Incredible response to ‘Life in Qatar’ initiative, says Commercial Bank

By Pratap John

Chief Business Reporter

Commercial Bank has seen an “incredible response” to its “Life in Qatar” (LIQ) initiative, which provides tailored banking services for expatriates arriving in Qatar for the first time.

More than 80 nationalities have been acquired through the LIQ proposition since Commercial Bank launched it only a few months ago, points out Dean Proctor, executive general manager (retail & consumer banking).

Expatriates moving into Qatar will find useful and reliable information on the LIQ website, which Proctor said is now backed by the fact that Commercial Bank is “Number one for online search” in Qatar.

“We have on an average 35,000 LIQ site visits every month, which keeps growing. So far, more than 800,000 website visits have been clocked. Many of the site visitors are researching on Qatar before they actually come here. And in the last 18 months, we have seen more than 15,000 new accounts, 15% of whom were acquired online with no branch visit necessary” Proctor told Gulf Times.

“We are a local Qatari bank and our primary focus is to serve the local community. However, with the phenomenal growth of the country, Commercial Bank also has to cater its products and services to an increasingly diverse and international customer base; more than 80 different nationalities have already been acquired through our ‘first-to-market’ LIQ proposition,” he said.

The reason that Commercial Bank designed the LIQ proposition was because the bank understood that moving to a new country might be stressful to a person and family, and wanted to help make this transition “as easy as possible”.

“We are continuously looking to help our new customers settle in quickly and make Qatar feel like their home,” he said.

Under the LIQ proposition, Proctor said new expatriates can open a bank account before they arrive and send money in advance to cover initial expenses when they land. The service can be accessed via Commercial Bank’s dedicated website, www.lifeinqatar.com, which is highly informative across many of the key considerations and hurdles people face when relocating.

“For Sadara Privileged Banking eligible customers, their premier journey begins with a personalised airport collection service,” Proctor said.

Upon arrival, customers can get their Commercial Bank account up and running within 24 hours, receive a credit card pre-loaded with up to QR2,000 and get connected with a free mobile phone and Vodafone SIM card. Customers also enjoy exclusive hospitality offers on their first two nights stay at two of the best hotels in Doha.

“Life in Qatar” benefits also continue long after arrival, as customers are eligible for free international money transfers every month if they bank online; a free executive service to find a home; up to 30% discount on car rental; a “buy now and pay later” promotion at Ikea stores; and discounts at B/Attitude spa in Doha.

LIQ customers also have access to pre-approved personal and car loans to help make essential first purchases and purchase their new car, Proctor said.