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Qatar National Bank (QNB) has been appointed by Qatar Petroleum as the Lead Receiving Bank of its Initial Public Offering (IPO) for Gulf International Services (GIS), which will commence on February 28, 2008 for Qatari citizens.

GIS is a Qatari shareholding company, founded by Qatar Petroleum as an instrument for reorganizing the participation shares of Al Koot Insurance and Re-insurance Company's capital, Gulf Drilling International and Gulf Helicopter Company. Appointing QNB to play the role of Lead Receiving Bank to GIS' IPO testifies to QNB's capabilities and affirms the bank leading role in this matter.

QNB customers can now subscribe to GIS shares electronically through QNB's EAZYinternet website (http://ib.qnb.com.qa), the country's leading internet banking service, and through ATMs or by visiting all QNB nd QNB Al Islami branches.

Interested applicants of GIS Shares can experience the hassle free valuable features of QNB lectronic channel from the comfort of their home or through the nearest QNB ATM, 24 hours a day. A wide range of benefits await customers who choose to avail of this service.

QNB Al Islami Customers can also subscribe to GIS shares electronically through QNB Al Islami website (http://islami.qnb.qa) which was recently launched featuring all the recent updates on Islamic banking and information on QNB Al Islami's products.

QNB took the lead in introducing this innovative method to subscribe for IPOs, in its constant pursuit to modernize and make all its products & services more customer friendly.

Customers can apply for all future IPOs around the clock, via QNB's EAZYinternet, the country's leading internet banking service, SMS or ATM facilities. Customers who apply for a finance request through EAZYinternet can enjoy reduced fees.

QNB customers can also register up to 15 family members at the same time, and register for the loan. This loan facility will then be available at the time of all future IPO applications if the customer requires the loan. Non QNB customers who wish to subscribe can open an account with QNB. Cheques will not be accepted from participating banks' customers.

QNB was the IPO Manager for most of the IPO's that were listed in the DSM, since its inception in 1997 which were part of record growth in Qatar's economy.

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About 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 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 45% of banking sector assets. QNB has the largest distribution network of 42 branches and offices (including 3 mobile branches), in addition to 10 Islamic branches and offices, and 130 Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).

QNB's nternational presence is rapidly expanding to include new locations around the world to supplement existing branches in London and Paris and the Representative Office in Iran. QNB's new branches in Yemen, Oman & Kuwait and its representative offices in Libya & Singapore began its operations in 2007. Recently, QNB, obtained licenses to operate in Sudan and Mauritania.

As part of the same expansion plan, QNB has acquired 30.5% of the shares of the Jordan based, The Housing Bank for Trade and Finance (HBTF) which operates in Palestine, Bahrain, Algeria, Syria, UAE, Libya and Iraq, in addition to Jordan. QNB also signed an agreement to establish the Qatar National Bank-Syria jointly with other Syrian private and public sectors institutions with 49% share.

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 s 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 Islamic branch, QNB 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.

The London-based Ansbacher, QNB's Wealth Management and Private Banking subsidiary, operates in Switzerland, Channel Islands, the Bahamas, 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 has the highest credit rating among regional banks from leading rating agencies including Standard & Poor's, Moody's, Fitch, and Capital Intelligence. The Bank has also been the recipient of many awards for its innovative products, services and remarkable performance from leading international specialized financial publications. QNB has an active community support program and sponsors various social, educational, and sports events.

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