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Qatar Tribune
15 hours ago
- Qatar Tribune
QNB: Committed to facilitating access to banking services for elderly, people with special needs
Tribune News Network Doha Within its efforts to promote financial inclusion, QNB Group continues to attach importance to the elderly and people with special needs by developing facilities and products designed to improve their access to banking services and enable them to perform their financial transactions with the highest levels of ease and security. QNB also launched initiatives to enable them unleash their potential as partners in development. Since 2009, QNB has been one of the first financial institutions in the country to provide a range of banking services and products specifically designed for this segment of customers, in line with the goals of the Qatar National Vision (QNV) 2030 to achieve sustainable development and ensure a decent living. The Group provides all banking facilities and services to the elderly and people with special needs in Qatar and across its international footprint in more than 28 countries across three continents. This consideration reflects the Group's unwavering commitment to implementing Qatar Central Bank's Third Financial Sector Strategy and the Environmental, Social, Corporate Governance and Sustainability Strategy, supporting financial inclusion and the goals of sustainable development. It also aligns with Qatar Central Bank (QCB)' s directives to promote financial inclusion and provide access to financial products and services for all segments of society. Yousef Mahmoud Al-Neama, Group Chief Business Officer, said: 'At QNB, we are committed to facilitating easy and convenient access to our banking services and products for the elderly and people with special needs. We are constantly developing the services we provide and training our employees on how to interact and communicate effectively with this segment of customers, adhering to the highest quality standards. We have also provided all necessary facilities and services through our branches and e- channels to offer them an exceptional banking experience. QNB Group is proud of its leading role in supporting this customer segment, integrating them into society, and developing an enabling work environment for Qataris with special needs.' Heba Al-Tamimi, Senior Executive Vice President – QNB Group Communications, said: 'QNB Group relentlessly supports the integration of the elderly and people with special needs into society, believing in their role as partners in development and reflecting our commitment to Qatar National Vision 2030. Through the continued improvement of our products and branches, we are committed to providing a leading banking experience that reflects the values of innovation and financial inclusion and enhances their digital financial skills.' Leading the Way to Support the Elderly QNB Group has taken several leading steps to support the elderly, the most recent of which was the launch of special pensioner loan at the beginning of this year with a 0% interest rate and a value of up to QAR 300,000 for Qatari retirees, in cooperation with the General Retirement and Social Insurance Authority (GRSIA). This comes as part of ongoing efforts to support the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 and to show gratitude to retirees who have served the country for many years and contributed to the development of its economy and society. At the level of international branches and subsidiaries, the group offers its elderly customers a range of insurance products that meet the specific needs of this segment. These include the Al Rafiq Retirement programmed from QNB Egypt Life Insurance, a savings and investment package designed to help customers achieve financial stability during retirement. The bank also has successful partnerships with several institutions and centers specializing in elderly care, such as the Center for Empowerment and Elderly Care (Ehsan), which QNB has been supporting since 2015. For example, the bank has provided a transportation means to facilitate the transportation of its employees and provide all services to the elderly in their homes, demonstrating its commitment to promoting the dignity and well-being of the elderly in Qatar and across its global network. QNB's partnership with Ehsan continues, as the bank organizes numerous social responsibility initiatives, including the annual Ramadan Iftar, celebrating the noble human values and culture of charitable work that characterize the holy month. A Banking Experience Designed for People with Special Needs Since 2009, QNB Group has developed a range of advanced services and products, most notably equipping several ATMs with Braille keyboards and hearing aids to help blind customers withdraw and deposit funds easily and securely. QNB is the first bank in Qatar to launch a banking application in Braille, a unique initiative under the technical supervision and support of the Arab Federation for the bank has a fully trained team in the use of sign language to communicate effectively with hearing-impaired customers. All bank branches have a dedicated entrance to facilitate wheelchair access, designated parking spaces for people with special needs, and signposts for people with visual impairments to guide them to specific paths upon contact. Emergency and evacuation exit commensurate to their needs are also provided, along with priority queuing at branches. These special facilities will be extended to all new and renovated branches. QNB has equipped a number of its ATMs (5% of the total number of ATMs) with audio guidance system which provides a convenient and easy means for the visually and/or hearing impaired to interactively use and guide them through the transaction. Buttons on these machines are also labeled with Braille to guide users in completing transactions for visually impaired is the first bank in Qatar and the Middle East to deploy ATMs with