The Aspire Banks League has now concluded its eleventh week, with Qatar Central Bank (QCB) holding onto its position at the top of the league following a comfortable win against Qatar Development Bank (QDB), who currently sit at the bottom of the table with just three points. During the week, Qatar National Bank (QNB) recovered from its most recent defeat against QCB with a strong 2-1 win against Barwa Bank, allowing the team to climb up to second place in the table with 27 points.

QCB is closely followed by Barwa Bank, who currently sit in third place with 24 points, Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB), who have 21 points, Masraf Al Rayyan, who have 19 points, and Doha Bank, who have 17 points. After maintaining the top position in the league for nine weeks running, QNB fell from its first place ranking after a match against QCB in week 10. The forthcoming matches are expected to be highly competitive, given the small differences between the points each team has.

The Aspire Banks League, which follows a points-based ranking system, launched in October 2015 and will conclude in February 2016. The league is being played over a total of 91 matches every Saturday and Sunday in the indoor football pitch at the Aspire Dome.

QNB, the Leading Financial Institution in the Middle East and North Africa, has cooperated with Qatar’s  Ministry of Environment to organize an awareness campaign for campers during Qatar’s current camping season.

The campaign, which carries great importance during the Qatari winter camping season which began on 1 November 2015 and will continue until 31 March 2016, aims to spread awareness among campers of the proper guidelines to be followed during their camping trips to ensure their own safety and protect the environment from harm. It aims to promote compliance with camping, environmental, and safety guidelines, as well as instructions on how to use first aid, should need arise.

This cooperation comes as part of QNB’s keenness to safeguard the safety and interests of its clients and the communities in which it operates, and as part of its robust CSR program, by which the Group strives to give back and provide beneficial assistance to the community in Qatar and across its international network. QNB Group’s presence through its subsidiaries and associate companies extends to more than 27 countries across three continents providing a comprehensive range of advanced products and services. The total number of employees is more than 15,200 operating through more than 635 locations, with an ATM network of more than 1,390 machines.

QNB, ‘The Leading Financial Institution in the Middle East and North Africa’, was distinguished as the “Best Trade Finance Provider in Qatar 2016” by Global Finance Magazine at the closing luncheon of the BAFT (Bankers’ Association for Finance and Trade) Global Annual Meeting at L’Hotel du Collectionneur in Paris.

QNB was named the ‘Best Trade Finance Provider in Qatar 2016’ based on input from industry analysts, corporate executives and technology experts. Criteria for choosing the winners included: transaction volume, scope of global coverage, customer service, competitive pricing and innovative technologies. Global Finance Magazine is a leading International publication recognized as a reliable source of news and analysis of market insights around the world. Its target audience includes Chairmen, Presidents, CEO’s, CFO’s, treasurers and other senior financial officers responsible for making strategic decisions at multinational companies and financial institutions.

QNB’s trade finance services support public and private sector institutions, multinational corporations, companies, traders and service providers that regularly conduct business within Qatar and the region. QNB Group’s presence through its subsidiaries and associate companies extends to more than 27 countries across three continents providing a comprehensive range of advanced products and services. The total number of employees is more than 15,200 operating through more than 635 locations, with an ATM network of more than 1,390 machines.

QNB, the Leading Financial Institution in the Middle East and North Africa, in collaboration with Ooredoo, Qatar’s leading communications company, announced the launch of a mobile package dedicated exclusively to QNB First members at a monthly fee of only QR 350.

The QNB First Ooredoo Plan provides a premium and an unmatched experience that includes unlimited local calls and SMS, 60GB of local data,  five hours of international calling, five hours of roaming incoming minutes, 100 roaming minutes and 1GB of roaming data, in addition to one free premium Al-Maha Airport Service per year. To avail this offer, which runs from the 24^th of January until the 24^th of April, QNB First members can simply show a valid QNB First Credit or Debit Card at any Ooredoo Store located at all major malls across Qatar.

This step strongly highlights QNB’s commitment to providing its premium banking members with the best products and lifestyle privileges across its network of operations, to meet the daily requirements of this unique base of its customers. Ooredoo, one of QNB’s strong and long-term partners, continues to provide services that enhance the Bank’s customer experience, thanks to its state-of-the-art Supernet network and innovative services as the country’s pioneer communications organization.

QNB Group’s presence through its subsidiaries and associate companies extends to more than 27 countries across three continents providing a comprehensive range of advanced products and services. The total number of employees is more than 15,200 operating through more than 635 locations, with an ATM network of more than 1,390 machines.

Ooredoo’s popular Mobile Money App ‘Ooredoo Money’ has undergone a massive upgrade this week, enabling customers to now create and change their secure mPin, use the Ooredoo Exchange to transfer money to any bank account, and estimate exchange rates and amount sent via the application.

