Doha: Qatar Central Bank (QCB) unveiled the commemorative banknotes for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 during a ceremony held yesterday in the presence of QCB Governor, H E Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud Al Thani, Secretary General, Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), Hassan Al Thawadi and FIFA President, Gianni Infantino with a number of Ministers, dignitaries, officials and ambassadors.
Delivering the opening speech during the unveiling ceremony of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 commemorative banknotes, H E Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud Al Thani 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 which is the first of its kind in the Middle East and the region.”
During the event the QR22 banknote was unveiled to commemorate the country’s hosting of the World Cup and also commemorative coins were issued on the occasion of the FIFA World Cup 2022, which reflects the cultural and heritage of Qatar.
“It is a source of pride for all of us, it supports the efforts exerted by the State to host the World Cup in successful manner and constitutes an affirmation of the unity and integration of the various entities in the public and private sectors in the State,” QCB Governor said.
A short video was presented about Qatar and the contribution of QCB to the development of the economy, in addition to the commemorative banknotes stages of preparation at the unveiling ceremony.
Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud Al Thani provided a summary on the stages of preparation pertaining to the issuance of these banknotes, as the design was created by a team specialised 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. QCB Governor indicated that the issuance will include paper currencies deemed to be the first commemorative banknotes issued by QCB using polymer and explained that the commemorative banknotes will be available at the national local banks and exchange houses.
QCB Governor praised the coordination between the Bank, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy and FIFA for the preparation and issuance of commemorative banknotes on the occasion of Qatar’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in order for it to be a distinguished and historic event, especially when it holds the logo of the World Cup and the FIFA for the first time.
Addressing the event, Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud Al Thani further pointed out the measures taken by QCB aim to develop the infrastructure and logistics of the 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.
Concluding the speech, QCB Governor thanked the members of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy and FIFA for the strategic partnership. He also thanked the QCB team that worked to achieve this accomplishment, wishing the visitors to Qatar during the World Cup a blissful stay while enjoying a blissful stay while enjoying a unique football experience.
The ‘22 Qatari Riyal’ commemorative banknote can be purchased at QR75 while its nominal value will remain same at QR22. Qatar Central Bank has also minted coins, which feature the most important stadiums in the tournament, such as: Al Bayt, Lusail, Al Thumama, Khalifa International, and Al Janoub Stadiums.
The currency with the World Cup trophy and Qatar 2022 logo depicts a picture of Lusail Stadium on one side with Al Bayt Stadium on the opposite. The two stadiums are the venues for the opening and the final World Cup match. Also found in the background of the note is the Qatar National emblem, skyline, a dhow and Zubara fort.
Source and image credit: The Peninsula.
