental to building a stronger and more sustainable business ecosystem. Local business owners play an important role in driving economic activity, creating employment opportunities and supporting innovation, ultimately contributing to a more resilient, dynamic and growing economy. Through our Business Banking offering and initiatives such as ‘Move & Build’, we aim to provide business owners with tailored financial solutions alongside the knowledge, insights and connections that can help them navigate growth, strengthen their capabilities and build for the future.”
Organized in collaboration with strategic partner Boutiqaat and data partner EXCPR Consultancy and Business Management, “Move & Build” facilitated connections among entrepreneurs operating across different areas of Kuwait’s growing fitness and wellness sector, including CrossFit, strength training, Pilates, reformer, yoga, general fitness, rehabilitation, and physiotherapy. Participants gained access to exclusive market data and analysis on the local sector, while the event provided opportunities to exchange experiences, discuss shared business challenges, build new relationships and expand networks within the industry.
From his side, Hamad Al Oufan, Manager – Business Banking Department at KIB, stated: “KIB Business Center’s focus is on leveraging our proximity to the Bank’s Business Banking customers to deliver experiences that respond to the realities of running and growing a business in Kuwait. ‘Move & Build’ reflects this approach by creating a focused setting around one fast-evolving sector and the issues that matter most to its business owners. This proximity allows us to better understand what is shaping our customers’ businesses and continue developing distinctive initiatives that respond to their ambitions and evolving needs.”
Meanwhile, Ali Al-Tayyar, Corporate Communications Senior Manager at Boutiqaat, noted that the fruitful collaboration with KIB reflects Boutiqaat’s commitment to forging sustainable community partnerships aligned with its vision of contributing to a better future. He added that the collaboration offered a valuable platform for exchanging insights and expertise on key shifts in consumer behavior and evolving lifestyle trends, while shedding light on their implications for the fitness and health sectors.
Al-Tayyar further explained that the event provided an opportunity for direct dialogue with business owners and professionals across the fitness and health sectors, facilitating meaningful discussions around evolving consumer expectations and needs, as well as the importance of continuously enhancing services and experiences to keep pace with these shifts. He emphasized that Boutiqaat remains committed to supporting initiatives that bring diverse sectors together around shared objectives, foster knowledge exchange, and enhance businesses’ ability to understand their customers and respond effectively to their evolving needs, ultimately contributing to the sustainable growth of vital sectors and creating lasting value for the community.
Meanwhile, Nayef Bastaki, CEO of EXCPR, said: “We were pleased to collaborate with KIB through its subsidiary on ‘Move & Build’ and bring our market expertise to an initiative that places relevant insights directly in the hands of Kuwaiti business owners. The event gave fitness and wellness entrepreneurs a clearer view of customer behavior, competitive dynamics, and the factors influencing decisions around pricing and retention. We believe that combining relevant data with direct engagement can give business owners greater confidence as they plan for sustainable growth.”
It is worth noting that KIB continues to support Kuwaiti entrepreneurs and local business owners through its Business Banking services, providing customers with the financial solutions they need to manage and grow their businesses. Alongside this core offering, initiatives such as “Move & Build” and the work of KIB Business Center reflect the Bank’s broader social responsibility efforts and commitment to advancing its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) priorities by creating opportunities for knowledge exchange, collaboration and engagement that contribute to sustainable economic development in Kuwait.