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Al Watani Al Islami, the Islamic banking arm of Qatar National Bank, organized a Garangao event in the main Al Islami branch on Thursday evening. Looking for meaningful opportunities for interaction with the local community, particularly the younger generation, QNB Al Islami invited children from various local schools to attend this event and celebrate the occasion. Top officials from QNB and Al Islami were present to welcome parents and their children and distribute gifts to the young guests.

The event reflects the Bank’s belief that the foundations of a healthy economy lie in community building. In this context, Garangao is a particularly special event because it provides an excellent opportunity to celebrate the spirit of Ramadan and Qatar’s rich heritage.

Garangao is celebrated on the 14th day of Ramadan and is particular to the Gulf region. The celebration is believed to have its roots in the pearl-diving tradition of the area. Over the years, the festival has gained more popularity with several expatriates joining the celebrations.

Launched in April 2005, QNB Al Islami is the first Islamic banking operation by a Qatar-based commercial bank. All products and services provided by QNB Al Islami, in addition to any special promotions, are all certified by QNB Al Islami's Shari'a Advisory Board. These services are available to Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

QNB and its branch, Al Watani Al Islami, are deeply involved in charitable works that serve the community. Through its continued support of a wide range of charitable activities, QNB is making a positive difference in the lives of many in Qatar and beyond its borders. In 2005, it provided generous assistance to a variety of local organizations that play an important role in elevating the physical, social and emotional well-being of individuals that face unique challenges, such as the Al Noor Institute, the Qatar Cancer Society, the Qatar Society for Orphans, the Qatar Society for Special Needs, the Qatar Diabetes Association and others.

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Qatar National Bank (QNB):
QNB was established in 1964 as the country’s first Qatari-owned commercial bank. The ownership structure is split between the Government of Qatar (50%) and the private sector (50%). QNB has grown to become the largest bank in Qatar controlling assets representing approximately 45% of the total banking system.

QNB has the largest distribution network in the country with 39 local branches and offices, two Islamic banking branches, and more than 97 ATMs.

QNB’s international presence has been rapidly expanding to include new locations such as Singapore and Libya (representative offices) and Yemen (branch), in addition to the bank's branches in London and Paris and its representative office in Iran. The Ansbacher Group, fully owned by QNB, also operates in Switzerland, the Channel Islands, Dubai International Exchange and Qatar Financial Center, providing a broad array of wealth management services in Qatar and the region.

QNB provides a full range of retail, investment, wealth management, and Islamic banking services and products. QNB always seeks to offer advanced banking solutions through its rich scope of unrivalled services and products.

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

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

QNB plays a major role in supporting social, educational, cultural and sports activities in Qatar and it is the official bank of the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006.

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