13th Jan 2005.

Commercialbank, the first private bank in Qatar since 1975, congratulated its staff for graduating with the highest scores from the Qatar Banking Training Institute Banking (QBTI) Diploma, a diploma based on a curriculum administered by the prestigious Wales University, United Kingdom.

At a ceremony attended by leaders from Qatar's education community, 2 Commercialbank employees were presented with a certificate by QBTI for successfully completing the Qatar Banking Training Institute (QBTI) "Banking Diploma" and achieving the highest scores among their fellow graduates who completed the 19 module programme.

Mr Andy Stevens, General Manager of Commercialbank attended the event to personally congratulate Roya Khajbour, Commercialbank Airport Branch Manager and Fahad Badar, Commercialbank Hyatt Plaza Branch Manager.

QBTI/Wales Banking Diploma, accredited by the University of Wales, was presented to all the successful participants from prestigious local banks.

In her valedictorian speech, Roya Khajbour highlighted QBTI's role in promoting training and education in the local banking and finance industry. She also praised QBTI for orienting banks' employees about the most recent global developments in the banking sector.

Khajbour also thanked Commercialbank for thier personal support and firm belief in staff development, an element of contribution to the success of Commercialbank.

Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Khajbour also praised H.E. Abdulla Khaled Al- Attiya, the Governor of Qatar Central Bank (QCB) for his vision and support to QBTI.

Professor Phil Molyneux, from Wales University also addressed the audience and congratulated the State of Qatar and the banking sector for their commitment to excellence in banking and finance. He also thanked participants for their dedication and commitment to education as an investment for the future.

-Ends-

About the Qatar Banking Training Institute (QBTI)
H.E. the Governor of Qatar Central Bank (QCB) officially opened Qatar Banking Training Institute (QBTI) on 6th March 1996. The primary mission of QBTI is to provide training and education in banking and finance at a highly professional standard of Qatari national employed, or seeking employment in the banking and financial sectors.

QBTI works under the direction of a Board of Trustees chaired by H.E. the Governor of QCB and the membership of the general managers of the national banks, which contribute yearly to the budget of the Institute, as well as the Director of the Institute.

QBTI resources will be used in offering short and long-term training courses which are normally planned to cover all levels of management as well as establishing professional and academic linkages with similar institutions.

About the Banking Diploma:
Being aware of the importance of human resources in planning and delivering bank products & services efficiently and effectively, the University of Wales and the Qatar Banking Training Institute (QBTI) have joined efforts and resources to launch this intermediate banking diploma programme, as a qualifying and training instrument which will assist in providing the banking and financial sector in Qatar with capable workforce that would contribute to the economic and social development of the country.

The dual nature of the diploma programme - education and training - makes it an ideal scheme for developing the capabilities and skills of the Qatari young men and women who completed successfully their high secondary school. It has been designed to provide courses to meet the needs of those seeking a career in banking.

About Commercialbank
The Commercial Bank of Qatar or Commercialbank (Cb) was established in 1975 as the first private Bank in Qatar. With an investment grade rating of C- from Moody's, the international credit rating agency, Cb sustained track record of profitable operations for 30 years has been supported by diversified revenue structure, good assets quality, diversified funding sources and strong capital base. As at end of June 2004 Cb's Total Assets was QR10.6 billion, a 47% improvement over the previous year's figure of the same period. It has expanded its Shareholders' Equity base over QR.2.0 Billion. CB is also a committed supporter of the Qatari community, lending its support for local charities, the arts and sports. The CB home page is at: www.cbq.com.qa

© Press Release 2005