Category: News

QFB signs MoU with Qatar University

Qatar First Bank (QFB), Qatar’s first independent Shari’ah compliant bank authorized by the QFC Regulatory Authority, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) –with Qatar University (QU) aimed at engaging the students of the College of Business and Economics (CBE) in joint activities including guest speaker seminars, internship opportunities and academic research.

The MoU is the first under the Al Rowad initiative which the Bank launched with the aim of providing an enriching learning experience to students and equipping them with crucial Business and banking fundamentals to complement their academic knowledge. The initiative demonstrates QFB’s commitment toward educating and developing the youth of Qatar.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Prof. Sheikha Abdulla Al Misnad, QU President, Dr. Mazen Hasna, Vice-President and Chief Academic Officer Prof. Nitham M. Hindi, CBE Dean, Mr. Abdulla bin Fahad bin Ghorab Al Marri QFB Chairman and Mr. Ahmad Meshari, QFB Acting CEO.

Areas of cooperation will include organization of support and participation in joint activities such as “A Day with a Billionaire”, where the Bank facilitates hosting a prominent figure in the business and finance community to spend a day with the CBE students to share their life experiences and success stories in the business world. The MoU also enables the students to avail of internship and job training opportunities offered by the Bank.

In addition, QFB will present an award to recognize outstanding academic research by the students in the field of finance and economics.

Abdulla Bin Fahad Bin Ghorab Al Marri, Chairman of QFB commented “At its core, QFB’s corporate social responsibility strategy focuses on supporting local bodies and academic institutions that provide the youth with the education and the right skills to support the nation’s vision in its efforts to become a knowledge-based economy. Our collaboration with Qatar University provides us with a unique opportunity to transfer our business skills and professional knowledge to the younger generation to help better prepare for their professional life. “We will be looking forward to a long standing relationship with Qatar University”. He added.

Prof Al Misnad said: “We are pleased to establish this partnership with QFB which provides our students with invaluable opportunities to advance their business education. Hands-on guidance from experts at QFB and interaction with leaders and change-makers in the finance sector in Qatar, will enrich our students’ experiences and complement their education”.

The Al Rowad initiative complements the existing QFB Executive Program that targets university graduates. The Bank plans to expand the initiative to include other universities in Qatar in the near future.

QFB hosted its annual Iftar for QFB employees and their families at Al Gassar Resort.

Qatar First Bank (QFB), Qatar’s first independent Shari’ah compliant bank regulated by the QFC Regulatory Authority, hosted  its annual Iftar for QFB employees and their families at Al Gassar Resort.

Employees, with their families, attended the event, including QFB Acting CEO Ahmad Meshari and head of departments. It was an auspicious opportunity to gather and share the spirit of Ramadan.

As part of reviving the tradition of Ramadan and to add more joy and fun to the event, Garangaou was made as the over-all theme.  All attendees received Garangao gifts and the kids enjoyed the games. A raffle draw of valuable gifts for all staff members was also held.

In his brief message, Ahmad Meshari indicated that the Ramadan gathering has become an annual tradition that testifies to the ideals of communication and collaboration among all QFB employees. He emphasized that the bank is at the threshold of a new era which adds to the bank’s achievements since it was established.  Meshari acknowledged that these achievements are the result of the continuous improved performance and efforts of both management and staff.

In conclusion, Meshari highlighted the significance of continued bank growth along with the goal of providing an improved and advanced banking environment for QFB clients, as well as, an appropriate work environment for all employees.

QFB hosted an Iftar for the residents of the Qatar Foundation for Elderly People Care (Ihsan) and their caregivers in Doha.

For the fourth year in a row, Qatar First Bank (QFB), Qatar’s first independent Shari’ah compliant bank regulated by the QFC Regulatory Authority, hosted an Iftar for the residents of the Qatar Foundation for Elderly People Care (Ihsan) and their caregivers in Doha.

As part of its annual ‘Ramadan Blessing” campaign during the Holy Month of Ramadan, Qatar First Bank organized an Iftar as one of a series of initiatives designed to spread joy throughout the community and to encourage people to devote time to share with others during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

After breaking their fast together, QFB delegations presented gifts to the elderly people at the Foundation. In return, Ihsan has presented a plaque to QFB in recognition of its support to Ihsan activities

Mohammed AlSahli, Head of Communications at QFB, said: “On the occasion of Ramadan, QFB has organized this Iftar for the residents of “Ihsan” in line with its corporate social responsibility which emphasizes that iftar events are a key part of QFB Ramadan 2014 campaign.  Community-based organisations, like Ihsan, make an enormous impact on the lives of the people they work with, and strengthen the community by offering support to the elderly people and senior citizens who contributed to the development and well-being of our community. Now, it is our duty to support and honour them. We are privileged for hosting this Iftar.”

Mr. Khalid Abdulla Hussein, Director of Public Relations & Media at Ihsan, stressed that Ihsan is always keen and interested to host such events that spread joy among Ihsan residents, especially in Ramadan, which is the month of solidarity and gatherings. He also highlighted that Ihsan has a strong record in hosting such events annually in co-operation with several organisations in Qatar and QFB is one of the leading banks in supporting Ihsan and its activities.

Qatar Foundation for Elderly People Care (Ihsan) was founded in January 2003 under the generous auspices of Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser. Ihsan is dedicated to improving the lives of seniors and helping them overcome social, health, economic and rehabilitative difficulties.

The Foundation also advocates and promotes seniors’ rights in Qatar and provides awareness on issues facing them, as well as guidance to their families.

QFB announced the sales launch of its luxury townhouses and apartments in its real estate development in Leinster Square, Central London W2.

Qatar First Bank (QFB), Qatar’s first independent Shari’ah compliant bank authorized by the QFC regulatory authority, announced the sales launch of its luxury townhouses and apartments in its real estate development in Leinster Square, Central London W2.

The launch event was held at QFB’s offices in Doha and attended by a select group of investors and clients of QFB who were offered the exclusive opportunity to buy townhouses and apartments in this prestigious development.  Leinster Square is located in London’s Bayswater area, just minutes away from Hyde Park.

The launch of sales of Leinster Square builds on the success of QFB’s first real estate project in the same area of Bayswater which was launched in March this year and consists of 20 luxury apartments including a duplex penthouse and underground car parking in Westbourne Grove, Central London W2.

Abdullah Al Marri, QFB’s Chairman, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer our second project to our clients and investors.  The project is being marketed in Qatar first on a priority basis before it is marketed anywhere else. The homes on offer are well-suited to Qatari and Gulf clients looking for a family home in London, or for investment.  The location is excellent and we expect them to sell fast. QFB is planning further developments in Central London and our strategy is to always keep the requirements of the Qatari and Gulf families in mind”

The project is being managed by Alchemi Group, a London-based residential property developer. The development consists of six three-bedroom apartments and five townhouses.  The homes will be fitted out to the highest standard of luxury throughout, and all units (including townhouses) will be serviced by a 24-hour concierge service. All homes will have south-facing views over the private garden square and will have access to the garden via a private gate directly opposite the development.  The completion date is expected in mid-2015.

Jonathan Whittle, Head of Sales for Alchemi, said: “This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire a home in this prestigious project, with the price locked-in today. There is a severe shortage of quality housing in London, particularly in Notting Hill, and we expect strong demand for these units.”