QNB, the leading financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, in cooperation with SWIFT, the world’s leading provider of secure financial messaging services, held a Corporate Forum in Doha on 26 October 2016. The event brought together QNB and SWIFT’s top corporate clients and showcased QNB’s cash management solutions and SWIFT’s corporate offering.

High-level QNB representatives attended the Corporate Forum to exchange ideas and share best practices. Delegates heard from top corporate officials in Qatar about their cash management and transaction banking requirements and needs. At the event, QNB showcased its corporate banking solutions, such as e-Business online banking, corporate credit cards and Electronic Cheques Clearing (ECC) system services, which allow clients to perform their business banking remotely, while maintaining maximum security.

SWIFT experts provided an overview of the SWIFT for Corporates offering. SWIFT provides a single communication channel for corporates to exchange financial information with all their domestic and global banks. This allows corporations to gain value from additional global visibility and maximum efficiency from their financial and treasury operations. Through the connection with SWIFT, they are able to collect and achieve greater automation through standardization.

The event is part of QNB’s continuous effort to inform clients about cash management and transaction banking products and services offered by the Bank and SWIFT. It also provides the opportunity for open and candid dialogue allowing  both sides to improve and ensure that their products and services meet all their clients’ needs.

QNB, the leading financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, has organized a Career Day on 12 November in Four Seasons Hotel to attract and recruit Qatari talents. The event starts from 9:00am until 5:00pm.

The widely attended annual event comes as part of the Group’s vital efforts to develop the national workforce and to support Qatari youth to pursue their future growth and achieve their goals. These efforts will, in turn bring great benefit to the society and to the State of Qatar, as well as supporting the Group’s Qatarization plan, which is a key part of its strategy. It is worth noting that QNB has the highest Qatarization ration in the State of Qatar, whereby 53 % of all managerial and executive positions in the QNB Group are held by Qatari nationals.

The Career Day, which is attended by Qatari high school and university graduates and experienced professionals, includes an introduction to the various job opportunities available to the youth in the Bank’s various departments and divisions, as well as the banking and financial sector. It also includes career discussions with the graduates to help them understand their future development options, to help them build a bright future. In addition to the career options and discussions, the event also provides the graduates with language training and specialized banking courses via QNB’s dedicated Learning & Development Center in Doha, as well as introducing the attendees to the various scholarships offered by Qatar’s top universities.

Commenting on the important event, Yousef Al-Othman, GM - Group Human Capital, said: “We at QNB Group are pleased to organize this Career Day, in which we can introduce our Qatari youth to the various opportunities available to them in our Group. We are also pleased to educate them about our career training courses provided by our Learning and Development Center to help nurture their professional development and contribute in the cultivation of these young national talents and their skills, so that they may build a bright future for themselves and for our State of Qatar.”

It is notable that, in addition to its annual Career Day, QNB participates in many other events catering to the development of the national Qatari workforce, such as the Qatar Career Fair and other career fairs organized by Qatari educational institutions domestically, and embassies abroad.

QNB, the leading financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, recently held an event at the Doha Marriott Hotel to introduce its clients to its Bancassurance products and services and increase insurance awareness in general.

The event, which also included a gala dinner, was held in cooperation with MetLife, QNB’s insurance partner, considered one of the Bank’s closest partners with which QNB has long years of excellent cooperation. The prestigious event tackled a number of important issues in the Bancassurance field, including the importance of financial planning, identifying the financial needs for each stage of a person’s life, embracing the possibility of risks in life, realizing the impact of the lack of financial planning, an introduction to and explanation of the concept of investment vehicles, and a presentation of the solutions available to QNB customers.

QNB recently won the “Most Innovative Bancassurance Product Qatar 2016”award , which was provided by the International Finance Magazine (IFM) in recognition of the quality of its Bancassurance offering. This range of products and services is designed to customers accumulate wealth and to provide them and their families with insurance protection. The products are also versatile and can be tailored to suit each customer’s individual requirements. QNB currently provides a comprehensive wide range of integrated financial services products under the “One Stop Shop Solution for all your banking and insurance needs” model across its international network. The products are designed to help its customers realize their dreams and offer them protection against the unexpected.

QNB Group’s presence through its subsidiaries and associate companies extends to more than 30 countries across three continents providing a comprehensive range of advanced products and services. The total number of employees is more than 27,300 operating through more than 1,200 locations, with an ATM network of more than 4,300 machines.

QNB, the leading financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, has recently organized an awareness initiative known as ‘’Diabetes at Work day’’ for the Bank’s staff in collaboration with Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA), a member of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, at its Al-Mathaf Tower building.

The “Diabetes At Work” day saw the organization of several health related activities that witnessed great turnout from across the Bank’s operations, including blood sugar, blood pressure, and body composition tests for the staff by QDA medical professionals, based on which they provided the participants with healthy diet and lifestyle tips to improve their health and combat this common chronic disease that is a leading cause for heart attacks, strokes, blindness, kidney failure and amputation. QNB’s healthcare initiative was well received by the staff and witnessed great participation and interaction, including many inquiries as to the nature of the disease, its symptoms, and its impact on their daily lives should it be detected in an individual.

The Bank’s efforts and its cooperation with QDA to hold this important event highlight its continued care for the health and wellbeing of its employees and its ongoing commitment to spreading health awareness among its employees and in the societies across its international footprint. The Diabetes at Work day is the latest in QNB Group’s many CSR initiatives the Group undertakes as a socially responsible organization as part of its robust CSR program based on six main pillars, most prominent of which is the health sector.

