logo
QNB joins McLaren F1 as official race partner for Monaco GP 2025

QNB joins McLaren F1 as official race partner for Monaco GP 2025

Qatar Tribune26-05-2025
Tribune News Network
Doha
Mastercard, a Primary Partner of the McLaren Formula 1 Team, has secured QNB an exclusive opportunity to leverage its McLaren partnership assets for the FORMULA 1 TAG HEUER GRAND PRIX DE MONACO 2025.
Through this unique collaboration with Mastercard, QNB, the largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, has served as an Official Race Partner of the McLaren Formula 1 Team for the event.
Building on their shared focus on innovation and passion for creating unforgettable moments, Mastercard and McLaren Racing's global collaboration kicked off last year in Las Vegas. Together, the two brands are setting a new benchmark for connecting with fans worldwide, offering them a way to truly immerse themselves in the sport.
The collaboration saw QNB's branding placed on the McLaren MCL39 and driver visors, providing global brand exposure to millions of viewers around the world at the FORMULA 1 TAG HEUER GRAND PRIX DE MONACO 2025.
Mastercard Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Raja Rajamannar said, 'There is nothing quite as exhilarating as a Formula 1 race, so it's no surprise that motorsports is now one of the fastest-growing passions worldwide. And the McLaren F1 Team stands out for its innovation, performance and unmatched fan community. Our global partnership with McLaren Racing brings the spirit of Priceless to this incredible sport – creating powerful opportunities for our customers to engage with a passionate and diverse fanbase. We're thrilled to extend these benefits to QNB, our longstanding and valued customer.'
QNB Group Chief Business Officer Yousef Mahmoud Al Neama said, 'At QNB, we are pursuing an ambitious pathway from regional leadership to the ranks of the world's top banks. We are delighted to leverage our strong relationship with Mastercard to become part of the McLaren Racing family. The presence of our branding at one of the most prestigious events on the Formula 1 calendar will give a significant boost to our global brand visibility and recognition.'
Throughout Mastercard's partnership with the McLaren Formula 1 Team, cardholders have exclusive access via priceless.com, blending the excitement of racing with other passion points like music, entertainment and culinary to deliver deeper, more immersive experiences.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Top 20 firms dominate QSE with 89.1% of market value
Top 20 firms dominate QSE with 89.1% of market value

Qatar Tribune

time3 days ago

  • Qatar Tribune

Top 20 firms dominate QSE with 89.1% of market value

Satyendra Pathak Doha The Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) continues to be shaped by a small cluster of powerful corporations that account for nearly nine-tenths of its total market value. According to the latest rankings released by Forbes Middle East, the 20 largest listed companies in Qatar together represent a staggering 89.1 percent of the exchange's combined capitalisation, equivalent to $148.2 billion out of the total $166.3 billion. The findings underline the dominance of heavyweight institutions and industrial giants in defining investor confidence, liquidity flows, and overall market performance in Qatar. Their sheer scale and reach make them not only central to the QSE but also to the wider Qatari economy and its diversification agenda. At the forefront is Qatar National Bank (QNB), the region's largest lender and one of the most valuable banking brands in the Middle East. With a market capitalisation of $38.5 billion, QNB alone represents almost a quarter of the total QSE value, reaffirming its position as the undisputed anchor of Qatar's financial sector. Close behind is Industries Qatar with a market value of $22.6 billion, showcasing the nation's strength in petrochemicals, fertilizers, and steel – sectors that continue to provide resilience amid fluctuating energy markets. The telecommunications sector is spearheaded by Ooredoo, with a capitalisation of $12.3 billion. The company's pioneering role in digital transformation, both domestically and across its international footprint, makes it a major contributor to the exchange's weight. Islamic banking is another dominant theme, with Qatar Islamic Bank ($12.2 billion) and Masraf Al Rayan ($11.3 billion) occupying leading positions, highlighting Qatar's leadership in Shariah-compliant financial services. Dukhan Bank and Qatar International Islamic Bank also rank among the top 20, further strengthening the sector's presence. Energy-linked companies feature prominently, reflecting Qatar's global position as a liquefied natural gas (LNG) powerhouse. Qatar Gas Transport Company (Nakilat), with a market capitalization of $7.7 billion, plays a strategic role as the world's largest owner and operator of LNG carriers. Qatar Fuel Company (Woqod) and Qatar Electricity and Water Company add further weight by ensuring downstream distribution and utility infrastructure – both of which are vital to the domestic economy. The real estate and infrastructure sector is strongly represented by United Development Company, Barwa Real Estate, and Mazaya Qatar Real Estate Development, all of which have played a central role in the transformation of Doha's skyline and the expansion of residential, commercial, and leisure projects in the country. Qatar Navigation (Milaha), valued at $3.6 billion, underscores the strategic importance of logistics and shipping services in bolstering Qatar's position as a trade hub. Insurance and healthcare, two sectors that continue to expand in line with Qatar's growing population and national development plans, are represented by Qatar Insurance Company and Medicare Group, each contributing to diversification beyond traditional energy and banking industries. Together, these 20 companies set the tone for QSE performance on a daily basis. Fluctuations in their share prices often dictate overall index movement, while their dividend announcements and expansion plans serve as bellwethers for broader investor sentiment. Their collective dominance illustrates both the concentration of wealth in Qatar's corporate sector and the opportunities for mid-cap and emerging firms to gain ground as the market deepens. Market experts note that such concentration is not uncommon in GCC bourses, where large banks, energy firms, and telecom providers dominate. However, Qatar's leading corporates stand out for their regional influence, financial strength, and global ambitions, making them critical players in both the domestic economy and the wider Middle East investment landscape. As highlighted by Forbes Middle East, these top 20 firms represent the backbone of Qatar's corporate sector. Their ability to sustain growth, adapt to global economic shifts, and contribute to the country's diversification agenda will be central to the QSE's future trajectory and to Qatar's long-term vision of building a knowledge-based economy under the framework of National Vision 2030.

F1 champion Verstappen commits to Red Bull ahead of Hungary GP
F1 champion Verstappen commits to Red Bull ahead of Hungary GP

Al Jazeera

time31-07-2025

  • Al Jazeera

F1 champion Verstappen commits to Red Bull ahead of Hungary GP

Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen says he is staying with the Red Bull team for next year, ending months of speculation over his future. 'For me, it's always been quite clear, and also for next year,' the four-time champion said Thursday ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix. 'I'm discussing with the team already the plans — the things that we want to change for next year, so that means that I'm also staying with the team for next year.' Verstappen has a contract with Red Bull through 2028. At recent motorsport races, he had deflected direct questions about whether he'd stay with the team next year, and there had been indications that a performance-related clause could allow him to exit the contract earlier. The exact details of any clause are not public. Mercedes driver George Russell had said he believed his team was holding talks with Verstappen. Verstappen's comments come less than a month after Christian Horner was removed from his role as Red Bull team principal after 20 years and replaced by Laurent Mekies.

QNB: Committed to facilitating access to banking services for elderly, people with special needs
QNB: Committed to facilitating access to banking services for elderly, people with special needs

Qatar Tribune

time27-07-2025

  • 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.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store