With the Ooredoo Money App, which was launched late last year, customers can check their finance, transfer money instantly around the world through MoneyGram, and complete daily tasks such as purchasing Hala top-ups (with 10% extra credit), data recharges (with 25% extra bonus), Ooredoo Passport services and pay Ooredoo bills. Thanks to the upgrades, Ooredoo Mobile Money customers can now also use the Ooredoo Exchange via the App, enabling users to send money directly to bank accounts in Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Nepal.

To ensure that customers get the best value for money, Ooredoo has also introduced the ‘Exchange Rate Estimate’ and “Send Amount Estimate” feature on the app, allowing users to see the fee and exchange rates, as well as the amount needed to be sent against a particular expected amount in local currency, before transferring money internationally. For users in Qatar, pre-registered QNB Mobile Payment customers can now send transactions through the app easier and faster than ever before, enabling fund transfers into any mobile money wallet directly from their QNB Bank account. To access this feature the Ooredoo Money App needs to be accessed from the mobile number registered for the QNB Mobile Payment service.

Ooredoo has also enhanced the app to enable first time users to efficiently generate the mPIN and change it to their personal and easy to remember PIN, ensuring security from the very first use. The upgrade to Ooredoo Mobile Money is the latest enhancement to the service, which is becoming the most popular cashless payment method in Qatar. Customers can register for Mobile Money for free with a valid Qatar ID at any Ooredoo Shop, by dialling *140#, or by simply downloading the free “Ooredoo Money” App on their mobile and following the simple on-screen registration instructions.

Once registered, customers can cash-in money for free in their mobile wallet using any of over 200 Ooredoo Self-Service Machines available throughout Qatar. Deposits can also be made through Ooredoo Shops or direct transfer from any QNB Bank account through QNB Mobile Payment service. 

For more information, customers can ask about Mobile Money in an Ooredoo Shop or visit the Mobile Money section on the Ooredoo website at http://www.ooredoo.qa/en/omm#

QNB, The Leading Financial Institution in the Middle East and North Africa announced the names of winners of its recently launched  campaign “ATM USE & WIN’’. Each winner has received a new iPhone 6, in a draw that  was performed under Ministry of Economy and Trade supervision.

The lucky winners have participated in a special campaign for both QNB and non QNB customers, between October 1^st and December 30^th, 2015. The “ATM Use & Win” campaign attracted lots of participants who performed any transaction with a minimum of QR 50, for Cash withdrawals, Bill Payments and Top-ups, to get a chance of winning a new iPhone 6. QNB provides the best internet banking services to its clients in Qatar, delivering premium quality products and services, including flexibility to transfer worldwide through Western Union services, secured online payments and premium services from PayPal, and many other convenient and secured solutions via mobile and internet services.

QNB Group’s presence through its subsidiaries and associate companies extends to more than 27 countries across three continents providing a comprehensive range of advanced products and services. The total number of employees is more than 15,200 operating through more than 635 locations, with an ATM network of more than 1,390 machines.

QNB, the Leading Financial Institution in the Middle East and North Africa, received the 2015 Elite J.P. Morgan Quality Recognition Award for MT103/ MT202 category of payments, with excellent ratings of 99.80% for the MT202 and of 99.24% for the MT103 respectively. Mr. Abdulla Mubarak Al Khalifa Executive General Manager – Chief Business Officer- received the award on behalf of QNB at the bank’s head office, in attendance of senior management representatives from both sides.

The Elite Quality Recognition Awards are given to institutional clients of J.P. Morgan that demonstrate best-in-class operational efficiency. Less than 1% of their clients are able to meet the strict criteria for the awards each year. JP Morgan commended the quality of QNB’s operational management which places the Bank in the highest percentile of global financial institutions to demonstrate Treasury and Commercial payments efficiency. These include financial institutions from Qatar as well as international banks.

MT103 and MT202 are Straight-Through Processing (STP) mechanisms that provide financial services providers with tremendous benefits, including greatly shortened processing cycles, reduced settlement risk and lower operating costs. These transactions utilize modern electronic instruction systems such as SWIFT and each numbered Message Type (MT) serves a specific purpose. The MT103 ‘Elite’ Quality Recognition Award is given only to J.P. Morgan clients achieving an STP rate greater than 99.0%, with a minimum transaction volume of 10,000 transactions during an assessment year. The MT202 ‘Elite’ Quality Recognition Award honour clients achieving an STP rate greater than 99.7% over at least 8,000 transactions during the year.

QNB Group’s presence through its subsidiaries and associate companies extends to more than 27 countries across three continents providing a comprehensive range of advanced products and services. The total number of employees is more than 15,200 operating through more than 635 locations, with an ATM network of more than 1,390 machines.