Bulk Cash Deposit service by Diebold Nixdorf, equipped with raised Braille dots to assist the visually impaired. Since 2016, QNB becomes the first bank in Qatar to introduce the NCR Interactive Teller Machine, from NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR), empowering blind and visually impaired users. QNB became the first bank in Qatar and the Middle East to launch bulk cash deposit services on its ATMs after upgrading its network with a self-service device from Diebold Nixdor equipped with a Braille keyboard. QNB also equipped its interactive teller service, provided by NCR Corporation, a global leader in banking transactions, with guiding bumps on the keyboard to facilitate banking transactions for the blind and visually impaired. The bank takes the needs of this segment of customers into consideration when designing various products to suit their capabilities and ensure they benefit from the latest technological developments, enhancing their financial independence. Across its international branches, QNB Group continues to develop the best banking services to meet the special needs of its customers, starting with simplifying account opening procedures and providing customer service staff trained in sign language at all branches. QNB Egypt, for example, has developed banking services through its electronic channels, including the availability of screen readers on smartphones. Specialized Training Programmes for Employees The bank is keen to organize ongoing training programmes for its employees to enhance their communication skills in this field. This includes a sign language training course titled 'Methods and Techniques of Effective Communication with the Deaf (Sign Language - Mother Tongue)' with the aim of improving the service provided to customers with special needs. The bank also participated in an awareness course organized by the Shafallah Center for Persons with Disabilities on dealing with people with disabilities and autism, with the participation of several other banks operating in the country. The training workshop aimed to improve methods of treating bank customers with intellectual disabilities and autism and to raise awareness among bank employees on how to provide services to people with disabilities. Community partnerships and ongoing support In implementation of its strategy to enhance the role of disabled people and integrate them into society across various sectors, QNB continues to support several programmes, including the 'Empowering People with Special Needs Through Small Projects Programme' launched by the Department of the Elderly and People with Special Needs at the Ministry of Social Affairs. The bank's support for this initiative aligns with the Ministry's objectives to raise awareness of the important role this segment plays in achieving development, their ability to contribute and build their productive capacity. A part pf its strategic partnerships this field, QNB recently launched an early intervention therapeutic programme within its strategic partnership with the Qatar Autism Society, to support children with autism spectrum disorder and their families, enabling them to begin their learning and integration journey from an early age. This partnership supports the country's efforts to become an autism-friendly nation and promotes community awareness in line with QNV 2030. Last year, the bank signed a strategic partnership agreement with the Qatar Autism Society to raise awareness and create an autism-friendly environment in Qatar. The initiative contributes to enhancing the skills of children with autism and better integrating them into society, in line with QNV 2030. This partnership was launched through the implementation of several initiatives, including a visit to the Autism Parents Platform, with the participation of Ahmed Helmy, QNB Group's brand ambassador in the Middle East and North Africa. This comes as part of its commitment to empowering children with autism and their families and building a more inclusive society. The bank is also keen to support various sporting events for people with special needs. This included signing an exclusive partnership with the Qatar Paralympic Committee (QPC) during the West Asia Goalball Championship - Ajman 2023, hosted by the United Arab Emirates. This initiative came within the framework of the bank's commitment to supporting the country's efforts to empower people with special needs, especially the blind, support their mental and physical health, and enhance their mental skills. The bank's social responsibility team also organizes a number of activities and events throughout the year, such as distributing Eid clothing and organizing various sports and artistic workshops and activities specifically for children. Priority in Employing Qataris with Special Needs QNB attaches special attention to people with special needs, ensuring their rehabilitation and integration into society, given the increasing number of graduates of rehabilitation programs entering the labor market. Since 2012, QNB has been one of the first financial institutions in the country to prioritize the employment of this segment and provide job opportunities that match their capabilities. In this context, the bank signed a memorandum of understanding with the Qatar Society for Rehabilitation of Special Needs regarding the recruitment of candidates from this category, preparing them to work in an environment that suits their capabilities and potential, and developing training programs for them at the bank's training and development center. This step contributed to harnessing their energies, honing their skills, helping them develop their capabilities, highlighting their role in society, and providing them with a decent life. QNB Group is one of the leading financial institutions in the MEA region and among the most valuable banking brands in the regional market. Present in over 28 countries across Asia, Europe, and Africa, it offers tailored products and services.
