DOHA, 2 November 2004 — Renewing its association with QSi, QNB on Sunday night reaffirmed its commitment to sporting development by investing in the all-new, 17th Arabian Gulf Cup. QNB becomes an event advertising partner of this major sports event, innovatively repackaged by this year’s hosts, Qatar.
“This year’s Gulf Cup is set to be the best yet,” Khalifa Al Subaey, executive director QSi, said. “QNB has recognized the benefits of association and I’m very pleased that they have agreed to work with Qsi once again to mutual benefit,” he said.
Mohammad Marzouq Al-Shamlan, member of the QNB executive committee, said he was delighted to partner with a prestigious organization such as QSi.
“The Arabian Gulf Cup has always been the most popular sporting event in Qatar and in all GCC countries. QNB is proud to become a sponsor for this 17th edition, which will for the first time include other sports in addition to football. This partnership is part of QNB’s commitment to support major sporting events hosted in Qatar and as the leading Qatari bank, our national responsibility toward the country and the development of sports is endless.”
Already a major Gulf sporting competition involving the national football teams, Qatar has added the football teams of Iraq and Yemen to those of the six GCC states, in a new-look event with basketball, handball and volleyball also being played for the first time in the tournament being held in Doha from Dec. 10-24.
QSi is the Qatar National Olympic Committee’s own sports business directorate established by the QNOC president in 2003. QSi was granted the exclusive marketing rights to the 17th Gulf Cup in April this year. Under this agreement QSi has developed a comprehensive package of benefits to attract international event partners.