Financial markets have experienced a meltdown since the beginning of the year. The decline impacted all risky assets, including global equities (down 7.9% in the first three full trading weeks of the year), emerging markets’ bonds and currencies (1.2% and 3.0% respectively) as well as commodities (6.9%).

Just like August last year, the turmoil was triggered by a devaluation of the Chinese currency, which fell by 1.6% against the US dollar in the first week of the year. Although the yuan has subsequently stabilised, markets have remained nervous about the uncertainty surrounding China’s exchange rate policy. The question is whether the Chinese authorities can manage a gradual devaluation that is beneficial for the economy, or if devaluation will be chaotic with negative economic implications.

A gradual devaluation of the currency could be beneficial for three main reasons. First, it would help exporters, boosting economic growth. Until recently, the Chinese yuan was closely linked to the US dollar. Expectations of tighter monetary policy in the US relative to the rest of the world have led to the appreciation of the dollar against most currencies. This has pulled up the value of the yuan, leading to its rise against most currencies. On a trade-weighted basis, the yuan has strengthened by 20% since 2012. This has hurt exports and, in turn, growth. The Chinese economy’s 2015 growth was the slowest in 25 years, with real GDP expanding by only 6.9%. A devaluation of the yuan could restore some of the lost competitiveness to Chinese exports, and invigorate growth in the future.

Second, a devaluation of the currency could reduce the need to sell foreign currency reserves to support the yuan. Chinese reserves declined by over USD100bn in December 2015, and by a total of USD700bn since their mid-2014 peak. This happened as the authorities tried to support the currency in the face of capital flight. And while China still possesses considerable reserves amounting to USD3.3tn, these could be depleted if capital flight continues at the current rate. Allowing more flexibility in the exchange rate may help preserve China’s reserves.

Third, a more flexible exchange rate would also reflect the new requirements for a more liberalised currency following the International Monetary Fund’s decision to include the yuan in its Special Drawing Rights basket, supporting the goal of the authorities to internationalise the currency.

However, the devaluation of the currency also comes with its own set of risks. Chief among them is the risk of widespread corporate defaults. China has accumulated nearly USD1.5tn of foreign-currency debt over the last eight years. A devaluation of the currency would make servicing this debt more burdensome, which could result in a financial crisis that could bring the economy down. Second, a devaluation could be interpreted as a sign of an underlying weakness in the Chinese economy. This could lead to continued turmoil in financial markets with negative repercussions in China and the rest of the world, given China’s size in the global economy, its contribution to the world’s economic growth, its dominant role in trade and its importance as a major consumer of commodities.

Finally,a devaluation could delay China’s planned transition towards a more consumer-based economy. A significant weakening of the currency would make imports more expensive, reducing the purchasing power of consumers. The risk-benefit analysis of China’s devaluation outlined above suggests that a small, controlled devaluation could benefit Chinese exports and growth. But this needs to be done without triggering a large devaluation or a currency crisis in China with unpredictable repercussions. When it comes to the fate of their exchange rate, the Chinese authorities do not have much room for manoeuvre.

QNB, the Leading Financial Institution in the Middle East and North Africa, has  been recognized  for its  Best SME Customer Service and Best Managed Advisory Service in Qatar  by  the Banker Middle East Magazine.

QNB’s Group Corporate Banking received the Best SME Customer Service award, while its Treasury and Investment Banking Department received the Best Managed Advisory Service award, marking QNB’s outstanding customer service and performance. The awards were received as part of the 2015 iteration of The Banker Magazine’s Middle East Qatar Product Awards, which are designed to identify and reward quality and excellence in financial services in the  booming Qatari banking sector.

This latest award for QNB tops off what has been a fantastic year for the Bank which has seen it awarded a number of awards throughout the past 12 months as well as having enjoyed continued financial success. The Banker is one of the world’s premier banking and finance resources, bringing it with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Further, The Banker is a key source of data and analysis for the Banking industry worldwide. A frequent recipient of The Banker magazine’s awards, QNB is always committed to providing outstanding banking services to all its clients in Qatar and abroad across its international network by constantly introducing new and innovative products and services specially tailored to serve them and fulfill their requirements in all banking categories.

QNB Group’s presence through its subsidiaries and associate companies extends to more than 27 countries across three continents providing a comprehensive range of advanced products and services. The total number of employees is more than 15,200 operating through more than 635 locations, with an ATM network of more than 1,390 machines.

QNB Group, a Leading Financial Institution in the Middle East and Africa,  held  its Ordinary and Extraordinary General Assembly meetings, during which the Group's Financial Results for the year ended 31st December 2015 were approved.