Qatar Tribune
7 days ago
- Qatar Tribune
QIIB reports net profit of QR 689 mn in H1 2025, approves 24% interim dividend
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar International Islamic Bank (QIIB) has reported a net profit of QR 689 million for the first half of 2025, marking a 5.2 percent increase over the same period last year. Earnings per share stood at QR 0.41. Announcing the results, QIIB Board of Directors Chairman Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani emphasised the bank's sustainable growth and strategic alignment with Qatar's robust economic trajectory. The board of directors, following its meeting to review the financial statements, approved an interim cash dividend of 24 percent of the nominal share value (QR 0.24 per share), subject to approval by the Qatar Central Bank. The dividend will be distributed to shareholders registered as of July 28, 2025. Highlighting the bank's resilience and innovation-driven performance, Dr Khalid said, 'QIIB continues to build on its strong fundamentals, achieving sustainable growth while supporting the national economy. We are leveraging Qatar's progressive economic environment to expand our services and customer base.' Total assets of the bank grew to QR60.6 billion, up 2.2 percent from the first half of 2024, while net financing assets reached QR39.0 billion. Customer deposits rose by 4.4 percent to QR42.2 billion, and shareholders' equity increased to QR9.8 billion. The capital adequacy ratio under Basel III stood at a robust 19.65 percent. Moody's and Fitch have maintained QIIB's credit ratings at 'A2' and 'A' respectively, both with a stable outlook, reflecting the bank's asset quality, profitability, and liquidity position. QIIB CEO Dr Abdulbasit Ahmad Al Shaibei noted that net operating income rose by 11.6 percent year-on-year to QR1.1 billion. He attributed the strong performance to operational efficiency—with a cost-to-income ratio of 18.9 percent —and continued digital transformation. He added that asset quality remained strong, with non-performing financing at just 2.97 percent and full coverage for such exposures. The bank's social responsibility initiatives in education, healthcare, and sports also continued, including its strategic partnership with the Qatar Football Association. On human capital development, Al Shaibei reaffirmed QIIB's commitment to empowering Qatari talent, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030. 'We are proud of our achievements in H1 2025 and remain committed to delivering sustainable value to our clients and shareholders,'he concluded.
Qatar Tribune
16-07-2025
- Qatar Tribune
QIB net profit up 5.3% to QR2.18 billion in H1
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB), the country's leading Shari'a-compliant financial institution, has reported a net profit of QR2,175 million for the six-month period ending 30 June 2025, marking a 5.3 percent increase compared to QR2,065 million recorded during the same period last year. The bank's earnings per share rose to QR0.92 in H1 2025 from QR0.87 in H1 2024, reflecting sustained profitability growth. In a move reinforcing its shareholder-friendly policies, QIB's board of directors has approved an interim cash dividend of QR0.40 per share, equivalent to 40 percent of the nominal share value. This payout, which is subject to regulatory approval from Qatar Central Bank, will be distributed to shareholders registered as of market close on July 24, 2025. QIB's total assets surged to QR212.1 billion as of 30 June 2025, registering a 5.6 percent growth from December 2024 and a 10.3 percent increase year-on-year. The bank attributed this robust asset growth primarily to increased financing and investing activities. Financing assets climbed to QR130.8 billion, reflecting a 4.4 percent increase from December 2024 and a 3.1 percent rise compared to June 2024. Investment securities reached QR60.1 billion, up 13.4 percent from December 2024 and 21.9 percent higher year-on-year, as QIB continued to diversify and strengthen its investment portfolio. Customer deposits increased to QR135 billion, registering an 8 percent rise since December 2024 and a 10 percent increase compared to June 2024. The finance-to-deposit ratio stood at 96.8 percent, one of the lowest among Qatari banks, underlining QIB's strong and stable liquidityprofile. QIB's total income for H1 2025 reached QR5,642.8 million, up slightly from QR5,609.3 million in the same period last year. Net income from financing and investing activities alone amounted to QR5,127.8 million, underscoring the bank's core revenue-generating strength. Operational efficiency remains a cornerstone of QIB's strategy. The bank's total operating expenses stood at QR537.7 million for the first half of 2025. Cost containment efforts brought the cost-to-income ratio down to 16.4 percent—once again the lowest in Qatar's bankingsector. On the asset quality front, QIB maintained its ratio of non-performing financing assets to total financing assets at 1.75 percent, showcasing strong credit risk management and prudent underwriting standards. Coverage for non-performing assets stood at 95.1 percent as of 30 June 2025, supported by a conservative provisioning strategy. QIB's shareholders' equity increased to QR28.1 billion, marking a 3.4 percent rise from December 2024 and a 9.2 percent increase year-on-year. The capital adequacy ratio (CAR), calculated according to the new Qatar Central Bank guidelines, stood at a robust 22 percent—well above the regulatory minimum and Basel III requirements. QIB's financial strength and stability were reaffirmed by major global credit rating agencies. In June 2025, Fitch Ratings affirmed QIB's long-term issuer default rating at 'A' with a stable outlook. Moody's maintained its 'A1' rating with a stable outlook, while Capital Intelligence Ratings (CI) affirmed a long-term rating of 'AA-' with a stable outlook in March 2025. As QIB continues to deliver on its strategic goals, the bank remains committed to sustainable growth, digital innovation, and value creation for its customers and stakeholders, further reinforcing its leading position in Qatar's Islamic banking sector.
