Qatar is the richest country in the world per capita GDP. As a result, the inhabitants of this rich country need to rely on a banking infrastructure that can effectively protect their money. Qatar has done this seemingly gigantic task, and more, making banking easy for Qataris.
Qatar’s currency is called the riyal, abbreviated as QAR. One riyal is equivalent to 100 dirhams. As of this writing, 1 USD is equivalent to 3.7 QAR.
All About Qatar’s Banking Sector
1. A brief history of Qatar’s banking
Qatar first saw the need to establish a banking sector after oil was discovered, explored, and exported back in 1949. The Eastern Bank, now known as the Standard Chartered Bank, was the only bank in operation until the year 1954. The need for more banks arose, so certain banks began their operations in the 50s, including Othman Bank, British Bank of the Middle East, and more.
2. Qatar Central Bank
Qatar’s central bank is weighing a proposal to combine three banks https://t.co/a9ptE2xHDJ pic.twitter.com/3C1ELr7Fwz
— Bloomberg (@business) February 28, 2018
Qatar Central Bank is the country’s central bank. One of its primary functions is to assure that Qatar’s currency is stable and to preserve its value. It also regulates, controls, and supervises all financial activities within Qatar, including those of commercial banks like the International Bank of Qatar and the Qatar National Bank.
3. Commercial banks in Qatar
There are lots of commercial banks in Qatar. These include the Qatar National Bank, International Bank of Qatar, Qatar Islamic Bank, Doha Bank, Commercial Bank of Qatar, and Ahli Bank. Aside from local banks, expats can bank with HSBC and other international banks.
4. Documents you need to open a bank account
Opening a bank account in Qatar is easy and hassle-free. As an expat, you will typically bring the following documents to the bank of your choice, along with other documents that the bank may require. First, you need to bring your passport. You will also need to bring the original and copies of your work or residency permit. A no objection letter is also required. This will be given to you by your employer. The employer must also indicate how much your salary is in the letter. You also need to bring pictures of yourself, passport-sized.
5. Challenges
Recently, the main challenge encountered by Qatar’s local banking sector is its increasing exposure to foreign sectors. Despite this, however, the local sector continues to grow at a solid rate.
There you have it; a brief overview of Qatar’s robust banking system. Indeed, when the need for a better banking system arose, Qatar faced the challenge head on; a characteristic that the country holds to this day.