Doha: QNB, Qatar's leading bank, announced today that the Four Seasons Hotel has embraced QNB's newly acquired wireless point-of-sale (POS) system, one of the most advanced technologies in electronic payment.
QNB is the first ever Qatari bank to offer the wireless Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) point-of-sale system to merchants. It enables real-time processing and approvals for purchases and payments wherever there is GSM mobile phone coverage. Competitors offer off-line wireless POS devices which process transactions only after the device has been placed into its docking station.
The new wireless device ensures that credit and debit cards can be processed by hotel staff and merchants without the card leaving the sight of its owner. This is an important security benefit for prudent card users as well as offering greater convenience.
Mr. Ali Ahmed Al Kuwari, QNB's General Manager for Operations & Information Technology, said: "It is a particularly innovative concept for food outlets and room service. For example hotels are able to extend the facility to provide in-room check-out facilities for VIP clients. And event organizers can accept card payments at remote locations even where there are no telephone lines."
"Normally, the waiter or cashier requests the credit card and then takes it away to process the transaction. Now that process is transparent, because hotel or merchant staff can be equipped with a wireless device that enables them to fully complete the transaction in full view of the customer. It is, without a doubt, an important step in enabling card users to monitor their card at all times," added Mr. Al Kuwari.
"QNB's new wireless point-of-sale system is improving the security of credit and debit transactions at Doha's new Four Seasons Hotel. We are absolutely delighted with this new technology. As a chain that prides itself on exceeding customer expectations this is simply one of those important 'extras' that puts the Four Seasons Doha at the top of Qatar's accommodation options," said Mr. Ashraf Tadros, Director of Finance, Four Seasons Hotel, Doha.
The new system, which can accommodate all VISA, MasterCard, JCB, Amex and NAPS cards enables customers to conveniently input their security PIN at the time and location of purchase, while retail staff are able to process transactions in full view of the customer.
-Ends-About QNB
QNB was established in 1964 as the country's first Qatari-owned commercial bank. The ownership structure is split between the Government of Qatar (50%) and the private sector (50%). QNB has grown to become the largest bank in Qatar controlling assets representing approximately 50% of the total banking system. QNB has the largest distribution network in the country with 32 local branches and offices, two international branches in London and Paris and 73 ATM's. QNB provides a full range of commercial banking activities for individuals, corporate institutions and government entities and the Bank's scope of products, services and delivery channels across all disciplines is unrivalled.
QNB has the highest credit rating among Qatari banks from leading rating agencies including Moody's, Fitch and Capital Intelligence. QNB is among the top 10 regional banks by Shareholders' Equity, with a ranking of 7th among the largest GCC banks as per MEES survey in September 2004. Internationally, it is ranked as 77th among the Top 250 Emerging Market Banks as per Euromoney survey in August 2004.
Additionally, QNB has been the recipient of the award "Best Bank in Qatar" from leading international financial publications including: The Banker, Euromoney and Global Finance. On 3rd June 2005, QNB received 'The Best Debt House' award from Euromoney magazine.
© Press Release 2005
