Ahli Bank QSC will be the main sponsor of ‘The Doha Park Festival 2011’ scheduled to be held from October 13 till the end of November 2011. The event is being held under the patronage of Qatar Tourism Authority and is organised by Economic Group.

Ahli Bank’s main sponsorship falls in line with the bank’s strategy to support initiatives that sustain community development, a core component of the Bank’s corporate social responsibility mandate to contribute positively by actively participating in the growth and development of Qatar and by providing all possible facilities.

This festival, organised by Economic Group, is considered to be the first largest entertainment festival in Qatar encouraging inbound/outbound tourism and family entertainment.

On a total open area of 35,000 square metres, Doha Park Festival will feature more than 100 entertaining events and attractions, including an amusement park, an international circus, theatrical plays, concerts, a 3D cinema, performances by folkloric bands depicting the heritage of Qatar and other Arab countries, appearances by famous cartoon personalities, a play area for children under the age of 10, entertainment programmes, a live theatre for children, and various fun athletic activities to suit tastes of all family members. The festival expects more than 600,000 visitors from Qatar and other countries.

Commenting on the signing of the sponsorship agreement, Mahmoud Malkawi, Deputy CEO, Corporate Banking, Treasury and Investment at Ahli Bank said: “We are extremely proud to sponsor such a large event. With a multicultural customer base, Ahli Bank is committed to supporting all community-related initiatives that also contribute to the economy of the State of Qatar”.

“Doha Park Festival will become one of the leading entertainment events in the region attracting tourists from across the world. Ahli Bank is delighted to support this event once again as it represents the best entertainment experience Qatar has to offer,” he further added.

Abdulrahman Al Saleety, Chairman of Economic Group expressed his happiness over the signing of the sponsoring agreement with Ahli Bank, saying: “We thank Ahli Bank for their participation as the main sponsor of Doha Park Festival 2011 and for their support and contribution to the success of the Festival, and to the activities that will take place, which will make this year special.”

Al Saleety pointed out that: “Such festivals and events have become an important factor that supplies the national economy with new resources, contributes to the diversification of income sources, especially as many economic sectors are involved in the festival, and creates awareness regarding the heritage and culture of the State, and its rich cultural diversity.”