It is notable that the Diabetes at Work day, which was first implemented by the QDA in 2009, is a health initiative in which QDA’s specialized medical team visits various organizations in Qatar and offers a diabetes awareness program at their premises that serves to provide screening to all employees, provide awareness of the insurance coverage available to patients and whether it facilitates management of diabetes, covers meter and strips, and encourages prevention or treatment. 

QNB, the leading financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, has announced its Platinum sponsorship of the 27^th Doha International Book Fair organized by the Ministry of Culture and Sports and Dar Al Kutub and to be held at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) from 30 November until 10 December 2016.

QNB’s sponsorship of this important cultural event comes as an important part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program and part of the Bank’s efforts to support cultural events both in Qatar and abroad across its international footprint. The 10-day fair, which is held this year under the theme “Read” and the vision of the Ministry of Culture and Sports “towards conscious of the need of pure body and an authentic tradition mix”, will showcase over 100,000 books in Arabic and other foreign languages as well as hosting daily seminars and professional workshops by specialized institutions like the Arab Publishers Federation, Katara’s Arab Novel Award, and others.

It is notable that the fair will see the participation of over 490 publishing houses from 33 countries from across the Arab World and beyond, as well as participation from some ministries and academic and cultural institutions in GCC states. The event provides the participating publishers and parties with a chance to showcase their latest publications to the Qatari community. QNB Group’s presence through its subsidiaries and associate companies extends to more than 30 countries across three continents providing a comprehensive range of advanced products and services.

The total number of employees is more than 27,300 operating through more than 1,200 locations, with an ATM network of more than 4,300 machines.

QNB, the leading financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, has announced its official sponsorship of the second World Bowling Singles Championships, which will be held at Qatar Bowling Center in Doha from 2 to 9 December 2016.

The event, which is split up into two separate tournaments, one for men and one for women, is held every four years. The first World Bowling Singles Championships were held in 2012 in Cyprus, with Tokyo set to host the third edition of this championship in 2020. Commenting on the importance of this event, Mr. Abdulsalam Abbas, President of the Arab and Qatari Bowling Federations and Deputy Chairman of the tournament’s supreme organizing committee, said: “Qatar was chosen to host of the second edition of this important event because of the success achieved by the Qatar Bowling Federation in hosting international tournaments, particularly the H.H the Emir Cup and the Qatar International Open Bowling Championships, both major international events.

Meanwhile, commenting QNB’s sponsorship of the tournament, Mr. Salman Abdulghani, Chairman of the tournament’s supreme organizing committee and Honorary President of the Qatar Bowling Federation, said: “We at the Qatar Bowling Federation are proud of the participation of a leading institution like QNB as an official sponsor, in order to contribute to the success of this event which will see the participation of more than 137 players from over 50 countries.” For his part, Mr. Yousef Darwish, General Manager – QNB Group Communications, said: “We are pleased to participate in this international sporting event as part of QNB Group’s Corporate Social Responsibility strategy, highlighting the Group’s keenness on giving back to society and promoting the development of sport across its international network of operations.”

The Qatar Bowling Center, the event's venue, is one of the famous destinations in the country, as it features over 32 bowling lanes, and is considered the main venue of this sport. The Bank’s support for sport in Qatar includes both local and international sporting events. Efforts are focused on driving interest, awareness and participation in traditional sports as well as promoting the major popular sports of the country: football, basketball, handball, and volleyball. QNB Group is present, through its subsidiaries and associate companies, in more than 30 countries across three continents providing a comprehensive range of products and services. QNB Group staff exceeds 27,300, operating through 1,200 locations and 4,300 ATMs.

QNB, the leading financial institution in the Middle East and North Africa, in collaboration with Mastercard, a global leading company in payment solutions, have announced the launch of yet another exclusive campaign offering customers the chance to win one of the 50 Qatar Airways flight vouchers worth QAR 10,000 each.

Effective December 1^st, 2016 until January 31^st, 2017, all QNB Mastercard cardholders will stand a chance to win one of the 50 flight vouchers worth QAR 10,000 each when using QNB Mastercard credit or debit cards. Every cumulative spend of QAR 100 on QNB Mastercard cards in Qatar during the campaign period will give customers one chance to the draw, while every QAR 100 spend overseas on either credit or debit cards will be given triple chances. The spend amount does not include cash advances, donations, fees and charges, or erroneous transactions to enter into the draw.

QNB and Mastercard have previously partnered on multiple strategic campaigns with the aim of rewarding their mutual customers with unique prizes and experiences. “At QNB, we always strive to reward our customers with unique prizes through relevant campaigns. This time around, winners will have the option to fly to any destination operated by Qatar Airways; be it luxurious, adventurous, or anything in between,” said Heba al-Tamimi, General Manager, QNB Group Retail. “We are delighted to be offering our consumers in Qatar the chance to win Qatar Airways flight vouchers each time they use their Mastercard debit or credit cards. Enriching the lives of our cardholders through priceless lifestyle experiences is an extension of our services and this time our collaboration with QNB will enable them to have the opportunity to travel to a destination of their choice,” said Raghav Prasad, General Manager – Gulf Countries, Mastercard.

QNB Group’s presence through its subsidiaries and associate companies extends to more than 30 countries across three continents providing a comprehensive range of advanced products and services. The total number of employees is more than 27,300 operating through more than 1,200 locations, with an ATM network of more than 4,300 machines.

QNB, the leading financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, has launched an attractive offer rewarding new or existing customers who transfer their salaries to the Bank with guaranteed and distinctive monthly prizes, in addition to  a Range Rover Evoque as a grand prize.

All customers who transfer their salary to QNB during the campaign period, which  ends on 31 March 2017, would receive up to 40,000 Life Rewards points, in addition to a 5% cash-back on their first Life Rewards credit card transaction.

