CB first bank in MENA to tie up with PMI
Doha
Commercial Bank (CB), a leader in innovative digital banking solutions, has made history by becoming the first bank in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to sign a strategic partnership with the Project Management Institute (PMI), the world's leading authority in project management dedicated to advancing project success. The milestone agreement was formalised during a ceremony held at the bank's headquarters in Doha.
Through this landmark collaboration, Commercial Bank has attained the status of PMI Authorized Training Partner (ATP), laying a strong foundation to elevate its internal capability-building programs. By integrating PMI's globally recognised certifications and memberships into its framework, the bank aims to strengthen its programme and project delivery while leveraging PMI's global expertise and resources.
The partnership opens up unparalleled access to specialized knowledge, advanced tools, and high-value networking opportunities, empowering project professionals to accelerate their career growth in an increasingly competitive financial sector.
The ceremony was attended by PMI's regional leadership, including Hanny Alshazly, managing director for the Middle East and North Africa; Sima Qafiti, head of partnerships; and Rudolf Khoury, head of markets. Representing Commercial Bank were Group CEO Stephen Moss; EGM and Chief Human Capital Officer Khalifa al Rayes; Mohamed Ahmed Al Hammadi, head of national development; and Ali Altajer, project lead and ATP instructor.
Commenting on the partnership, Commercial Bank Group Chief Executive Officer Stephen Moss said, 'Commercial Bank is dedicated to setting new benchmarks in professional development, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and driving strategic impact. In line with our vision, we are proud to partner with the Project Management Institute, a globally recognised leader in advancing the project management profession since 1969. This collaboration reflects our continued commitment to excellence and innovation, as we strive to equip our teams with the required skills to achieve operational success.'
Echoing this sentiment, PMI MENA Regional Managing Director Hanny Alshazly said, 'As the first bank to become a PMI Authorized Training Partner, Commercial Bank demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing professional capabilities within the financial sector—fully aligned with the Qatar National Vision 2030 for economic diversification and sustainable growth. We are honored to continue our partnership with CBQ, reinforcing our shared dedication to empowering Qatari professionals and driving impact at scale through world-class project management excellence.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Qatar Tribune
6 minutes ago
- Qatar Tribune
QFC records 64% growth in firm registration in first half of 2025
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), a leading onshore financial and business centre in the region, recorded a remarkable 64 percent increase in firm registrations in the first half (H1) of 2025 compared to the same period of 2024. This growth reflects increased investor confidence in the Qatari market and reaffirms QFC's position as a trusted platform for doing business in the region. With 828 new firms registered, QFC has almost surpassed its 2024 record, bringing the total number of registered firms to 3,300 by June 2025. Notably, QFC's regulated firms delivered strong performance, with Corporate & Investment Banks driving a 19 percent year-on-year increase in Assets Under Management (AUM). QFC's H1 performance was supported by strategic reforms to facilitate market entry, targeted business development and stakeholder engagement efforts. Measures such as simplifying the incorporation process, allowing applicants to instantly establish a legal entity and obtain a licence for non-regulated activities, and reducing the application fee for licensing a business by 90 percent have significantly lowered entry barriers, encouraging more entrepreneurs to launch their businesses through the QFC platform. During the first half of the year, QFC hosted and participated in over 15 events. Notable hosted and co-hosted events include the 3rd Annual Qatar Financial Market Forum powered by Bloomberg Intelligence, the Qatar Family Office Showcase, the QFC & Morgan Stanley Economic Workshop, the Digital Assets Policy Roundtable held on the sidelines of the Qatar Economic Forum, and the Qatar Islamic Finance Forum. QFC also participated in major international events such as the Qatar Web Summit, and the World Economic Forum in Davos. These platforms were used to promote QFC's value proposition and highlight Qatar's competitive business environment to investors and relevant stakeholders. QFC's presence at the 2025 Web Summit was particularly impactful. Between February and June 2025, 566 firms registered with the QFC through the Web Summit, a sharp rise from the 358 firms recorded during the previous edition. QFC also expanded its network through strategic partnerships aimed at advancing its focus sectors, supporting economic development, facilitating cross-border investment, and enhancing its value proposition. Memoranda of Understanding were signed with Qatar National Bank (QNB), German Mittelstand GCC, Gulf Capital Market Association (GCMA), Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Financial Services Development Council (FSDC), and Ashmore Group. In addition, QFC signed a Head of Terms with Hang Seng Indexes Company Limited (HSIL) and a service agreement with The View Hospital. Further progress was made under the Innovation Dome, QFC's flagship initiative. During H1, 33 firms joined the Digital Assets Lab, which is spearheading collaborative projects in areas including Islamic finance, tokenised deposits, real estate tokenisation, and blockchain-based rewards systems. In addition, the QFC Metaverse was launched, an immersive digital platform designed to facilitate business engagement, collaboration, and innovation. It serves as a central hub for networking, showcasing new technologies, and hosting workshops, training sessions, and expert-led discussions. Commenting on QFC's compounding growth, QFC Chief Executive Officer Yousuf Mohamed Al Jaida said, 'We are pleased to see positive results from our ongoing efforts to enhance Qatar's business ecosystem and drive progress across sectors. Our focus remains on fostering an environment that attracts diverse businesses and supports sustainable growth. With this growth momentum, we continue to reinforce Qatar's position as a leading hub for innovation and investment in the region.'
Qatar Tribune
29 minutes ago
- Qatar Tribune
PM, Uzbek FM to co-chair joint coordination council meet today
Tribune News Network Doha Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan HE Bakhtiyor Saidov will co-chair the inaugural meeting of the Joint Coordination Council between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Uzbekistan. The meeting will be held on Thursday in Doha. The Joint Coordinating Councilwas established under the Strategic and Bilateral Partnership Agreement between the two countries. Around 40 agreements have been signed between the two countries across multiple sectors, most notably in economic, political, cultural, investment, educational, legal, and environmental cooperation. Qatari citizens are exempt from entry visas to Uzbekistan, while Uzbek citizens may enter Qatar without a visa for up to 30 days.
Qatar Tribune
32 minutes ago
- Qatar Tribune
QFC registers 828 new firms in H1
QNA Doha Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) recorded a remarkable 64% increase in firm registrations in the first half (H1) of 2025 compared to the same period of 2024. This growth reflects increased investor confidence in the Qatari market and reaffirms QFC's position as a trusted platform for doing business in the region. With 828 new firms registered, QFC has almost surpassed its 2024 record, bringing the total number of registered firms to 3,300 by June 2025. Notably, QFC's regulated firms delivered strong performance, with Corporate & Investment Banks driving a 19% year-on-year increase in Assets Under Management (AUM). QFC's H1 performance was supported by strategic reforms to facilitate market entry, targeted business development and stakeholder engagement efforts. Measures such as simplifying the incorporation process, allowing applicants to instantly establish a legal entity and obtain a license for non-regulated activities, and reducing the application fee for licensing a business by 90% have significantly lowered entry barriers, encouraging more entrepreneurs to launch their businesses through the QFC platform. page 8