The General Assembly also ratified all remaining items on its Agenda of both the Ordinary and Extraordinary General Assemblies, including the proposal by The Board of Directors to distribute a cash dividend of 35% of the nominal share value (QAR3.5 per share) and a bonus shares of 20% of the share capital (Two shares for every ten shares). The meeting also approved the appointment of Ernst &Young as External Auditors for the year 2016. During the meeting, H.E. Ali Shareef Al Emadi, The Chairman of QNB Group's Board of Directors, presented both an overview of the Bank's activities and financial results for 2015.

H.E. The Chairman stated that QNB Group’s success in maintaining momentum across all its activities was reflected in the strong 2015 financial results. Driven by the dual considerations of on-going domestic and international expansion along with the continuing adoption of a prudent approach to risk management, QNB had re-affirmed its status as the leading financial institution in the Middle East and Africa Region. H.E. The Chairman also provided an overview of the Bank’s business plans for the year of 2016. Retaining its leading position through diversifying income sources and expanding the range of activities across the QNB Group was of primary focus. The ability to meet shareholders’ expectations remained a core consideration for 2016.

The strong and robust nature of QNB Group’s performance in 2015 was reflected in the delivery of record financial results. Net Profit rose to QR11.3 billion, up by 8% compared to 2014 and Total Assets increased by 11% from December 2014 to reach QAR539 billion. Based on the Group’s continuous strong financial performance and its expanding international presence, QNB is currently ranked as the most valuable bank brand in The Middle East and Africa, with a current world ranking of 79 in 2015 and a brand valuation of $2.6 billion according to Brand Finance Magazine.

QNB Group’s presence through its subsidiaries and associate companies extends to more than 27 countries across three continents providing a comprehensive range of advanced products and services. The total number of employees is more than 15,200 operating through more than 635 locations, with an ATM network of more than 1,390 machines.

Qatar Central Bank (QCB) has continued to lead the charts of the Aspire Banks League with 30 points following the conclusion of the twelfth week, followed by Qatar National Bank (QNB) in second place. Competitions within week 12 saw QCB earn an 8-3 win in its match against the International Bank of Qatar, and Barwa Bank winning its match against Al Khaliji Bank with a score of 9-3, bringing its total to 27 points. Meanwhile, Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) passed Al Ahli Bank with a 3-0 win, bringing its total to 24 points. The match between Doha Bank and Qatar International Islamic Bank resulted in a draw.

In another tough defeat, Qatar Development Bank (QDB) lost its match with QNB 7-1, allowing QNB to maintain its second place ranking with 30 points. The participating teams are looking forward to the next and final round of matches during week 13, which will witness intense competition between QCB, QNB, Barwa Bank and QIB all competing for first place. The finals will take place next Sunday February 7 at 6:00PM in Aspire Dome.

Bearish sentiments continued to torment the Qatar Stock Exchange for the second day on Thursday as the key index lost another 70 points mainly on selling pressure from domestic and Gulf institutions. Banking and transport stocks notably witnessed profit-booking to drag the 20-stock Qatar Index 0.71% to 9,847.36 points. Lower buying interests of local retail investors also played its part in the bearish run in the bourse, which is down 5.58% year-to-date. However, non-Qatari individual investors and institutions turned bullish in the market, where trading turnover fell amid increase in volumes.

The index that tracks Shariah-principled stocks however saw gains vis-à-vis declines in the other indices in the market, where consumer goods, industrials, realty and banking goods stocks together accounted for about 90% of the total trading volume. Market capitalisation eroded 1%, or more than QR5bn, to QR523.34bn with large, mid and small cap equities melting 1.28%, 0.33% and 0.17%. Micro caps rose 0.73%. The Total Return Index was down 0.2% to 15,598.64 points and the All Share Index by 0.26% to 2,673.51 points, while the Al Rayan Islamic Index rose 0.38% to 3,613.76 points.

Banks and financial services stocks shrank 1.06%, followed by transport (0.58%), insurance (0.56%), industrials (0.3%) and telecom (0.22%); whereas real estate and consumer goods gained 1.5% and 0.89% respectively.Major losers included Industries Qatar, Mannai Corporation, Vodafone Qatar, Nakilat, QNB, Doha Bank, Qatar Islamic Bank and Commercial Bank; even as Gulf International Services, Aamal Company, Ezdan, Mazaya Qatar, United Development Company and Islamic Holding Group bucked the trend.

Domestic institutions’ net profit taking increased to QR18.59mn compared to QR9.24mn on Wednesday. The GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) institutions turned net sellers to the tune of QR10.46mn against net buyers of QR2.34mn on February 24. Local retail investors’ net buying weakened to QR21.28mn compared to QR28.86mn the previous day. However, non-Qatari institutions turned net buyers to the extent of QR2.83mn against net sellers of QR11.32mn on Wednesday. Non-Qatari individual investors were also net buyers to the tune of QR5.13mn compared with net sellers of QR6.7mn on February 24.