The Bank will also organize monthly draws for prizes throughout the campaign period. In addition to the Range Rover Evoque as a grand prize, the monthly draw prizes will include  one winner of 2,000,000 Life Rewards points, four winners of 200,000 points, 10 winners of 100,000 points, and five winners of a loan installment payment of up to QAR 5,000. Customers can increase their chances of winning by getting bonus draw chances if they avail a new credit card, loan or open a fixed deposit account during the promotion period.

It is worth noting that QNB’s Life Rewards program allows loyal customers to simply exchange their Life Rewards points for various options, including products from luxurious boutiques to dinners at 5-star hotels. Commenting on the promotion, Heba Al-Tamimi, General Manager – QNB Group Retail, said: “At QNB, we want our customers to start the new year with the right foot forward, and this special Salary Account offer comes as part of QNB’s keenness to reward its customers and make sure that they take advantage of their monthly income’’. QNB continues to redefine what it means to be the best bank in Qatar as it strives to be the bank of choice for customers, employees, stakeholders and investors alike. 

In anticipation of its launch of this year’s Jahiz I initiative – a program dedicated to supporting a number of industrial sectors, including: chemicals, plastics, wood materials, and electronics – Qatar Development Bank (QDB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with QNB  and Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) to finance the developmental scheme through the framework of Al Dhameen indirect loan guarantee facility.

The signing ceremony was held at QDB’s headquarters, and serving their respective organizations as designated signatories were Executive Director of Business Finance, QDB, Khalid Abdulla al-Mana;   Assistant General Manager (AGM), SME Banking, QNB, Khaled al-Nuaimi and WSG – GM, QIB, Tarek Youssef Fawzi;

As provided in the MoU, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) participating in the Jahiz I initiative may now access finances up to 70% of the project value with a maximum limit of up to QAR 15 million per project. Moreover, the participating companies can now obtain the required funding within 10 working days at competitive financing rates. The partner banks will also extend lending to SMEs by providing adequate safeguards through the existing Al Dhameen indirect loan guarantee facility. Executive Director of Business Finance, QDB, Khalid Abdulla al-Mana said: "We are truly delighted to sign this agreement—I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Qatar National Bank and Qatar Islamic Bank. Their generous contribution will important role in enabling the entrepreneurs of the Jahiz I initiative to expand their businesses, which in turn will lead to the development of the private sector, create economic diversity, and lead to the building of a knowledge-based economy.”

He added: "Through the signing of today’s MoU, QDB enlists the support of our national financial institutions to facilitate funding for Jahiz I projects. The development of our indigenous industrial ecosystem is in line with the larger objectives at QDB—our strategy to advance economic development through the provision of wide-ranging services, including consulting and financing services for entrepreneurs and SMEs, is crafted to accomplish the Qatar National Vision 2030 and promote economic diversification in the State of Qatar." Assistant General Manager (AGM), SME Banking, QNB, Khaled Al-Nuaimi said: “We are proud to partner with Qatar Development Bank for the Jahiz I initiative. We are confident that this project will become a strong driving force that will stimulate the private sector as envisioned in Qatar National Vision 2030 as well as further build upon QNB Group’s organizational practice of supporting SMEs.”   

WSG – GM, QIB, Tarek Youssef Fawzi said: “The Jahiz I agreement exemplifies QIB’s commitment towards supporting the country’s economy, by enhancing the role of the private sector and contributing to a suitable economic diversification as part of Qatar National Vision 2030. It also allows our customers to get what they need swiftly and seamlessly, thus supporting the establishment of new SMEs and helping operating companies with their business expansion plans.” “We are proud of our strong ties with Qatar Development Bank, and we are committed to further enhance the mutual cooperation to achieve the agreement’s objectives, which will contribute significantly in providing financing solutions for the Jahiz I SMEs. Supporting the SME sector is one of our top priorities, and for that reason, we have a dedicated program ‘Aamaly’ designed to cater for all the financial needs of Small and Medium enterprises in Qatar,” added Fawzi.

In a similar effort, QDB previously launched the “Al Dhameen portfolio”—a QAR 100 million portfolio, aimed at facilitating and expediting approvals from partner banks to secure funding for SMEs that lacked sufficient guarantees.  The portfolio was designed to facilitate financing procedures for sectors that held great importance for the national economy, such as manufacturing industries, education and health care as well as value-added services. The Al Dhameen program mainly caters to new startups and existing companies that have a revenue turnover of less than or equal to QAR 30 million.

The ongoing Jahiz I initiative offers 32 new rental facilities on specially-discounted rates of QAR 5/m2 per month. The sites are purpose-built to host a variety of eco-friendly manufacturing businesses in the industrial area and vary in size from between 2,500 to 3,000 square meters. Moreover, they support an electric capacity of 350 – 800 kilowatts.  The scheme seeks to bring down the barriers to entry for small and medium-sized manufacturing businesses that are involved in the chemicals, plastics, wood and electronics industries.

In addition to assisting manufacturing industries through Jahiz I, QDB also incentivizes the development of the farming industry through its Jahiz II initiative, which offers 14 dedicated facilities for manufacturers in the food and beverage sector in Qatar. This MoU between QDB, QNB and QIB is the latest in a string of initiatives by QDB to promote economic diversity. Through providing capital, guarantees and advisory services, QDB seeks to stimulate the local private sector and empower the manufacturers of non-oil and gas Qatari products.

QNB, the leading financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, has launched a  campaign allowing customers of its Life Rewards program to receive up to 10% discount for flight tickets on Qatar Airways to any of its more than 150 destinations across the globe, by redeeming only 1 Life Rewards point.

