Commercial Bank officially announces 40th anniversary plans

Celebratory public concert to take place on 2 May

 

Doha, Qatar: Commercial Bank, Qatar’s first private bank, has announced plans to commemorate the milestone of reaching its 40th anniversary at a media roundtable hosted by Commercial Bank CEO Abdulla Saleh Al Raisi and a number of Commercial Bank Executive General Managers (EGMs). The Bank revealed at the roundtable a series of special celebratory events and activities, unveiled a unique anniversary logo and corporate anthem, and spoke of the Bank’s plans to share their anniversary celebrations with the public.

 

In his introduction, Commercial Bank’s CEO, Abdulla Saleh Al Raisi, said: “2015 is a special year for Commercial Bank as it marks our 40th year as the oldest and largest private sector bank in Qatar. From entrepreneurial beginnings, Commercial Bank has gone from strength to strength driven by the spirit of ambition, entrepreneurship and innovation that our founders believed in and are still at the core of our business. We are proud to be a home-grown Qatari bank with strong roots in Qatar for four decades and we remain wholly committed to Qatar as our source of inspiration. We are optimistic about the future, and look forward to continuing to serve our loyal customers over the next 40 years and beyond under the visionary leadership of His Highness the Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

 

Mr. Al Raisi explained the concept behind the Bank’s 40th anniversary logo, which reflects the 40 years of prosperity and innovation since Commercial Bank began operations. Profitable every year since its inception, Commercial Bank has brought many “firsts” to Qatar such as ATMs, credit cards, point of sale machines, Internet banking, and was the first Qatari bank to list on the London Stock Exchange.

 

Reflecting on Commercial Bank’s history, Mr. Al Raisi explained that Commercial Bank was incorporated in 1974 as Qatar’s first private bank and opened its doors for business on 10th April 1975. The Bank was established by the visionary leadership of eight founders from prominent Qatari families who laid the foundations for ongoing success. Three of the original Directors are still connected with the Board, including Vice Chairman and Managing Director Mr. Hussain Alfardan, Board Member Mr Jassim Mohammed Jabor Al Mosallam and Commercial Bank Chairman Sheikh Abdullah bin Ali bin Jabor Al Thani, who is continuing the legacy of his father, Sheikh Ali bin Jabor Al Thani, who was the Bank’s first Chairman.

 

During the roundtable, Commercial Bank EGM, Chief Risk Officer, Mrs. Rana Salatt, played a recording of Commercial Bank’s corporate anthem specially commissioned for the Bank’s 40th anniversary. This unique anthem was composed for Commercial Bank by the famous Qatari composer, Wael Hassan Ali Bin Ali, and recorded in Doha by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra. Influenced by the Bank’s Qatari heritage, the anthem integrates local Arabic with classic symphony sounds of an orchestra, and the style of music reflects the positivity of Commercial Bank’s characteristics as encapsulated in its brand promise: “Everything is Possible.”

 

Commercial Bank EGM, Strategic Clients, Abduljalil Borhani, revealed that Commercial Bank has commissioned a commemorative book for the Bank’s 40th anniversary titled: “Commercial Bank and the Rise of Qatar.” Printed in two parts, the book is a photographic celebration of Qatar today, with mixture of both written and visual historical records of Commercial Bank’s achievements since 1975, as well as images and profiles of prominent members in Qatari culture. Copies of the books will be given to all staff members at the Bank, as well as to key customers. A mobile anniversary exhibition displaying Commercial Bank’s historic growth will also be travelling to five Commercial Bank branches throughout Qatar from 21st April.

 

Commercial Bank EGM, Government Relations, Khalifa Al Rayes announced that Commercial Bank will also host an exclusive VIP Dinner for the Bank’s founders, directors, key customers and around 300 high profile dignitaries. The innovative VIP Dinner will take place in a specially constructed area next to Commercial Bank Plaza, where guests will have a dramatic view of a light and sound display using the Bank’s headquarters building on the Corniche as a backdrop. Awards will be given during the dinner to selected people in appreciation of their role in supporting Commercial Bank’s success and prosperity.

 

Commercial Bank EGM, Chief Human Capital Officer, Sharoq Al Malki, stated that Commercial Bank’s staff have always played a very important role in the success of Commercial Bank over the past 40 years. As a reward for their outstanding contributions, Commercial Bank will host a fun day for staff and their families at a specially constructed area in the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) Park. During the staff event, a variety of different activities will take place, including a workshop tent for arts and crafts, a history exhibition and face painting. Commercial Bank will also host an awards ceremony for long-serving staff, of which there are many, to showcase that Commercial Bank is a great place to work and remains an employer of choice in Qatar.

 

Announcing a unique public concert, Commercial Bank CEO Abdulla Saleh Al Raisi said: “Commercial Bank is inspired by, and committed to, Qatar. We believe it is important to share our 40th anniversary celebrations with the public to underpin our appreciation for their continued support. I am therefore delighted to announce that on Saturday 2nd May, Commercial Bank will host a public concert at the Museum of Islamic Art Park with the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra.”

 

The public will be able to hear the world-class Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra in the spectacular setting of the M.I.A. Park free of charge in a family-friendly environment from 7:30pm to 9:30 pm. The classical concert under the theme ‘From Doha to the World’, will begin with the Qatari National Anthem and classical pieces by Arabic composers. Following music themed from different parts of the world, the musical journey will return to Doha for the premiere of Commercial Bank’s anniversary anthem.

 

Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra Executive Director, Mr. Kurt O. Meister said: “Commercial Bank is the first institution to use the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra’s studio facilities to record their unique anthem, and the first Qatari institution to host a public concert with us at the Museum of Islamic Art Park. The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra will play to the public on 2nd May and we are confident this will be a wonderful experience for all families.”

 

In conclusion, Commercial Bank’s CEO said: “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude for the visionary leadership of His Highness the Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. I would also like to thank His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, Prime Minister and Interior Minister, His Excellency Ali Shareef Al Emadi, Minister of Finance, His Excellency Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed Al Thani, Minister of Economy and Trade and His Excellency Sheikh Abdulla Bin Saoud Al Thani Governor of the Qatar Central Bank. I would also like to thank the Qatari nation for their continuous contribution to Commercial Bank’s success and we would be honoured to invite the public to share our celebrations at the ‘first-of-its-kind’ free public concert with the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra on 2nd May. My final thanks goes to Commercial Bank shareholders and all our staff, whose support and efforts have been integral to our success.”