Note to Editors:
About The International Bank of Qatar (IBQ):
IBQ is a well established and rapidly growing commercial institution, offering a full range of Retail, Private and Corporate Banking solutions. IBQ has a strong commitment to build long-lasting relationships with its customers and provide them with excellent customer service with a focus on making banking simple, convenient and tailored to their needs. IBQ is one of the oldest existing banks in Qatar and celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2006. It has a growing network of 9 branches and 30 ATMs in strategic locations throughout Qatar.
IBQ was named the fastest growing bank in the Middle East by The Banker’s 39th edition of its “Top 1000 Banks 2009” survey. Additionally, IBQ has previously bagged the Best Customer Service Award for 2008 and 2009 from the Banker Middle East Magazine.
IBQ is 30% owned and managed by the National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), the highest rated bank in the Middle East, and the only bank in the Middle East to be named among the world’s 50 Safest Banks in 2009. IBQ is a growing bank that benefits from an international network as a result of its affiliation with NBK which gives its customers access to greater resources and a wide range of international services.
About the American School of Doha:
The American School of Doha (ASD) was originally founded and operated until 1997 as the American International School (AIS). The school was established in 1988. A villa housed the school consisting of only lower elementary classes and a small teaching staff recruited from the local community. The school expanded rapidly adding grades and with expansion moved to a new site in 1997.
The 1998/1999 school year began on August 31st, with an enrollment of 485 students. Most classes were at capacity and a waiting list was established. In the spring of 2004, under the new leadership of Ed Ladd, the school, enrollment topped 600 students. With David Pals, chair of the ASD Board of Directors, a new strategic plan was formulated, which included the expansion of the school to include a new middle and high school, with the conversion of the then present campus into an elementary school. The possibility of expansion became a reality in June 2004.
In the fall of 2007, the new middle and high schools were opened. The new facility contained a completely wireless facility with two computer labs and ceiling mounted LCD projectors in every classroom. There was a double gym, a fitness center, an indoor pool, and a theater that could seat 635 students.
In the midst of the expansion, the school enrollment has swelled to 1850 students with approximately seven sections at each grade level. The total capacity of the school is now 2050 students. The reputation of the school has continued to grow with the acceptance of students in major colleges and universities, including select colleges like Harvard and West Point. The student body has also grown in diversity with over sixty countries represented within the student body. The future for The American School is bright as it builds on a tradition of excellence, tradition, and community. We look forward to continuing to provide an outstanding education for the expatriate community and others who seek the best in education.