This promotion, which will remain in effect until 31st January 2017, is valid for all QNB customers  who  book their tickets using QNB Life Rewards credit cards  through liferewardsholiday.com. QNB Life Rewards Holiday website is a one stop shop for all the travel needs - with over 300 airlines, 300,000 hotels worldwide, and 300 car rentals, with no hidden fees or blackout dates. Members also earn regular Life Rewards points using their Life Rewards credit card for online bookings. 

QNB’s Life Rewards Program is a total relationship loyalty program in Qatar, allowing QNB customers to accumulate Life Rewards points for their daily banking transactions by using a variety of banking channels, in addition to earning while spending on their Life Rewards debit or credit card. The program also offers its customers the opportunity to instantly redeem their points at participating partners or towards payment of a utility bill or cash back on credit cards. QNB’s loyal customers are able to simply exchange their Life Rewards points for various options, including products from luxurious boutiques, dinners at 5-star hotels, utility payments, and cash back on their Life Rewards credit card. They can even send points to their loved ones and reward their lives on special occasions.

QNB has always been committed to exceeding the expectations of its customers, and to offering them tailor made services and products that conveniently cater to their needs.

The recovery in oil price and a strong expansion in non-hydrocarbons should help Qatar effectively manage the future interest rate hikes, helping the country's economic growth to pick up this year, according to a Qatar Investment Fund (QIF) report.

"The investment adviser expects Qatari economic growth to pick up in 2017, amid the recovery in oil prices and a strong growth in the non-hydrocarbon sector," said London Stock Exchange-listed QIF in its report for the fourth quarter of 2016. Its investment adviser is Qatar Insurance Company. "This should help the economy to face the rate hike over the course of the year," said QIF, whose top 10 Qatari portfolios include QNB (19.4% of its net asset value), Industries Qatar (11.7%), Masraf Al Rayan (9.2%), Qatar Electricity and Water (7.9%), Qatar Islamic Bank (7.4%), Nakilat (6.4%), Ooredoo (5.9%), Barwa (4.9%), Gulf International Services (3.8%) and Commercial Bank (3.6%).

The US Federal Reserve hiked its benchmark interest rate for the second time in a decade by 25 basis points in December 2016 on indications that the American economy is expanding at a healthy pace and amid the then-president-elect Donald J Trump’s plans for boosting federal spending. Following which, Qatar Central Bank (QCB) had also made a similar increase in its benchmark rates. The QIF report said Qatari banks are expected to witness higher credit growth led by upcoming projects related to the FIFA 2022 World Cup and the Qatar National Vision 2030. At the same time, banks are also expecting liquidity conditions to ease on higher government revenue due to the rise in oil prices.

QCB’s data shows that banks in the country are in "good" shape, with credit growth up 12.1% and deposits up 11.8% to the end of December 2016, said QIF, which remains overweight in the Qatar banking sector (including financial services) at 42.4% of NAV (market weighting 38.4%). QIF said its investment adviser believes that the current positive outlook for the oil market and efficiency in current expenditure will help control the fiscal deficit. Infrastructure spending should continue to fuel non-hydrocarbon growth and attract new expatriate workers, supporting domestic consumption. According to International Monetary Fund estimates, Qatar is expected to grow at 3.4% in 2017, which is the highest in the GCC region.

Highlighting that the improvement in oil prices (post production cut deal) is expected to raise government revenue, lower budget deficits and boost the GCC economies, the QIF report said that with Qatar successfully diversifying the economy away from the oil sector and focusing on the non-hydrocarbon sector, the impact from higher oil prices will enable it to accelerate this transition. "The investment adviser maintains its positive outlook for the Qatari economy not only because of the improving oil price, which will increase government revenue and infrastructure spending, but also due to the strong expected growth in the non-hydrocarbon sectors," QIF said, adding Qatar would not need to consolidate and reduce its deficit any further with it targeting higher capital expenditure to stimulate the economy.

On Qatar’s 2017 budget, which is in line with the country's vision to achieve a self-sustaining economy, it said the budget is committed to reducing Qatar’s planned deficit by 38.9% due to a pickup in government revenues and continued rationalisation of current expenditure.

source: Gulf Times

QNB, the largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, has launched a new campaign providing its customers a chance to win one of 16 iPhone 7 and 16 Samsung Edge 7 smartphones by using the QNB Internet or Mobile Banking services.

Customers can get a chance to win one of the smartphones when using any of the services included on QNB Internet and Mobile Banking, including making bank transfers to another customer inside or outside Qatar, making transfers through Western Union and PayPal, and making bill payments and purchasing prepaid service vouchers for an amount of QR50 or more for any of the following partners: Ooredoo, Vodafone, QPOST, Qatar Cool and Kahramaa. The campaign, which runs until the 8^th of May, is in recognition of the trust clients place in QNB’s various banking services. It is also part of QNB’s ongoing efforts to put its customers first as they use its digital banking services to balance today’s needs with tomorrow’s aspirations. The winners will be selected in two batches, with the first raffle draw taking place on the 15^th of March for 16 phones and the second being on 15^th of May 2017.

QNB provides the best digital banking services to its clients, including flexibility to transfer worldwide, scheduling recurring transfers, bill payments, and many other innovative and secured solutions via its Mobile and Internet Banking services. The Bank is always looking for innovative ways to reward its customers while delivering premium quality products and services, in the Middle East and Africa region and across its international footprint. It is notable that the Bank has received recently the “Best Business Model Execution in the Middle East” Award by The Asian Banker magazine in 2016 in recognition of the excellence of its business model and strength of its network in the Middle East.

