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Doha Bank, which is rated Baa1/A, has successfully returned to the international bond market for the second time this year, issuing a $500mn Reg S bond with a 5.5-year tenor and a coupon rate of 4.5% a year. The issuance attracted “exceptional” demand, with the exceptional orderbook at $1.8bn, representing an oversubscription of nearly four times.This strong outcome reflects the resilience of Qatar’s economy, driven by the State of Qatar’s 2030 Vision for economic diversification, and the robust regulatory framework established by the Qatar Central Bank (QCB). These factors continue to strengthen the banking sector and reinforce international investor confidence in Qatar as a leading financial hub in the region.The transaction achieved the best credit spread ever for Doha Bank at 105 basis points over the 5-year US Treasury rate, tightening by 35 basis points from initial price thoughts.Investor participation was well-diversified, with 56% from the Middle East, 26% from Asia, 13% from the UK and Europe, and 5% from US offshore accounts. The issuance saw strong and wider investor demand, with first time investors from Europe and Asia participating in the deal.Doha Bank Group Chief Executive Officer Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Fahad bin Faisal al-Thani commented, “This successful issuance reflects the strong confidence of global investors in Qatar’s economy and the resilience of our banking sector. The attractive pricing and diversified investor base align with our strategy to strengthen our funding profile through international capital markets.”Doha Bank last accessed the market in March with a $500mn bond, later tapped to $775mn. The current issuance was executed under Doha Bank’s Euro Medium Term Note (EMTN) Programme, listed on the London Stock Exchange.

The Spanish coach Felix Sanchez of Al Sadd emphasized the significant importance of the upcoming match against Al Gharafa, scheduled for Thursday, in the marquee fixture of the third round of the Doha Bank Stars League.Speaking to the media ahead of their 2025-2026 season Doha Bank Stars League Week 3 match against Al Gharafa, Al Sadd coach Felix Sanchez said, "We expect a difficult match. Al Gharafa have started the season strongly, but we are confident of putting in a good performance on home turf and in front of our fans towards achieving a positive result."It's important for us to regain our balance after the first match. I think we performed well last week and showed improvement, and we want to continue building on that to compete at our best in front of our fans."It is important for us to win the last match before the FIFA international break. It's important to enter the break feeling positive. We certainly want to achieve another good result for the team."Al Gharafa coach Pedro Martins said, "Koeman's return to training will give the team greater options. The match will be exciting and difficult against the defending champions. We must focus defensively without compromising our style and identity. Calm and focus are our path to achieving our goals.""Your support makes the difference. We rely on you in difficult moments, and I trust your strong presence to support the players."