This article was originally published in the Brand Finance Banking 500 2025 report
QNB is the Middle East’s most valuable banking brand with a brand value of USD9.4 billion, an 11% increase year-on-year. QNB’s Brand Strength Index score has also increased to 86.3/100 with AAA brand rating.
Heba Al-Tamimi, Senior Executive Vice President of Group Communications at QNB Group, reflects on the brand’s 60-year journey and shares insights on its future ambitions.
Interview with Heba Al-Tamimi
Senior Executive Vice President, Group Communications,
QNB Group
What defining moments or milestones have shaped and strengthened the QNB brand?
QNB Group, celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2024, delivered another year of strong financial performance and strategic progress.
As one of the leading financial institutions in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, QNB has played a pivotal role in Qatar's economic development over the past six decades, expanding its presence to 28 countries across Asia, Europe, and Africa.
QNB’s Brand value has grown by 11% to reach USD 9.4 billion, maintaining its position as the most valuable banking brand in the Middle East and its status of a top 50 globally.
The Group also unified its brand across its operations in Egypt and Turkey.
Its Brand strength is one of the highest globally at AAA, with only 10% of banks having a rating of AAA or AAA+ globally.
In 2024, QNB achieved robust financial results despite a challenging global economic environment. The Group reported a net profit of QR16.7 billion, an 8% increase from the previous year, while operating income grew by 6% to reach QR41.3 billion.
The Group's financial strength and performance have been recognized by leading credit rating agencies, with high ratings from Standard & Poor's (A+), Moody's (Aa2), and Fitch (A+)1.
“As the QNB brand celebrates its 60th anniversary it has demonstrated its resilience and strength through its regional banking leadership. The QNB brand continues its unique role contributing to the growth of the company, the economy and Qatar’s soft power globally.”
What role do sponsorships play in building QNB’s brand?
Our sponsorship strategy is aligned with our CSR strategy and support the Qatar national vision; it plays a key role big role in sustaining brand strength but also contributes to building perceptions of the Qatari nation brand globally.
One of our long-term partnerships is in football with Paris Saint-Germain. It has helped build broad visibility for the brand and has helped support key CSR objectives for the company and the nation. We have learned the importance of activating sponsorships to maximize their effectiveness. We activate our sponsorships which helps provide customers and prospects memorable experiences while also building community engagement.
What future plans and strategies does QNB have in place to further strengthen its brand and continue the growth of its brand value?
Looking ahead, QNB remains committed to maintaining adequate levels of capital, liquidity, and asset quality to ensure resilience against potential market volatility.
The bank continues to invest in its capabilities to maintain its leading market position while focusing on innovation and sustainability.
Sustainability is a key pillar of the group’s strategy. The brand’s purpose is to promote prosperity and sustainable growth across the markets served, fully integrating the topic of E, S and G across the business and operating model.
This is underpinned by three pillars – Sustainable finance, Sustainable operations, and Beyond banking reflecting the holistic approach to addressing a range of material ESG topics across our network.
QNB is building on its reputation in ESG financing in the region by expanding its portfolio of green and sustainable finance products, including green bonds, sustainability-linked loans, and renewable energy project financing. This supports clients in their sustainability journeys while contributing to national and global climate goals.
The Group's success is attributed to its sound governance, prudent risk management, and continuous improvement, complemented by technological innovation.
As QNB celebrates 60 years of excellence, it remains dedicated to promoting prosperity and sustainable growth across its markets, aligning with Qatar's broader economic and soft power objectives.
