Doha, 14 May 2011 - QNB Group announced today the opening of a new branch in the state of Barkaa in the Sultanate of Oman. This is the fifth branch opened by the Bank to provide enhanced products and services to its clients in Oman.

The selection of the Group's branches location comes in line with its commitment to offer all the Omani community members a comprehensive range of banking products and services. In addition, these branches were chosen due to the significant development the Sultanate is witnessing in all areas.

This expansion is part of the Group's commitment to provide the best retail and corporate banking services, and to support its local network in Oman to be amongst the market's leaders in the country.

Ahead of the new branch's inauguration in Barkaa, QNB Group opened its fourth branch in Nizwa, which is one of the Sultanate's most important states.  The Main Branch which is also a Corporate Office is located in Muscat and the other two branches are in Sohar and Qurum.

Based on service excellence, QNB-Oman's branches offer state-of-the-art banking technology to attract customers looking for innovative products and services. This realizes the Bank's vision to enhance its offerings and provide the customers with banking solutions of the highest standards.

To provide its customers with the best service, the Bank has a team of highly qualified professionals who are committed to represent the leading position of QNB Group and its excellent reputation.

Via its international branches' network, QNB Group provides a full range of retail, corporate and government banking products and services that includes fixed deposits and current accounts' services, in addition to a broad range of corporate banking solutions such as trade and project financing and investment advisory services.

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About QNB
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 has steadily grown to be among the largest banks in the region and is by far the leading financial institution in the country, with a market share approaching 40% of banking sector assets.

QNB has the largest distribution network in Qatar, comprising 44 branches and offices in addition to 16 Islamic branches and offices operated by QNB Al Islami, and more than 175 ATMs.

QNB was the first conventional bank in Qatar to offer Shari'a-compliant banking products and services through QNB Al Islami, established in 2005.

QNB's international presence is rapidly expanding to include new locations around the world to supplement the long established branches in London and Paris.  Currently QNB has presence in 24 countries including branches in Yemen, Oman Kuwait & Singapore as well as Representative Offices in Iran & Libya and an Islamic branch in Sudan. 

QNB has also extended its regional reach by acquiring shares in various financial institutions including 35% stake in the Jordan based, The Housing Bank for Trade and Finance (HBTF), 23.8% of the shares of Commercial Bank International (CBI) based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), 50% of the Tunisian-Qatari bank and 20% stake in the Doha-based Al Jazeera Islamic Company. QNB also retains 50.8% stake in QNB-Syria, a private stock company established jointly with other Syrian private and public sector institutions which started operations mid November 2009.

QNB Capital 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 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 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 2011