Doha, November 22, 2006- As part of its continuous support for the upcoming 15th Asian Games Doha 2006, Qatar National Bank (QNB), Prestige Partner and Official Bank of the Games, has sponsored uniforms of all volunteers who are part of this multi-sport event.

This sponsorship is part of QNB's extensive promotional endorsement for the Games, in addition to its outstanding banking services support.

Mr. Ali Shareef Al Emadi, QNB's Acting Chief Executive, expressed his delight at having the QNB logo emblazoned on the Doha 2006 workforce dress. "When the Asian Games are over, these uniforms will become memorabilia of the biggest sporting event in the history of Asia," Al Emadi said. "We want the volunteers to look back at the Games as a special time in their lives and remember QNB's role in making these Games a success."

Volunteers from nearly 90 nationalities will wear the new uniforms while working  at various competition and non-competition venues including the Athletes' Village, the Main Media Center and hospitality areas.

Around 70 QNB employees have volunteered as part of the Games' workforce This is in addition to the bank's extensive preparations to provide distinguished financial services to athletes and spectators.

Mr. Ahmed Al Khulaifi, Deputy Director General, Corporate Support, DAGOC said: "The 15th Asian Games is glad to have QNB as a Prestige Partner, and we welcome their support to an event which touches the lives of every individual in Qatar and beyond, including the volunteers. QNB has proven to be the ideal partner for a sports event of this magnitude and we look forward to further cooperation during Games' time."

QNB has been heavily involved in several other activities related to the Games including the launch of an Asian Games commemorative credit card with part of its proceeds going to the Reach Out to Asia charity campaign. QNB's executive management will take part in relaying the torch to its final destination at Khalifa Stadium. This is in addition to QNB's upgraded banking facilities and expanded network of ATM's serving the influx of athletes and visitors to Doha during Games' time.

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Qatar National Bank (QNB)
Qatar National Bank (QNB) was established in 1964 as the country's first Qatari-owned commercial bank, with an ownership structure split between the Government of Qatar (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 45% of banking sector assets. QNB has the largest distribution network of 39 branches and offices, two of them Islamic branches, and more than 100 ATM's.

QNB international presence is rapidly expanding with new locations in Singapore and Libya (Representative Offices) and Yemen (Branch), supplementing existing branches in London and Paris and a Representative Office in Iran.  The London-based Ansbacher, QNB's Wealth Management and Private Banking subsidiary, operates in Switzerland, Channel Islands, Dubai International Financial Center and Qatar Financial Center. Ansbacher, was the first financial institution to be granted a license to operate at Qatar Financial Centre providing a wide range of wealth management services in Qatar and the region.

QNB offers a full range of retail, corporate, investment, treasury, wealth management, and Islamic banking products and services for individuals, corporate institutions and government entities. QNB is constantly striving to provide intelligent banking solutions and its range of products and services, and delivery channels across all disciplines continues to be unrivalled.  

Through its affiliate, Al Watani Al Islami, QNB was the first commercial bank in Qatar to offer Islamic Banking products and services, and the first Qatari bank to launch equity funds (Al Watani Funds) for companies listed in the Doha Securities Market.

QNB has the highest credit rating among Qatari banks from leading rating agencies including Standard & Poor's, Moody's, Fitch, and Capital Intelligence.   The Bank has also been the recipient of the "Best Bank in Qatar" Award from leading international specialized financial publications including: The Banker, Euromoney, Global Finance and Project Finance. 

QNB has an active community support program and sponsors various social, educational, and sports events.  QNB is the Official Bank of the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006. The Bank is also the official sponsor of the four major sports in Qatar which include Football, Basketball, Handball, and Volleyball.

For further information, please contact Ali Abdul Ghani, Public Relations manager, Office 4407890- Mobile 5505729 or email ali.ghani@qnb.com.qa

© Press Release 2006