Doha, June 23, 2012 - Qatar National Bank (QNB) Group the largest financial institution in the State of Qatar and the MENA region, has successfully completed its latest venture, the QNB Hotspot Wi-Fi Project. Through this initiative, all QNB branches and buildings throughout Qatar will now have free Wi-Fi access.

With this service now readily available Qatar wide, QNB has again reaffirmed its position as the institute of choice for customers.

Through QNB's Hotspot system, customers are able to access the internet from QNB premises. This offers convenience and improved practicality for all involved as well as certain key features. Firstly, QNB customers will have free access to the internet meaning that all of their banking needs can be done straight from a mobile phone or similar device. QNB adds that the connection is a high data speed, meaning faster and more effective service for customers.

When logging on to use the system, QNB customers will be directed to QNB website (www.qnb.com.qa), before being able to navigate to any other websites.  

QNB is always striving for ways to improve its services, and consequently achieving this. The Bank does this through innovation and refinement of their offerings and services, with QNB's Hotspot Wi-Fi Project joining an ever growing list. 

QNB's Hotspot Wi-Fi Project signifies a blending of traditional banking with technological advances as the Bank always aims to make this is practical as possible for all of those in the communities in which it operates in.

About QNB Group
Qatar National Bank (QNB), established in 1964 as the country's first Qatari-owned commercial bank, has an ownership structure split between the Qatar Investment Authority (50%) and the private sector (50%).

QNB Group has steadily grown to be among the largest banks in the Middle East and North Africa Region and is by far the leading financial institution in the country with a market share exceeding 45% of banking sector assets.

QNB Group has witnessed rapid international expansion in the past few years and operates in 24 countries around the world through its network, subsidiaries and associate companies employing about 7,000 staff from 334 branch and offices that are supported by an ATM network that exceeds 600 machines.

The Group has also extended its regional reach by acquiring stakes in various financial institutions including 35% stake in the Jordan-based, The Housing Bank for Trade and Finance (HBTF), 24% in Commercial Bank International (CBI) based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), 50% of the Tunisian-Qatari Bank, 51% in the Iraqi-based Mansour Bank, 49% in the Libyan Bank of Commerce and Development and 20% stake in Al Jazeera Finance Company in Doha. QNB Group also retains 51% stake in QNB-Syria, a private stock company established jointly with other Syrian private and public sector institutions which started operations mid November 2009 and operates today more than 15 branches in the Syrian Republic.

QNB Capital, a subsidiary of QNB Group, was established in 2008 providing an array of investment banking services to corporate, government and institutional clients within Qatar and globally. These include one of the best corporate finance teams in the GCC region offering extensive transaction experience, in depth advisory services - including mergers and acquisitions, equity, debt and project advisory, as well as first-class research capabilities. 

QNB Financial Services (QNB FS) commenced trading on the Qatar Exchange in May 2011 and is the first independently regulated, licensed brokerage unit launched by a bank in Qatar.  QNB FS brokerage offers a multi-market, multi-currency trading platform with access to several GCC markets including Qatar, UAE, and Oman.  It also provides a trading solution for buying and selling securities on the US and European markets.  QNB FS' technology platform is enhanced by its in-house research team who provide fundamental research and analysis, sector reviews, and daily commentary on QE listed equities.  Its advisory and brokerage teams are structured to service institutional investors, mutual funds, high-net worth individuals, retail and corporate clients locally, regionally, and globally. 

QNB Group is among the highest rated regional banks from leading credit rating agencies including Standard & Poor's, Moody's, Fitch, and Capital Intelligence. The Bank has also been the recipient of many awards from leading international specialized financial publications.

QNB Group has an active community support program and sponsors various social, educational, and sporting events.

For further information, please contact QNB's Public Relations Department at (+974) 44252477, Fax (+974) 44252589, email: PR@qnb.com.qa or visit QNB's website www.qnb.com.qa

© Press Release 2012