The GCC individuals’ net profit booking weakened to QR0.23mn against QR3.95mn the previous day. Total trade volume rose 10% to 10.81mn shares, value by 2% to QR328.96mn and deals by 12% to 5,310. The industrials sector’s trade volume more than doubled to 2.51mn equities and value also more than doubled to QR105.04mn on a 20% jump in transactions to 1,629. The telecom sector reported a 52% surge in trade volume to 0.88mn stocks and 9% in value to QR23.88mn, but on a 7% fall in deals 666. The consumer goods sector’s trade volume soared 45% to 3.08mn shares, while value was down 3% to QR46.14mn and transactions by 3% to 798.

However, there was a 78% plunge in the transport sector’s trade volume to 0.17mn equities, 73% in value to QR8.72mn and 60% in deals to 157. The insurance sector’s trade volume plummeted 67% to 0.07mn stocks, value by 82% to QR2.75mn and transactions by 67% to 70. The banks and financial services sector saw a 29% shrinkage in trade volume to 1.98mn shares, 16% in value to QR102.1mn and 26% in deals to 1,304. The real estate sector’s trade volume declined 4% to 2.11mn equities, value by 22% to QR40.32mn and transactions by 10% to 686. In the debt market, there was no trading of treasury bills and government bonds.

source: Gulf Times

Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al-Thani, Founder and Chairperson of Teach For Qatar, and Mr. Ali Ahmed Al-Kuwari, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar National Bank (QNB), recently met to formalize a partnership between the two organizations. QNB joins Teach For Qatar as its newest supporting partner as both parties share a commitment towards advancing education in Qatar, by contributing to the development of the local independent school system.

As a result of the agreement QNB’s CEO will now hold a seat on the Teach For Qatar Board of Directors. Additionally, QNB will endorse Teach For Qatar’s mission and vision through funding and networking opportunities. QNB will also support the Teach For Qatar secondment program by offering its employees the opportunity to join the Teach For Qatar Fellowship. A two-year teaching and leadership development program that places novice teachers in local independent schools full-time for an opportunity to inspire the next generation of leaders from inside the classroom.

Commenting on the partnership, Mohammed Fakhroo, CEO of Teach for Qatar, said, “We are delighted to welcome QNB as our newest partner and we greatly appreciate their support of our mission. We also look forward to welcoming their team members into our next cohort through our secondment program, which is a unique opportunity for QNB employees to enhance their leadership skills while contributing to the learning and development of our nation’s future leaders.”

Mr. Ali Al-Kuwari of QNB, added, “As the country’s first Qatari-owned commercial bank, and a leading financial institution in the Middle East and North African Region, we have an obligation to give back to the community, and we are delighted to join Teach For Qatar in its efforts to improve the local education sector, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030.”

QNB, a leading financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, recently held a ceremony to recognize top e-learning performers during the year 2015. The ceremony, which was held to honour the achievements of 9 top QNB e-learning performers and saw the attendance of representatives from both QNB and malomatia, QNB’s e-learning partner, included the presentation  of certificates to the QNB employees, followed by malomatia’s handing of a commemorative gift to QNB to celebrate the strong partnership between the two organizations.

QNB’s distinguished e-learning programme is offered in cooperation with malomatia, the leading IT service provider in the State of Qatar, committed to playing an integral role in the development of an advanced IT environment to help drive the country's growth as one of the region's leading economies. Through the e-learning portal, QNB's Learning and Development Center provides the Bank's employees with a comprehensive range of bespoke training and development programmes to help them meet their role-specific needs and help drive their careers further by imparting technical efficiency, advanced skills and the ability to deal with every job requirement.

QNB is keen to encourage more staff members to sign up for such courses, which help fulfill their personal and professional ambitions of furthering their skills and demonstrating the high levels of performance the QNB Group is known for. The event opened with speeches by QNB’s senior management representatives, in which they praised the efforts of both the top performers and the QNB and malomatia e-learning teams, praising the cooperation with malomatia, as well as the development of the e-learning services, and concluding by encouraging QNB staff to pursue e-learning to further their career development and skills.

Ms. Nada al-Ansari, Executive Manager – QNB Centers of Excellence, mentioned the latest developments to QNB’s e-learning services, including QNB’s acquisition of 600 e-learning licenses during 2015 and plans to improve the e-learning offering during 2016, which began with the signing of an agreement with the Banker’s Academy, the leading global provider of training solutions to the financial community, to enhance the banking focus of the e-learning courses. This was then followed by few remarks from malomatia, who praised the long cooperation with QNB which started in 2009.

