In a step that reinforces its commitment to serve the community and facilitates the implementation of its charitable initiatives, Masraf Al Rayan [MAR] - one of the leading Islamic banks in Qatar - signed a partnership agreement with Qatar Red Crescent Society [QRCS] to launch its charity card to help people benefit from the services of QRCS.

The launch of the new co-branded charity card, to be used exclusively for Qatar Red Crescent activities, is part of Masraf Al Rayan's Corporate Social Responsibility. The agreement was signed on Thursday at the MAR Headquarters by Mr Adel Mustafawi, Group CEO of MAR, and Saleh Ali Al Mohannadi, Qatar Red Crescent Executive Director.

As part of the agreement with Qatar Red Crescent, MAR will launch the charity cards, which are convenient and easy to use within and beyond the State of Qatar, wherein beneficiaries can take advantage of Qatar Red Crescent services.

In his comments on the agreement, Mr Adel Mustafawi, Group CEO of MAR, said, "Corporate Social Responsibility at Masraf Al Rayan is an ongoing involvement - we have constantly endeavoured to work with organisations which work with the lesser privileged. In this context, we are privileged to be working closely with Qatar Red Crescent. We are confident that the launch of this charity card will go a long way in significantly contributing towards the humanitarian role provided by Qatar Red Crescent for the benefit of the needy families in particular and support their programs across the country and beyond, under the auspices and able guidance of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, and HH Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Heir Apparent."

In his comments, Mr. Saleh Ali Al Mohannadi, Executive Director of Qatar Red Crescent, reaffirmed that the agreement between Qatar Red Crescent and Masraf Al Rayan represented the partnership for charitable causes that goes a long way in promoting the role of humanitarian establishments and civil societies which have a huge social impact on the individual and community. "We are confident that the partnership with Masraf Al Rayan in this direction will strengthen and activate cooperation that will bear fruits in the near future, God willing."

For her part, Ms. Manal AlSulaiti, Head of Social Development Department, emphasized the social role by Qatar Red Crescent for the benefit of needy families and children. She reiterated the QRCS's comprehensive contribution that runs throughout the year, in line with a set strategy aimed at improving its involvement in various social causes. The partnership with Masraf Al Rayan stands testimony to improve and develop the interaction with needy families and groups.

The launch of the charity card reaffirms Masraf Al Rayan's contribution that goes beyond its role as a leading financial institution as it believes in lending a helping hand to the needy around the globe and actively contributing to various charity projects and campaigns. Masraf Al Rayan is always looking at opportunities to participate in various humanitarian initiatives designed to serve the society.

It is worth noting that Masraf Al Rayan has significantly contributed to various charitable causes and prominent humanitarian initiatives. These include the 'Dirham Recycling' project of Qatar Foundation wherein MAR customers across its branches donated surplus Dirhams and Rials for projects of Qatar Charity within the State and beyond, thus reinforcing the commitment of the establishments to social responsibility and solidarity across various segments of the society.

Besides this, MAR also supported the Munazzamat Al-Da'wa Al-Islamiyya by collecting donations for poor and needy during the Holy Month of Ramadan last year by providing locations for charity boxes across its different branches for its customers. The main objective of this initiative was to help the poor and needy in the African Continent and Islamic world.

The latest initiative is another step forward in the humanitarian support rendered by MAR following its support to The Qatari Center of Social Culture for the Deaf. As part of this, MAR Customer Service Team underwent training on sign languages in order to better serve customers with hearing difficulties. The bank also introduced special services for the hearing impaired, including Audio-Visual Messages to help the hearing impaired with their banking activities.