QNB Group is present, through its subsidiaries and associate companies, in more than 30 countries across three continents providing a comprehensive range of products and services. QNB Group staff exceeds 28,000 through 1,200 locations and 4,300 ATMs.

Qatar National Bank, Qatar’s largest bank by assets, entered the survey for the first time securing 441^thplace with a brand value of $3.8bn. The company’s brand value rose 56% year-on-year driven by its continued robust financial performance and its successful international expansion. Qatar National Bank now operates in more than 30 countries across three continents.

The Global 500, an annual ranking from the leading valuation and strategy consultancy, ranks brands by monetary value and also calculates the most “powerful” brands, as defined by the companies whose enterprise value is most positively impacted by the strength of their brand. In order to determine a brand’s value, Brand Finance first evaluates factors such as marketing investment, familiarity, loyalty, staff satisfaction and corporate reputation to determine the ‘strength’ or ‘power’ of a brand. Brand power determines the proportion of overall business revenue that is contributed by a brand.

Saudi Telecom Co. (STC), the kingdom’s biggest operator, is the Arab world’s most valuable brand, while Emirates, the world’s largest airline, continues to be most valuable brand in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to Brand Finance’s Global 500.

The Middle East

STC of Saudi Arabia moved up to 252^nd place in the rankings, making it the Middle East’s most valuable brand. The company’s brand value rose 11% during 2016 to $6.2bn. The increase was primarily driven by STC ‘humanising’ its marketing campaigns, and reengaging with its stakeholders with a fresh, more personable outlook. Despite an oil slump, the strengthened US dollar and global economic softening that has impacted consumer appetite for air travel globally, Emirates secured 264^th place in the rankings with a brand value of $6.1bn. The company’s Brand Strength Index score even increased from 85 out of 100 in 2016 to 87 out of 100 in 2017, securing it a AAA rating once again.

Brand Strength Index is the part of Brand Finance’s assessment, designed to calculate the underlying strength of a brand. It includes an analysis of marketing investment, brand equity (the goodwill accumulated with customers, staff and other stakeholders) and finally the impact of those on business performance. Etisalat, the biggest of two telecom providers in the UAE, rose to 293^rd place, up from 404^th place in 2016. The company’s brand value increased 45% on last year to $5.5bn. The rise in value was on the back of growing user numbers, innovation (i.e. Etisalat was the first Middle Eastern brand to trial 5G) and strong profit results in 2016.  

Andrew Campbell, Managing Director of Brand Finance Middle East, said: “Middle Eastern brands continue to make their mark in the Global 500. The brand value of the four companies from the region represented in our 2017 ranking grew on average by 23% year-on-year, which reflects the scale of their achievements when it comes to driving brand awareness, recognition and advocacy. We expect more brands from the Middle East to enter our Global 500 in time as oil prices readjust and companies from the region continue to expand into new geographic markets.”  

Most Valuable Global Brands

Google replaced Apple as the world’s most valuable brand, with a brand value of $109.5bn. Google’s brand value rose during 2016 by 24% (from $88.2bn) whilst Apple’s declined from $145.9bn to $107.1bn. Google last occupied the position of the world’s most valuable brand in 2011. The company remains largely unchallenged in its core search business, which is the mainstay of its advertising income. Advertising revenues were up 20% in 2016 as budgets are increasingly directed online and Google finds more lucrative revenue streams from digital consumers.

Andrew Campbell, continued: “Apple has struggled to maintain its technological advantage. New iterations of the iPhone have delivered diminishing returns and there are signs that the company has reached a saturation point for its brand. The Chinese market, where Apple has enjoyed a dominant market share, is becoming far more competitive with local players entering the market in a meaningful way. Samsung has also been successful in taking market share and financial analysts are projecting declining revenues and margins.”

Brand Power

Lego (196) has regained its status as the world’s most powerful brand, with a brand strength score of 92.7. Much of it success owes to its media licensing deals and partnerships which have driven growth and introduced the likes of Lego Star Wars, Lego Harry Potter and Lego Batman. The Lego Batman Movie will premiere in February with further movies planned for the franchise. This will contribute significantly to Lego’s already significant licensing income but, as importantly, the exposure – to both children and adults - will reinforce Lego’s brand strength for years to come.

Google (1), Nike (28), Ferrari (258) and Visa (57) complete the rest of the top 5 most powerful brands in the world, with the latter seeing an 8 percentage point gain in brand strength – the most of any company in the top 10.

Andrew Campbell, added: “A powerful brand can protect a company’s value during turbulent market conditions or challenging times for a business. The share price resilience of Samsung and Wells Fargo, after a difficult year, is testimony to how a brand can help a company ride out a storm. This is why a brand is such an important intangible asset and should be valued as such. Particularly during M&A scenarios, the fact that brand values are not factored into company accounts can mitigate against fair value being paid. Sellers ought to recognise the full worth of their brand, whilst buyers ought to factor in how far the asset of a brand can be stretched and monetised.”

Sector Insights

Financial Services

Financial services companies comprise 20% of the Global 500 and, this year, China has been the big winner. Growth in brand value in China can broadly be attributed to the growth of the Chinese middle class and its maturing consumer economy.

The brand value of Wells Fargo (13) fell 6% after a turbulent year for the brand and was replaced as the most valuable financial brand in the world by ICBC (10). However, it only fell 3 places on the overall ranking of most valuable brands, remaining the US’s most valuable banking brand, due to its deep roots across the country and its market share. Payment service providers Visa (57) and Mastercard’s (110) brand value grew by 81% and 58% respectively in 2016, as their core markets continued to move towards a cashless society and become increasingly reliant on the two companies’ services.

