Press Release

Doha Bank, one of the prime and progressive banks in Qatar, has won this year’s prestigious Golden Peacock Global Award for Sustainability. Mr R Seetharaman, Doha Bank’s Group CEO received the prestigious award from Mr. Ola Ullsten, Former Prime Minister of Sweden at a glittering ceremony of the 5th Global Conference on Social Responsibility attended by distinguished business leaders from various industries in Lisbon, Portugal on September, 24, 2010.

This award symbolizes DOHA BANK’S affinity towards social welfare and consciousness and the manner in which it has sustained its position as one of the pioneers of Green Banking in the State of Qatar.

Mr. R. Seetharaman, while expressing his happiness on receiving the award said, "The Bank has been completely transformed into a dynamic entity with strong values and customer-centric approach. This award is recognition of Doha Bank’s initiatives taken in the area of corporate responsibility like Green banking, Educational & Health benefits and involvement in Social causes. Doha Bank’s functional model with Economic, Environmental and Social Initiatives, contributing towards the welfare of the public has always been a welcome approach towards a bright future".

Doha Bank's Net Profit for the first half of 2010 recorded an impressive QAR 615 million which translated into 23.7% return on equity which is one of the best in the industry. Total assets increase by more QAR 1 billion, a growth of more than 2.5% from QAR 43.8 billion as of 30th June 2009 to QAR 44.9 billion as of 30th June 2010. DOHA Bank maintains a well defined Environmental Policy with the principles of “Reduce, Reuse & Re-cycle”. In the recent years, Doha Bank has supported the State of Qatar’s campaign on “Green Qatar Clean Qatar” drive, conducted seminars on Global warming in Qatar, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Kuwait, Turkey, Tokyo, Nagoya, Singapore, Chennai & Mumbai, initiated an environmental alliance with UNESCO, developed dedicated Green Bank Website, launched environment-friendly & biodegradable Credit Cards, introduced Paperless Banking, formed Planet Savers Club, organized annual Al Dana Green Run & Public Awareness Campaigns through ATMs, initiated the eco-School programme, tree planting, beach clean-up and recycling activities - all this underlines the Environmental Sustainability of Doha Bank.

Doha Bank has reached out to the larger community through its long standing corporate social responsibility activities where it is committed to raise awareness on environmental issues. Its Green Quiz is part of this ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility program. As part of its knowledge sharing initiative in the corporate sector it hosted a seminar on Changing market Dynamics where industry experts focused on the economic challenges facing the world and the region.

All the Branches and other departments were encouraged to practice energy efficiency in their respective premises by switching off the lights, air conditioning system and other office equipment when not in use, conserve water, car pooling, eliminate usage of non-biodegradable materials, encourage recycling and proper waste disposal and buying of fair-traded and environment-friendly goods. These are small steps that will make a big difference.

Doha Bank was awarded the Best Green Bank 2008 Industry Awards from the Banker Middle East, Best Public Awareness Campaign by Qatar Today in 2009 and recognized by the Green Qatar Centre for its proactive participation in the National campaign on Green Qatar Clean Qatar in 2010.

Doha Bank
Date: 27.09.2010