The event also included speeches from two of the top performers, Ms. Sara al-Muhannadi and Ms. Hemyan Al-Kuwari, in which they expressed their gratitude and appreciation to the e-learning team and explained their e-learning experience. Ms. Al-Muhannadi cited the benefits of e-learning, saying that “data retention is higher in e-learning than in classroom learning,” and adding that “e-learning saves money and paper,” and that “you can learn on your own pace and in your own time.”

It is notable that QNB recently held a graduation ceremony to welcome a batch of  new Qatari employees who participated in the Bank’s latest Induction Program. The latest completed program witnessed the graduation of a group of 13 employees who completed 12 training modules over a 6 week course, followed by 4 weeks of on-the-job training, a process that enables them get a real time experience and make them part of the bigger team.

QNB regularly holds Group Induction Programs for its new Qatari employees for a faster adaptation and integration within the Group’s international network. QNB Group’s presence through its subsidiaries and associate companies extends to more than 27 countries across three continents providing a comprehensive range of advanced products and services. The total number of employees is more than 15,200 operating through more than 635 locations, with an ATM network of more than 1,390 machines.

Qatar Stock Exchange announced the results of the 2015 Investor Relations Excellence Program at a special event held in Doha last night.

The IR Excellence Program is designed to recognize listed companies and individuals who display best practice in investor relations. Developed and executed by Iridium Investor Relations, an independent advisory firm, the program surveyed the expert opinion of the domestic and international investment community. The program also featured a detailed ranking of corporate investor relations websites. The winners were announced as follows:

Best Qatari company overall for excellence in Investor Relations:                  QNB

Best large cap company:                                   QNB

Best mid cap company:                                     Doha Bank

Best small cap company:                                   Mazaya Real Estate

Best Chief Financial Officer:                              Mr. Ramzi Mari (QNB)

Best Investor Relations Officer:                         Mr. Andreas Goldau (Ooredoo)

Best investor relations website:                          (1) Ooredoo,

                                                                            (2) Al Khaliji Commercial Bank

                                                                            (3) Vodafone Qatar

“Our mandate is to support Qatar’s national economy by providing an exchange platform where investors can trade fairly and efficiently based on information that is essential to make intelligent investment decisions,” said Rashid Al-Mansoori, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Stock Exchange. “Companies that adopt international standards in transparency and investor relations directly support this objective. The Investor Relations Excellence Program rewards companies that work hardest to support best practice in investor relations, and encourages all listed companies to aspire to follow their example.” 

The Investor Relations Excellence Program was benchmarked globally against best practices to ensure a transparent methodology. The methodology and all ranking criteria were made public via the QSE’s website and other public channels. This enabled all listed companies to review categories and selection criteria, and gave them advance notice to adjust their investor relations efforts. The program was not available for sponsorship to avoid any conflict of interest.

Oliver Schutzmann, CEO of Iridium Investor Relations said: “We witnessed a number of companies that upgraded their investor relations efforts as a direct result of the Investor Relations excellence program. This is a great result that we believe will benefit all participants in the Qatar Stock Exchange.”

The Investor Relations Excellence Program was announced in April 2015, the evaluation began in August and it was concluded in December. Abdul Aziz Al Emadi, Director, Listing Department of QSE, said: “I was impressed by the overall standard of investor relations of Qatari companies and congratulate the winners. We look forward to ever greater levels of competition for the top spots in the years to come.”

Ooredoo has today announced Ooredoo Mobile Money users can win an all-expenses paid trip to see the final of the sixth ICC World Twenty20 hosted by India, thanks to MoneyGram, the official money transfer partner of the ICC World Twenty20. The ICC World Twenty20 is one of the highlights of the cricketing season and kicks off on 8 March 2016, with 16 teams playing in seven Indian cities during the tournament. MoneyGram and Ooredoo Mobile Money will be giving customers a chance to win a fully paid round-trip to Kolkata, to watch the final match of the ICC World Twenty20 live on 3 April 2016.

Existing and new Ooredoo Mobile Money customers can enter by transferring money to India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal or Afghanistan via MoneyGram until 18 March 2016, to be eligible to win. The prize will include an economy class return ticket, two night’s hotel accommodation, airport and venue transportation, and hospitality service by ICC’s official sponsors, MoneyGram. New customers can register for Ooredoo Mobile Money now by dialling *140# and following the instructions on their mobile phones USSD menu or download the free Ooredoo Money App.

Once registered, customers can deposit money into their mobile account using any of the 200 Ooredoo Self-Service Machines available throughout Qatar. Deposits can also be made through Ooredoo Shops or direct transfer from QNB accounts using the QNB Mobile Payment service. Winners of the MoneyGram ICC World Twenty20 2016 competition will be chosen through electronic draw and will need to apply independently for their visa to India.

