Amwal named "Leading investment firm in Qatar"

The award was presented by H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister of Turkey, H.E. Fuad Siniora Prime Minister of Lebanon, H.E. Mr. Amr Mossa, Secretary General of the League of Arab States, and Mr. Raouf Abou Zaki General Manager of Iktissad Wal Aamal Group, to Sheikha Hanadi Nasser bin Khaled Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of Amwal, and Mr. Khaled Hassan Rashed, Director of Amwal and Vice President of Abraaj Capital.

The forum was organized by Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal Group, in cooperation with the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey (DEIK) and is held with the aim of highlighting investment opportunities and potential partnerships between Turkey and Arab countries.

Sheikha Hanadi, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of Amwal delivered a session on "Investment in Qatar" on June 8th. During the award ceremony, Sheikha Hanadi said "we are honored to receive this award." Furthermore she added, "It is a true testament to the ongoing commitment of Amwal's team to excellence. I would like to thank Iktissad Wal Aamal for presenting Amwal with this prominent award, H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, H.E. Fuad Siniora and HE Amr Moussa, and Mr. Raouf Abou Zaki. Amwal's success started eight years ago when we became the first licensed investment firm in Qatar under the patronage of H.H.Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser Al Misnad. I would like to thank her highness for her ongoing support and leadership and wish to reiterate Amwal's commitment to growing alongside the Qatar economy. Last but not least, I would like to thank our Board of Directors for their continuous guidance contributing to Amwal's significant growth."

Raouf Abou Zaki General Manager of Iktissad Wal Aamal Group said "Amwal is amongst modern firms that have proven their expertise and excellence in a short period of time. The Firm's local expertise in Qatar has strengthened its vision to expanding at the regional level. The leadership of Sheikha Hanadi Nasser bin Khaled Al Thani combined with a strong shareholders base such as Abraaj Capital has enabled Amwal to achieve a significant growth. The Turkish-Arab Economic Forum which gathered high profile Arab and Turkish leaders from economical and political arenas was truthfully the right opportunity to present a well deserved award."

During the Award ceremony, Mr. Rashed said "We are honored to receive this award and I would like to thank H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister of Turkey, H.E. Fuad Siniora Prime Minister of Lebanon, H.E. Mr. Amr Moussa, Secretary General of the League of Arab States, and Mr. Raouf Abou Zaki General Manager of Iktissad Wal Aamal Group for their support and recognition of our achievements and track record. Amwal has shown an exponential growth over the past few years, which is mainly contributed to its dedicated professional team, supporting shareholders and encouraging investment climate in Qatar. "

Mr. Rashed explained that Amwal has always been a pioneer in the Qatari market and has enjoyed many industry 'first' milestones. Amwal was the first investment firm to obtain a license from Qatar Central Bank, the first to launch an investment portfolio in Qatar (Al-Mahfatha Portfolio), the first firm to launch a Qatar-registered mutual fund for both Qataris and expatriates (Qatar Gate Fund) and the first firm to underwrite a non-Qatari IPO (Ithmaar Bank IPO). He added that a number of deals are in the pipeline and several upcoming funds will be announced later this year. He added that Amwal will strive to keep its leading position in the Qatari market and the future regional markets it intends to expand into in the near future. Mr. Rashed also highlighted Amwal's success story as a testament of the perfect fusion of international partnerships and private equity backed firms which can be model for other companies to emulate.

Moreover, Mr. Faisal Abou Zaki, Deputy General Manager of Iktissad Wal Aamal Group added "what distinguishes Amwal is its high level of dynamism in the investment sector and that is commendable. The Firm has achieved a noteworthy growth in a relatively short period of time. Also, Amwal has become a leader in its own right as it plays a significant role by contributing to the development of Qatar's investment sector on the backdrop of a booming economy."