QNB official sponsor of HH The Amir Sword Festival

THE Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club and QNB, the largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, have signed an agreement to sponsor the HH The Amir Sword Festival, which will be held at Al Rayyan Racecourse between 18th and 20th February.

The remarkable Festival will witness widespread local and international participation from highly qualified trainers along with their internationally and domestically outstanding racehorses.

As a sponsor of this massive event for the second year in a row, QNB and QREC emphasize Qatar’s significance towards the enhancement of the international standing value of Qatari racehorses, especially during the COVID-19 world pandemic.

Following the outstanding success of last year’s renewal of Qatar’s flagship horseracing event, the partnership between QNB and QREC continues. Commenting on the signing of this agreement and QNB’s support, Issa bin Mohammed Al Mohannadi, QREC Chairman, said: “The H.H. The Amir Sword Festival is taking place in completely different conditions this year compared to any previous edition due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which has left its mark on almost all fields worldwide. QREC and QNB will continue their collaboration to add to the success of the H.H. The Amir Sword Festival, being the most prestigious event throughout the QREC’s season. I take this opportunity to thank the leadership of QNB for their continued support of QREC and the Festival, and their keenness to be the official sponsor for the second year in a row at these difficult times which the whole world is going through. In fact, such support and proactivity from QNB management’s side is natural given their leading role in supporting sports in general and sports closely associated with Qatar’s culture and heritage. We expect more cooperation between QREC and QNB in future and in a way that contributes to producing a very special edition of the H.H. The Amir Sword Festival, which promises to be full of excitement and top-quality racing this year.”

On the cooperation between QREC and QNB, Al Mohannadi added: “QREC will spare no effort in maximising this cooperation with QNB, especially as the association of QNB’s name with the Festival will be in favour of both parties. This cooperation and partnership will boost the profile of the Festival internationally and will grow over the years. It also confirms QNB’s keenness in focusing on traditional sports and their role in promoting an invaluable event of the calibre of the H.H. The Amir Sword Festival”.

Salem Al Naimi, Assistant General Manager, QNB Public Relations, said: “QNB’s sponsorship of the HH The Amir Sword Festival is aimed to further enhance our partnership with the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club, and it also reflects the Group’s keenness to support this deep-rooted traditional sport. We are keen to deliver an exceptional edition of this event despite the COVID-19 pandemic-related challenges.”