QSi seals record 5th Gulf Cup Platinum deal with Doha Bank

This was an unexpected announcement, as QSi had previously 'sold out' its Platinum sponsorship packages. However, QSi management announced that the bank had made an 'overwhelming case' to be included 'exceptionally as a 5th Platinum Partner' to next month's event, given their award of the 'Bank of the Year 2004' title last month & 'their strong desire to maximize this accolade, utilizing the power of sports sponsorship and the 17th Gulf Cup in particular'.

The bank therefore joins Etihad Airlines, Q-Tel, Toyota and QIC at the tournaments' most prestigious level of sponsorship.

Sheikh Fahed Bin Mohammed Bin Jabor Al Thani, Chairman of Doha Bank commented, 'Doha Bank as a Platinum sponsor of this great event, is highly honoured to participate and pleased to assist in making this event successful for the state of Qatar. He mentioned that this event will definitely put the country as a leading host for major sporting events.'

Mr Khalifa Al Subaey, Executive Director QSi added that 'Doha Bank is one of the country's most ambitious and energetic financial institutions as recognized by the award of Bank of the Year. It is therefore a great honour for QSi to have the Doha Bank board, recognize the value of QSi's Gulf Cup sponsorship benefits, in
supporting the bank's drive for a larger customer base through greater brand awareness. We simply could not refuse their offer to participate and support the 17th Gulf Cup and the country and we are pleased to have them as a record 5th Platinum Partner.'

Innovatively re-packaged by hosts Qatar, this year's Gulf Cup is set to be a truly unique event. Already a major Gulf sporting competition involving the national football teams, Qatar has added the football teams of Iraq & 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 10-24 December.

QSi is the Qatar National Olympic Committee's own sports business directorate established by the President QNOC 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.

Its role is to develop professionalism and cost effectiveness in the sporting development of Qatar. In its brief history it has achieved corporate international and technical sponsorships for the QNOC, managed major international sports business expose and conferences, sports and leisure events, whilst acting as the catalyst for development of major new global sports business initiatives, to the benefit of the country.