World Cup Qatar 2022 commemorative banknotes unveiled
THE Qatar Central Bank (QCB) on Wednesday unveiled the commemorative banknotes for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, during a ceremony, in the presence of Governor of the Qatar Central Bank Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud Al Thani, and President of FIFA Gianni Infantino, along with a number of ministers, dignitaries, officials and ambassadors.
The QCB governor provided a summary on the stages of preparation pertaining to the issuance of these banknotes, as the design was created by a team specialized in the issuance of commemorative banknotes at the Qatar Central Bank, in a way that reflects the identity and legacy of Qatar and its football history.
He indicated that the issuance will include paper currencies deemed to be the first commemorative banknotes issued by the Qatar Central Bank using polymer, which preserves the banknotes and keeps them for hundreds of years as a witness to this historic achievement of Qatar.
He said the commemorative banknotes for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 constitute an essential contribution from the banking sector, and an endeavor to ensure the success of this historic event, the first-of- its-kind in the Middle East and the region.
He added that it is a source of pride for all of us, it supports the efforts made by the state to host the World Cup in a successful manner and constitutes an affirmation of the unity and integration of the various entities in the public and private sectors in the State.
THE QCB governor clarified that the commemorative banknotes will be available at the national local banks and exchange houses.
He remarked the measures taken by QCB aimed at developing the infrastructure and logistics of payment systems in the country to provide the best financial and banking services to the citizens, residents and visitors of Qatar, the latest of which was the issuance of the first prepaid national payment card deemed to be a registered trademark in Qatar. ‘Himyan’ card is named after the money bag, knowing that it will provide many advantages as it can be issued to banking and non-banking customers, its issuance does not require a minimum account balance and it can be issued by the banks operating in the country, which will facilitate the payment transactions for all the visitors of Qatar.
He praised the collaboration of the Qatar Central Bank, the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) and FIFA for the preparation and issuance of the commemorative banknotes.
In a statement to the press, Director of the Monetary Department at QCB Khalid Al Kuwari said that the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 tournament is a source of pride for Islamic countries and the Arab world. Kuwari noted that the Qatar Central Bank minted coins, which feature the most important stadiums in the tournament, such as: Al Bayt, Lusail, Al Thumama, Khalifa International and Al Janoub Stadiums.
He indicated that this is the first commemorative coins and banknotes issued by the bank, commenting that he hopes that this issuance will be a legacy that will be passed on to future generations. Kuwari pointed out that the banknotes selling price will be QR75, whilst its nominal value will be QR22.
In turn, the SC Official Spokesperson Khaled Al Nama explained in a press statement that coins and banknotes were one of the main means of documentation, and that the presence of such commemorative documenting coins and banknotes commemorate this pivotal historical event, not only in the history of Qatar, but rather the Arab world.
Nama added that this issuance was the fruit of cooperation between QCB, SC and FIFA, pointing out that the issuance not only immortalizes the development of the sports industry through the World Cup stadiums that have been built, rather also immortalizes the number 22, and reflects Qatari culture and the tournaments brand.