Media

Walt Disney (24) fell from the position of the world’s most powerful brand to number 6 in the power rankings. This may be because its 2016 Star Wars release was a spin-off and less successful than 2015’s reboot of the main franchise, one of the highest grossing films of all time. Furthermore, Disney’s biggest films of 2016 are all associated with sub-brands rather than Disney itself – Star Wars: Rogue One (Lucasfilm), Finding Dory (Pixar), Captain America Civil War (Marvel). Disney remains a hugely powerful brand and will be closely watched during 2017 when the eighth instalment of Star Wars is released and could propel the brand up the rankings again. 

Telecoms

Of the 40 telecoms brands in the Global 500, AT&T (4) overtook Verizon (7) as the most valuable brand. Its geographical and acquisitive growth in South America and Mexico has been rewarded with continued growth in brand value and an increase in market share in the respective regions. Spectrum (83) is the highest new entrant of the Global 500. The brand created by Charter Communications which describes itself as the fastest growing TV, Internet and voice provider, counts the acquisition with Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks under its name.

Non-alcoholic drinks

The behemoths of the non-alcoholic drinks industry, Coca-Cola (27) and Pepsi (67) have fallen by 13 and 12 places respectively as they continue to struggle against the trend towards healthier alternatives and greater scrutiny around marketing sugary drinks to children. Sprite (388) was the only of company in this category to grow its brand value over the past year (from $3.8bn to $4.4bn). Brands offering energy drinks, appear to be protected as Red Bull (227) and Gatorade (372) continue to increase their brand strength rating (by 1 and 3 index points respectively) with their marketing efforts continuing to focus on extreme sports and performance athletes. 

Restaurants

The global fast food outlets McDonald’s (16), KFC (257) and Domino’s Pizza (427) continue to drop down the rankings in the world’s most valuable brands, with heavy competition in an increasingly fragmented market with healthier challenger brands offering greater choice for consumers. McDonald’s has fallen by 4 places in the rankings with its brand value decreasing by 9%, while KFC and Domino’s Pizza declined by 27% and 16% respectively. The largest improvement within the sector, with a 45% increase in its brand value, came from Tim Horton’s (192), the fast food restaurant based in Canada, known for its coffee and doughnuts. Parent company, Restaurant Brands international, which also owns Burger King (329), has announced plans for expansion abroad with the Philippines and the UK tipped to be targets.

Aerospace & Defence

Boeing (78) and Lockheed Martin (193) were big gainers in brand value in 2016, rising by 17% and 32% respectively, while Northrop Grumman was a new entrant to the Global 500 at 418. In an increasingly uncertain world and with a newly elected President committed to military spending, American defence and aerospace companies have benefitted. Conversely, Airbus (153) has been a big loser within the category. Its fall in brand value of 10% can be linked to the poor reception of its latest model, the Airbus A380, the company’s failure to meet some orders and reductions in staff.

QNB, the largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, has won the “Most Innovative Bancassurance Product Qatar 2016” award, which was provided recently in Dubai during an award ceremony held by the International Finance Magazine (IFM).

The recognition was made  based on the innovative top-of-the-line insurance products that QNB offers to help its customers protect themselves and their loved ones against the unexpected whilst, at the same time, helping them to enjoy an affordable, trusted, and reliable way of saving for the future. QNB Bancassurance provides quality products and service to its customers. These exclusive products are designed to help them accumulate wealth and provide them and their families with insurance protection.The products are also versatile and can be tailored to suit each customer’s individual requirements.

The Bank offers a full suite of products that meet the various needs of its customer base in line with QNB’s business philosophy of “customer centricity”, through the identification and understanding of each customer’s financial needs (financing, investments, transaction, protection). QNB currently provides a comprehensive wide range of insurance products and services under the “One Stop Shop Solution for all your banking and insurance needs” model across its international network. The products are designed to help its customers realize their dreams and offer them protection against the unexpected.

To positioning itself as a competitor in Qatar’s strong insurance market, QNB partnered with renowned insurance companies as a leading global provider of all type of insurance solutions. The Group’s presence through its subsidiaries and associate companies extends to more than 30 countries across three continents providing a comprehensive range of advanced products and services. The total number of employees is more than 28,000 operating through more than 1,200 locations, with an ATM network of more than 4,300 machines.

The stock price of Gulf International Services (GIS) is expected to rebound this year with visible recovery in crude oil prices, QNB Financial Services (QNBFS) has said.

In a company report released on Thursday, QNBFS has said that an expected recovery in crude prices could lift the GIS stock price as the performance of the drilling segment of the company was closely linked to oil prices. "We rate GIS an 'outperform' with a price target of QR39 for its share. While our price target offers upside, the stock remains in a 'show me' mode," the report said.

Citing last year's operating results of the company in-line with its estimates, QNBFS said that it was quite optimistic about GIS growth in 2017. "We are updating our model to factor in renewed rig deployments and 2016 results. While the fourth quarter results of the company was negatively impacted by the write-off of the Al-Rayyan rig, operating results were generally in-line with our estimates. More importantly, all other nine offshore rigs seem to be under contract as per the February rig report. This represents a 50 percent increase against only six rigs being deployed as of end-2016, QNBFS said.  "We have been stating since August that upside to our estimates was possible given previously idle assets were being listed as warm stacked and thus could be potentially deployed in the medium term. Now with the offshore fleet being potentially deployed, we feel optimistic about growth in the drilling segment in 2017," the report said.