For the terms and conditions of the competition or for more information on Ooredoo’s Mobile Money go to www.ooredoo.qa

QNB, a leading financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, has recently participated in the Harvard Business School's Leadership Development Program for Banks, which was themed “Leading Strategy Implementation in the Banking Sector” and was targeted toward executive managers. 

The program consisted of two main axes which are “Strategic Management” and “Leadership”, and witnessed the participation of a number of executive managers, representing different departments in the bank. Harvard Business School provides a special program for the development of executive leaders from banks and financial institutions operating in GCC  countries. The program is organized on a rotating basis each year in a Gulf country, with a plan to expand its scope regionally.

Nada Al Ansari, Executive Manager, QNB Centers of Excellence, said that the program is implemented in accordance with the high standards applied by Harvard Business School to these kinds of programs in its US headquarters. Al Ansari also explained that the program is based on the study of practical situations which the school is well-known for and that is being used by distinguished universities and training centers to develop the performance of executives around the world.

She added: “QNB’s participation in this program comes in the framework of the Group’s constant keenness to develop national cadres, particularly executive leadership. Developing the performance of national cadres in the bank will remain a top strategic priority due to the importance of this category in realizing sustainable development”. It is worth noting that, in light of the Group’s ongoing international expansion, QNB believes it is important that the human resources capabilities and potential continue to meet the Group’s growing operational requirements as it constantly works to find innovative means to develop programs for current and new staff in order to ensure the provision of the best talents and cadres in Qatar and across its international footprint. 

QNB Group’s presence through its subsidiaries and associate companies extends to more than 27 countries across three continents providing a comprehensive range of advanced products and services. The total number of employees is more than 15,200 operating through more than 635 locations, with an ATM network of more than 1,390 machines.

QNB, a  leading financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, has recently been distinguished as the “Best Local Trade Finance Bank in Qatar” by Global Trade Review as part of its GTR Mena Leaders in Trade 2015.

QNB was named the best trade finance bank in Qatar based mainly on input from corporate customers, affirming the quality of services delivered by the Bank to this important category of its client base. QNB’s trade finance services support public and private sector institutions, multinational corporations, companies, traders and service providers that regularly conduct business within Qatar and the region. QNB has recently received a number of awards in recognition of its superior quality of services and products, including the Best Trade Finance Provider in Qatar 2016 by Global Finance Magazine.

The Bank is always committed to providing outstanding banking services to all its clients in Qatar and abroad across its international network by constantly introducing new and innovative products and services specially tailored to serve them and fulfill their requirements in all banking categories. Global Trade Review is a leading news source, publisher and event organizer for the global trade, commodity, export and supply chain finance industries, with offices in London, Hong Kong and Singapore.

QNB Group’s presence through its subsidiaries and associate companies extends to more than 27 countries across three continents providing a comprehensive range of advanced products and services. The total number of employees is more than 15,200 operating through more than 635 locations, with an ATM network of more than 1,390 machines.

MEED’s Qatar Projects conference was opened today by His Excellency Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim al-Thani, Qatar’s Minister of Economy and Commerce, in Doha.

Giving the opening address His Excellency Al-Thani said that growth of Qatar’s non-oil economy had been expedited and that the country was well placed to meet the country’s 2030 vision, in which economic diversification is a key component. The Minister said that Qatar has been able to contain negative costs and had been successful in introducing new legislative reforms that have been established to increase private investment in the country’s economy.

“State legislation such as the New Companies Law has been put in place to create an investment environment to allow investors to participate in all aspects of Qatar’s economy,” said His Excellency Al-Thani the Minister of Economy and Commerce. His Excellency Al-Thani said that the Ministry was working on a number of other initiatives to boost private investment, including establishing a PPP framework. The Minister also highlighted the plan for new free zones to be implemented by 2019 to “plug the gap in logistics.”

Ali Ahmed al-Kuwari, Group Chief Executive Officer, Qatar National Bank (QNB), then told the conference that Qatar’s economy was continuing to experience growth due to economic diversification efforts, which have been driven by government investment. Al-Kuwari said that investment of hydrocarbon revenues into diversification programmes had resulted in non-oil GDP growth remaining above 10 per cent since 2012, reaching 10.6 per cent in 2013 and 2014.

The Al-Kuwari said that diversification efforts were reducing the dependence of Qatar’s economy on the hydrocarbons sector, with the share of the hydrocarbons sector to Qatar’s nominal GDP having fallen from expecting to have fallen from 57 per cent in 2012 to 51.1 per cent in 2014. Al-Kuwari said the hydrocarbons sector contribution to Qatar’s GDP is forecasted to have fallen to 34 per cent in 2015, with financial services and government services having made a significant contribution to the country’s non-oil GDP in the first three quarters of 2015.

