Doha Bank organises seminar on 'Global Trends Driving Change in the Middle East Payment Market'

The seminar, conducted on June 8, 2009 at the Four Seasons Hotel, Doha, was a huge success being well received by event attendees.

The event was attended by prominent members of Doha Bank's management committee, executive managers, senior managers and various other staff who were an integral part of the seminar.

The Forum was inaugurated by Sheikh Fahad Bin Mohammad Bin Jabor Al Thani, Chairman, Doha Bank. Mr. R. Seetharaman, CEO, Doda Bank continued by welcoming the audience and shared his thoughts on the present global market scenario, closely relating its transition towards a cashless society.

This is the first time ever in the hole region for a bank to organize such a session bringing in global payment processors and merchants together, talking about best practices, latest trends and technology and alerting on possible risk matters and security as well.

The forum was then left open for discussion about various new payment methods, cards & technologies. Expert opinions on related topics were shared by representatives from Visa Int'l., MasterCard and VeriFone. The seminar drilled down to the fundamentals of growing profits, increasing market presence and finding new revenue opportunities in the present market condition.

Popular retail outlet, Giant Stores - General Manager, Mr. Maher Halabi gave an encouraging testimony about Doha Bank's Dream Loyalty Program. He said that the partnership with Doha Bank has been a definitive boost to business and created a habit for customers to shop frequently at Giant Stores.

Mr. Tony Gougassian, Area Manager - Qatar & Levant, Visa International spoke about partnerships with Doha Bank and various technologies and promotions from Visa International.

The merchants were intrigued as Doha Bank showcased its value offerings through its Dream Loyalty Program and its Equated Monthly Installment Plan (EMI) for credit cards.

Further commenting on the event, Executive Manager, Mr. Nabil Tabbara, said:

"This is an opportunity to improve our businesses through partnerships, without incurring additional costs yet showing exceptional results."

The seminar focused on capitalizing on the latest technologies that drive businesses. The event closed with an award distribution ceremony where Doha Bank has appreciated its merchant partners for the partnership on Dream loyalty program and the business relationship in general.

Finally, the audience enjoyed the networking between the attendees and live demos of various value additions offered by Doha Bank including Point of Sale terminals and the live transactions at Doha Bank's online shopping mall - Doha Sooq.