The Union of Investment Companies (UIC) marked the conclusion of the inaugural ATHAR Program on September 15, 2026, during a ceremony held at the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) auditorium. The event was held under the patronage of Dr. Tareq Al-Jalahma, Minister of State for Youth and Sports Affairs, and attended by senior figures including Emad A Alzaid, Deputy General Director of KCCI, and Abdullah H AlTerkait, UIC Chairman, alongside representatives from investment firms, universities, national entities, program participants, and their families.

The ATHAR Program is designed to bridge the gap between academic studies and professional experience within the investment sector, offering students direct exposure to the capital market ecosystem. The initiative involves collaboration among investment companies, universities, and relevant national bodies to foster young talent and support human capital development.

Dr. Al-Jalahma highlighted the significance of investing in Kuwait’s youth, emphasizing the importance of nurturing their potential and equipping them with opportunities to enhance their skills and career prospects. He emphasized the program’s namesake, ATHAR, underscoring the lasting impact an individual can make on their community and profession.

Abdullah H AlTerkait underlined UIC’s longstanding role in representing the investment sector and its commitment to training national talent. He stressed that the sector’s sustainability depends heavily on investing in human capital, not just financial resources. AlTerkait described ATHAR as a practical response to the aspiration of young Kuwaitis to connect academic education with real-world experience. He noted the program’s success in providing participants with valuable insights into the demands of the sector and expressed gratitude to all partners for their contributions. He further stated that the completion of ATHAR marks the start of the participants’ professional pathways rather than an endpoint.

Emad A Alzaid emphasized the critical need to align educational outputs with labor market demands amid workforce nationalization challenges and evolving job landscapes. He praised the role of applied training in boosting the productivity and competitiveness of national talent, while highlighting the private sector’s responsibility in youth development. Alzaid commended UIC’s efforts in fostering early engagement between students and investment firms, aiming to leave a meaningful and enduring impact on participants’ careers.

The ceremony also featured a detailed presentation on the ATHAR journey by team members Farah Al-Ajmi and Salem Almezel, outlining the selection process, university and company participation, student placements, and skill development milestones. The program’s partners include a range of investment companies such as Al-Safat Investment Company, Kamco Invest, and Noor Financial Investment Company, as well as academic institutions like Kuwait University’s College of Business Administration, American University of Kuwait, and Gulf University for Science and Technology.

Additional support came from the Capital Markets Authority (CMA), Boursa Kuwait, and Kuwait Clearing Company, which provided participants with on-site visits and educational sessions explaining the operational, regulatory, and legislative frameworks of Kuwait’s capital market. These interactions deepened participants’ understanding of the market’s infrastructure and regulatory environment.

The judging panel, comprising Dr. Anas F Altourah of the Kuwait Commercial Arbitration Center and Dakhil A Aldakhil, evaluated the participants’ final projects. Team “Fils” from Kamco Invest secured first place, presenting a project aimed at simplifying investment concepts for young people to encourage small-scale investments and promote financial literacy. They were awarded KWD 1,000 and the opportunity to present their project during the ceremony.

All program participants received certificates and commemorative shields in recognition of their dedication and achievements. UIC stressed that the value of the program lies beyond competition, highlighting the knowledge and experience gained by all involved.

Notably, several participants were offered employment opportunities with participating companies, illustrating ATHAR’s impact as a stepping stone into the professional investment sector. UIC expressed intentions to build upon the success of the first edition, expanding future iterations to include broader participation and enhanced opportunities for Kuwait’s youth.

The ATHAR Program represents a coordinated national effort to develop human capital and cultivate sustainable growth within Kuwait’s investment sector.