Al-Kuwair said QNB forecasted that $70-80bn a year would be invested in development projects in Qatar between 2015 and 2017. The Qatar Projects conference then heard about the progress of Qatar’s proposed PPP framework, which will signify a major milestone in Qatar’s new economy. Saud Abdullah al-Attiyah, director of economic policies ad research department, ministry of economy and commerce, said that the ministry would submit the draft PPP law to the cabinet by August of this year.

“We hope to have the framework completed and start implementing the [PPP] law by the end of the year,” said Al-Attiyah. Al-Attiyah said that the new PPP framework was set to offer a number of opportunities in 2016 and 2017, including a PPP programme for the construction of 10-12 public schools. For more information on MEED’s Qatar Projects Conference and to download the latest programme visit qatarprojectsconference.com 

In a new step within its expansion plans, QNB, a leading financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, has been awarded the ISO 9001:2008 standard by the British Standards Institution (BSI), thus becoming one of the first human capital division in major financial institutions to receive this international standard. 

ISO 9001:2008 is the world's most widely recognized Quality Management System (QMS). An ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System helps an organization continually monitor and manage quality across all operations, and outlines ways to achieve, as well as benchmark, consistent performance and service by putting in place processes that allow it to improve the way it operates at all levels.

During a special ceremony held at QNB’s headquarters, in which she handed the ISO 9001:2008 certificate to QNB’s officials, Ms. Jacqueline Lawson-Smith, Deputy British Ambassador to Qatar, said: “Achieving certification to ISO 9001:2008 is a milestone and an important recognition for the hard work that QNB has put into this endeavour”. The  Deputy British Ambassador to Qatar also praised QNB’s efforts to constantly improve the standard of service it provides, as well as continuously upgrading and improving its range of products and services.

In turn, QNB’s officials expressed their appreciation, assuring QNB HCD’s commitment to ensuring consistent quality in the product and services the division provides within the Group, stemming from their belief that investment in human capital is the best form of investment.

In-depth assessment and review

Gaining the distinguished ISO 9001:2008 standard requires a lot of hard work and dedication to pass the multiple reviews that span all operational procedures and service channels. QNB’s Human Capital Division underwent an in-depth evaluation process conducted by the ISO body represented by BSI that included quality management system development, a management system documentation review, pre-audit, initial assessment, and clearance of non-conformances, all of which work to identify corrective actions that eliminate non-conformance to the quality management standard.

The QNB HCD team exerted great efforts during the audit and review process with the BSI team to reach this accomplishment. The achievement is considered a great triumph for QNB Group, representing an important development in the services and standards within the international group that operates in more than 27 countries with a total number of employees more than 15,200 providing a comprehensive range of advanced products and services through more than 635 locations across three continents.

Human capital considered one of QNB’s most important areas of focus

The development of Qatari human capital is considered one of QNB Group’s most important areas of focus. It is a purpose the Group dedicates great effort to achieve, in line with Qatar’s 2030 national vision, which calls for the development of the Qatari national workforce to help them achieve their noble purpose through the nurturing of their professional skills and honing their capabilities at the highest development levels, as well as enabling Qatari professionals to develop their decision making skills, so that they can assume leading positions in the Group.

The Bank is also keen on maintaining high Qatarization ratios across all its operations, thus helping it achieve one of the highest Qatarization rates in the banking sector, with a ratio of over 50%. The HCD also works consistently to raise the above ratio and develop the skills of the qualified national workforce.

Staff and department development

QNB’s Human Capital Division believes in the importance of integrated development in all areas, which is why it has cooperated with major financial institutions in the MEA region to offer some distinguished training programmes. One of these programs is the Harvard Business School's Leadership Development Programme for Banks, which consists of two main axes: “Strategic Management” and “Leadership”.

The HCD also delivered in collaboration with Franklin Covey a specialized development programme entitled “The QNB Group Leadership Development Programme (LDP)” for Senior Management in Qatar. This International best practice programme specializing in modern leadership theories and techniques will both help develop leadership skills within the framework of a long-term Talent Management Strategy and assist QNB with its matrixed leadership needs now extending across 27 countries of operations and 3 Continents. Importantly, it is also viewed by QNB as an important retention tool in developing key employees that make up the Senior and Executive Leadership teams.

The Group has received multiple global awards and certificates recognizing the quality of its services, as well as its constant growth and improvement. This includes several ISO certifications, notably that QNB were the first bank in Qatar to be awarded both the ISO 22301:2011 certification in Business Continuity Management (BCM) and the ISO 27001 certification in Information Security Management for Datacenter Operations.