Qatar unveils QR22 commemorative banknote, coins for World Cup

The Qatar Central Bank (QCB) Wednesday unveiled the QR22 commemorative banknote and coins for the 2022 FIFA World Cup during a ceremony in Doha. HE the QCB Governor Sheikh Bandar bin Mohamed bin Saoud al-Thani and FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented the special banknote before ministers, dignitaries, state officials, and ambassadors, as well as other guests.In his speech, Sheikh Bandar emphasised that the commemorative banknotes reflect the identity and legacy of Qatar and its football history. He also explained the different stages that led to the issuance of the banknotes, which were designed by an elite team at the QCB.This is the first commemorative banknote issued by QCB in polymer. They can last for “hundreds of years as a witness to this historic achievement of Qatar,” he stressed.The QCB Governor said the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 commemorative banknotes signify an “essential contribution” from the banking sector, and an endeavour to ensure the success of this historic event, which is the first of its kind in the Middle East and the region.Sheikh Bandar said the banknotes are a source of pride for all people in Qatar and support the efforts of the State to successfully host the World Cup and affirm the unity and integration of various entities in the country’s public and private sectors.The QCB governor emphasised that the commemorative banknotes will be available at the national local banks and exchange houses.Sheikh Bandar lauded the collaboration of QCB, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) and FIFA for the preparation and issuance of the commemorative banknotes.In a press statement, QCB's Monetary Department director, Khalid al-Kuwari, said the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 tournament is a source of pride for Islamic countries and the Arab world.Al-Kuwari noted that QCB has also minted coins, which feature some of the most important stadiums in the tournament: Al Bayt, Lusail, Al Thumama, Khalifa International and Al Janoub.He said these are the first commemorative coins and banknotes issued by QCB, adding that he hopes that this will be a legacy that will be passed on to future generations. Al-Kuwari noted that the banknote’s selling price will be QR75, while its nominal value will be QR22.

QCB has also minted coins featuring some of the most important stadiums in the tournament: Al Bayt, Lusail, Al Thumama, Khalifa International and Al Janoub stadiums. The banknote’s selling price will be QR75, while its nominal value will be QR22. PICTURES: Shaji Kayamkulam

In a press statement, SC official spokesperson Khaled al-Nama explained that “the coins and banknotes were one of the main means of documentation, and that the presence of such coins and banknotes commemorate this pivotal historical event, not only in the history of Qatar but also the Arab world.”Al-Nama said this was the “fruit of co-operation” between QCB, the SC and FIFA, pointing out that the commemorative banknote not only immortalises the development of the sports industry through the World Cup stadiums, but also immortalises the number 22, and reflects Qatari culture and the tournament’s brand.Sheikh Bandar also presented the measures taken by QCB to develop the infrastructure and logistics of payment systems in the country to provide the best financial and banking services to citizens, residents, and visitors of Qatar.He said QCB recently issued the first prepaid national payment card bearing the registered Qatari trademark, Himyan, a card named after a money bag. He said the Himyan card will provide many advantages as it can be issued to banking and non-banking customers.The Himyan card does not require a minimum account balance and can be issued by banks operating in the country, which will facilitate the payment transactions for all the visitors in Qatar, the QCB governor pointed out.