QNBFS has said in the report that it expects 30 percent growth in company's drilling revenue in 2017. "We use a $97,000 blended rig rate in 2017 along with an average utilisation of 89 percent. Our segment net income goes from a loss of QR46 million in 2016 to a gain of QR92 million in 2017. Given no detailed data on rig deployments and rates, our estimates are based on our assumptions," the report said. About the risk factors, the report said volatile oil prices remain a substantial risk to regional equity prices. Further decline in rig rates, rig utilisations could pressure the stock. GIS also faces concentration risk given its exposure to QP and its affiliates, the report added.

source: Qatar Tribune

QNB Financial Services (QNBFS), a fully owned subsidiary company of QNB Group, has received the Best Broker in Qatar award from EMEA Finance magazine. The award was received at the EMEA Finance Middle East Banking Awards ceremony, which was recently held in Dubai.

The award reflects strength of the QNBFS brokerage products and services and the quality of its offering, as well as its commitment to providing investment opportunities and solutions across diverse products and markets while capitalizing on the in-depth knowledge and experience of its financial professionals to deliver best in class services. Established in the last quarter of 2010 as part of the QNB Group, QNBFS is the first independently regulated, licensed brokerage company launched by a bank in Qatar. It offers a range of financial services to domestic and foreign institutional investors, mutual funds, and retail and corporate clients.

The company launched its brokerage activities in May 2011 providing both individual and institutional clients access to stocks listed on Qatar Stock Exchange. It also provides access to stock trading on Regional, European and U.S. markets. Moreover, QNBFS offers world-class research and analysis enabling customers to make sound investment decisions. QNBFS recently became the first brokerage firm in Qatar to be awarded the latest international standard for the management of information security, ISO 27001:2013. The awarding of  the certificate to QNBFS served as a testament to QNBFS’ commitment to providing innovative and relevant solutions to maintain the security and integrity of its customers’ data.

EMEA Finance, “the complete information source for the financial industry in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region”, is the only periodical dedicated exclusively to report financial events, happenings, and triumphs initiated and influenced by the international financial industry. 

QNB, the largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, unveiled the new Activate technology from NCR which operates the new age of ATM machines, during the 2017 Qatar Information Technology and Communications (QITCOM) conference, the biggest digital conference in Qatar. QNB ATMs will gradually adopt the new technology for ATMs which will present customers with a whole new experience to securely access their bank accounts using their cards or the biological traits of their irises.

The new ATM interface design will provide customers with seamless experience that makes it easier and more convenient to use our popular ATM channel. The new user interface is more aligned with the latest interfaces familiar to customers from online and tablet devices applications. Also the new technology will provide all types of services provided to customers online such as international money transfers and Western Union on ATMs for more convenience.

The new ATM technology, first of its kind in the State of Qatar, will be soon available on QNB’s  largest ATM network in Qatar, as it was announced during the conference. This launch is part of QNB Group’s commitment to adopting new innovative and cutting-edge technology solutions to deliver premium quality services to its customers in a safe, fast, and convenient way. QITCOM hosts Qatar’s leader corporates and government ministries and agencies to showcase their innovation and latest digital transformation for the future.

This advanced technological solution is yet another milestone in QNB’s customer experience excellence across all channels, which is an advanced technological and It represents the Bank’s continuous endeavor to look for more innovative ways to serve its customers through the ubiquitous delivery of premium products and quality services. One of QNB’s core values is constant improvement through innovation and refinement of its offerings and services. Customers will enjoy more convenience and the highest financial security, protecting them in every transaction they make.

The transformation to NCR APTRA Activate will commence March 2017 to offer many new services that will improve customer interactions. The Group’s presence through its subsidiaries and associate companies now extends to more than 30 countries across three continents providing a comprehensive range of advanced products and services. The total number of employees is more than 28,000 operating through more than 1,200 locations, with an ATM network of more than 4,300 machines.

QNB, the largest  financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, recently held an exclusive investment seminar for the members of its premium banking services, QNB First,  in cooperation with its prominent real estate advisory partner, Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) with its London’s premier developer, the Berkeley Group at the Four Seasons Hotel Doha.

The seminar included discussions on the UK real estate markets and their prospects, with a particular focus on London. Adam Challis, head of Residential Research - JLL, presented valuable updates and insights into the residential market in the UK, providing a clear picture of their post-Brexit forecast. This seminar is part of QNB First real estate advisory services to support the Bank’s Cross Border Mortgage service under the QNB First Global Recognition program. It is aimed to provide QNB First members interested in investing in the international real estate markets with valuable insights and updates to help them make the right decisions and keep them informed regarding any changes in the global financial climate.

The planning of the seminar was praised by Heba Al Tamimi, Group GM Retail of QNB, who said “we are pleased to organize this seminar in cooperation without real estate partner, JLL,with the Berkeley Group teaming up. We believe this seminar is highly beneficial in giving our QNB First members a clearer picture of the UK economic climate and the state of the property market. Will McKintosh, JLL's Director and Joint-Head of Residential for MENA, said, “We are delighted to be able to team up with QNB for this event and we are very confident we are best placed to assist their key clients with suitable investment opportunities and homes in London"

Ian Plumley, Berkeley Group’s Senior Vice President for MENA and India, said, “We are excited and grateful at having been given the opportunity to meet with QNB’s staff and clients to present some of our most prestigious projects within London”. QNB’s relationship with JLL team goes back to the date when QNB launched the QNB First Global Recognition program in 2014 as part of the Cross Border Mortgage services offered to its esteemed members.

As a real estate advisory partner in the program, JLL,supports QNB First members by providing consultation and advice to them regarding the property in key international markets (particularly London), providing advice on real estate investment opportunities and managing existing properties on behalf of customers. The QNB First Cross Border Mortgage service provides financing solutions to QNB First customers across borders in 7 key markets: Qatar, the United Kingdom, France, Lebanon, Egypt, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, with plans to add more.

