KUWAIT CITY, Dec 18: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) recently honored Dr. Dina Katabi, winner of the Kuwait Prize in Emerging Specialized Sciences, in a ceremony at the bank's headquarters. The event was attended by NBK's executive management, including Mr. Isam Al-Sager, Vice Chairman and Group CEO of NBK, Mr. Salah Al-Fulaij, CEO of NBK-Kuwait, Mr. Sulaiman Al-Marzouq, Deputy CEO, NBK-Kuwait, Mr. Faisal Al-Hamad, CEO of NBK Wealth Group, and Mr. Emad Al-Ablani, General Manager, Head of Human Resources Group at NBK, along with several senior leaders and officials from Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS). This recognition celebrated Dr. Katabi’s exceptional scientific and intellectual contributions. The award follows her earlier recognition by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, further acknowledging her remarkable achievements.

NBK's executive management presented a commemorative shield to Dr. Katabi, along with another to Dr. Khalil Amin, winner of Kuwait Prize in Applied Sciences. Dr. Amin, who heads the battery technology group at the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory, was recognized for his significant contributions to technological advancements. This gesture reflects NBK's deep commitment to honoring scientists, particularly in technological fields, and its dedication to fostering a culture of research and innovation. The bank continually seeks to inspire young researchers to develop innovative solutions that support societal and economic progress.

Dr. Katabi delivered an insightful lecture in collaboration with KFAS, focusing on strategies to enhance the use of technology across various sectors. During the session, she showcased presentations and shared real-world experiences to emphasize the transformative role of modern technologies in improving the quality of services in diverse fields.  

The Bank also organized a panel discussion attended by its employees, where Dr. Katabi addressed several pivotal topics, including the importance of motivating individuals to pursue excellence and innovation, fostering creativity, and building resilience. Drawing from the experiences of prominent figures who have made significant contributions in their respective fields, Katabi shared her own journey, discussing the challenges she faced, the lessons she learned, and the strategies that helped her achieve success and distinction.

The Kuwait Prize is one of the most distinguished awards granted annually by KFAS. It recognizes Kuwaiti and Arab scientists who have made significant and exceptional contributions to their research fields on a global scale. The awardees are selected based on recommendations from specialized panels comprising esteemed figures in the scientific community.

NBK strongly believes in fostering a culture of innovation and creativity. It remains committed to launching and supporting pioneering initiatives across various fields and sectors, collaborating with state institutions and strategic partners to positively impact society and create an inspiring environment for the next generation.

Committed to its role as the largest contributor to social responsibility in Kuwait, NBK consistently supports scientists and researchers in scientific and technical fields. The bank also provides opportunities for participation in scientific conferences, workshops, and panel discussions to showcase achievements and inspire younger generations to develop and innovate intellectually.

NBK serves as a role model in fostering innovation and supporting scientific and cultural initiatives. The bank prioritizes the development of national talent through specialized educational and training programs designed to enhance competencies and skills, reinforcing its role as a key contributor to sustainable development.

Dr. Katabi is a leading researcher specializing in emerging sciences and wireless networks. Her groundbreaking work bridges computer science and electrical engineering, significantly advancing the speed, reliability, and security of data transfer in Wi-Fi and cellular systems. Moreover, her innovative research in wireless sensing for medical applications has revolutionized non-invasive health monitoring, improving patient care and enabling early detection and management of various medical conditions.

She holds a bachelor's degree from Damascus University and earned both her master's and doctoral degrees from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She is currently a professor of electrical engineering and computer science at MIT, where she also leads the Center for Wireless Networks and Mobile Computing.  

Kuwait Prize, established in 1979, aims to honor distinguished scientific achievements by Kuwaiti and Arab scientists at a global level. Over the years, the award has gained significant recognition and popularity among Arab researchers. It is presented in five fields: basic sciences, applied sciences, economics and social sciences, arts and literature, and emerging interdisciplinary sciences. The first four fields are awarded annually, while the fifth field, focusing on emerging interdisciplinary sciences, is announced biennially.