IBQ sponsors the Mesaieed Golf Tournament - the "IBQ Trophy"

Doha, Qatar 29 April 2007: The International Bank of Qatar (IBQ) was the exclusive sponsor of the 2007 Mesaieed Golf Tournament, the "IBQ Trophy", which took place at the Mesaieed Golf Club on Friday 27th April 2007. Michael Williams, General Manager of IBQ, presented the winner Richard de la Bastide with a trophy after he scored an impressive 44 points in the competition.

The tournament was organised by the Mesaieed Golf Club, the second oldest golf course in Qatar that has been in operation for 55 years. This year's competition featured over 40 participants, ranging from IBQ guests through to members of the club. The enthusiastic players demonstrated their golf skills on the impressive 6,645 yard desert course.

"As Qatar's oldest locally owned bank, we are thrilled to show our support to one of Qatar's oldest golf clubs. Our support reiterates our commitment to ensuring the continuation of local social events that reinforce our values, not just within Doha but across Qatar. The "IBQ Trophy" golf competition was an intriguing match of patience, skill and enthusiasm," commented Michael Williams, General Manager of IBQ.

The first players teed off at 07.00. The competition was organized as a Stableford format, where points are calculated for each individual player. Following the tournament the players enjoyed lunch and an award ceremony, where the winners were presented with the IBQ Trophy. Additional prizes were also presented to: Diane Mills who came in 2nd place with 39 points, Ronelle du Toit in 3rd place with 39 points and D M Kim in 4th place with 36 points. IBQ's guest winner was Brian Stubbs who scored 37 points, he was closely followed by IBQ's Gary Mond, with an impressive 33 points.

MGC's Captain, Bob Noble commented that the Match & Greens Committee are delighted that IBQ provided such generous and unflinching support for Mesaieed Golf Club and its playing members. Our course offers unique challenges to golfers of all abilities in a congenial

atmosphere. We thank IBQ for initiating this new trophy and trust that their sponsorship will continue in future seasons, Bob said.

The International Bank of Qatar over its 50 year history has shown continual dedication to support local events throughout the State of Qatar. This reiterates IBQ's commitment to relationship building, which has enabled IBQ to establish itself as one of the fastest growing banks in Qatar.

-Ends-

About the International Bank of Qatar (IBQ)
The International Bank of Qatar (IBQ); a well established and rapidly growing financial institution, previously known as Grindlays Qatar, celebrated its 50th year anniversary in 2006. IBQ today is a joint venture fully managed, with 20% owned, by the National Bank of Kuwait (NBK); the largest bank in Kuwait and one of the leading banks in the Middle East. The remaining 80% is owned by influential Qatari entities, whilst the bank is Chaired by Qatar's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affair's H.E. Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabor Al-Thani.

Taking half a century of extensive experience in service-based private and corporate banking, IBQ has been and continues to expand its retail banking business with a parallel strategy, based on that experience, which accentuates its high quality service-based approach. IBQ today, offers its customers a full range of retail, private and corporate banking solutions with a strong commitment to excellent quality service, and a focus on building long-lasting relationships. With a total of 4 branches and 9 ATMs located in strategic locations throughout Qatar, IBQ is an increasingly prominent local player that benefits from an international network as a result of its affiliation with NBK.

Released on behalf of the International Bank of Qatar by Hill & Knowlton - for further information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Samar Atassi
Head of Corporate Communications
International Bank of Qatar
Tel: +974 447 3700
Email: atassis@ibq.com.qa

Nardine Gerges
Senior Account Executive
Hill & Knowlton, Qatar
Tel: +974 413 1260
Mob: +974 5540721
Email: nardine@hillandknowlton.com.bh

© Press Release 2007