QNB Group’s presence through its subsidiaries and associate companies extends to more than 30 countries across three continents providing a comprehensive range of advanced products and services. The total number of employees is more than 28,000 operating through more than 1,200 locations, with an ATM network of more than 4,300 machines. A brand name, and a registered trademark, of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated,JLL is a leading professional services firm that specializes in real estate and investment management. A Fortune 500 company, JLL helps real estate owners, occupiers and investors achieve their business ambitions. At year-end 2016, JLL had nearly 300 corporate offices, operations in over 80 countries and a global workforce of more than 77,000.

A publicly-owned company listed on the London Stock Exchange as a FTSE 250 company, the Berkeley Group builds homes and neighbourhoods.. Berkeley Group is the only housebuilder to have won the Queen’s Award for Sustainable Development twice in 2008 and 2014. In 2016, Berkeley was voted Britain’s fourth most admired company across all sectors and also named British Housebuilder of the Year by the Sunday Times. 

QNB, the largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, has won the “Most Innovative Marketing Program” award at the 2017 Mastercard MENA Leadership Forum that took place recently in London. QNB is the only bank from Qatar to have won an award at this prestigious event. The award was presented to QNB for the outstanding campaign it launched last year, namely the Luxury Watches Campaign.  

Hosted by Mastercard, a leading technology company in the global payments industry, the forum brought together executives from a number of leading banks in the region to discuss the future of the payments industry and celebrate the success of financial organizations in maximizing the reach of Mastercard’s solutions and programs among their customers. QNB and Mastercard have partnered on multiple strategic campaigns during the past year with the aim of rewarding their mutual customers with unique prizes and experiences. Both parties have jointly launched many successful products, services, and campaigns, including the Luxury Watches campaign, the Summer campaign, and the UEFA Champions League campaign.

This year’s QNB Mastercard UEFA 2017 campaign, which is currently running until 22 April 2017, will see 4 packages being given out to the lucky winners. The packages include business class flight tickets, a six-day stay in London, a private shopping experience, and a unique private jet transfer between London and Cardiff for the 2017 UEFA Champions League final match. ‘‘We are proud to win this prestigious award from Mastercard. This is another testimony that QNB offers the best in class products and campaigns to its customers. The Mastercard MENA Leadership Forum has proven to be a highly productive gathering of banking officials and payment experts who discuss the need to respond to the evolution of the financial industry toward a stronger digital focus’’ said Ms. Heba Al-Tamimi, General Manager, QNB Group Retail Banking.

“We congratulate QNB on winning the Most Innovative Marketing Program award at the Mastercard MENA Leadership Forum and applaud their efforts in successfully implementing their unique solutions in their respective markets. As a whole, the region offers tremendous potential for the development of a highly innovative payments and financial sector, and we are pleased to see the efforts of our partners in developing products that offer customers the highest level of convenience, safety and security while also strengthening Mastercard’s reach to a wider consumer base,” said Khalid Elgibali, Division President, MENA, Mastercard. 

The forum, which brought together more than 60 attendees from across the Middle East and Africa region featured a packed agenda of industry sessions led by senior Mastercard executives. QNB is continuously expanding to build relationships with its customers and satisfy all their banking needs. The Bank also continues to deliver the most innovative products and services locally and internationally. QNB Group is present, through its subsidiaries and associate companies, in more than 30 countries across three continents providing a comprehensive range of products and services. QNB Group staff exceeds 28,000, operating through 1,200 locations with a network of 4,300 ATMs.

QNB, the largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, has recently held a graduation ceremony for more than 230 employees who were certified in the QNB Group Leadership Development Program organized by the Bank for the sixth consecutive year.

The QNB Group Leadership Development Program, which comprises of supervisory, management and leadership skills development, offers participants the opportunity to develop and enhance their leadership & managerial skills, and enables future leaders to achieve their ambitions and career goals.

It is also part of the Group’s talent management endeavors, which provide it with leadership and management competencies required for supporting its expansion and the rapid growth of its operations. The ceremony opened with speeches by representatives of the graduates, appreciating the QNB Group management’s decision to offer them this unique opportunity to be part of such programs. They described their experience and the benefits they gained from the workshops that combined theoretical and practical methods, along with the tasks that enabled them to strengthen their individual and collective capacities.

Ms. Nada Al Ansari, AGM - Centres of Excellence, said that “the program’s training modules focus on consolidating a number of leadership skills, including self-development, team management and change management, in order to provide staff with a solid foundation to achieve effective leadership and successful professional development.” She added: "The Leadership Development Program meets the needs of QNB as the largest bank in Qatar and the largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa. The program also allows QNB to build distinct leaders and teams to achieve outstanding results and stay ahead of the competition."

Mr. Ali Rashid Al-Mohannadi, Executive GM and Chief Operating Officer, commended the efforts of all of the outstanding graduates and the team of trainers, and urged staff to enroll in such courses to develop their skills and enhance their career advancement through the QNB Group Leadership & Management Development Curriculum. The program aims to develop and raise staff efficiency as part of an ongoing human capital strategy aiming to consolidate the status of the Bank as the employer of choice in Qatar and across its international footprint.

Employee capability and career development is considered one of the top priorities of QNB Group, as it is constantly striving to develop its talent management initiatives and offer the latest training programs to enhance the efficiency of its employees, particularly their ability to assume duties in the banking environment and achieve excellence in their careers. QNB Group’s presence, through its subsidiaries and associate companies, now extends to more than 30 countries across three continents providing a comprehensive range of advanced products and services. The total number of employees is more than 28,000 operating through more than 1,200 locations, with an ATM network of more than 4,300 machines.