DOHA: In recognition of QIIB’s growing presence in sustainable finance, Forbes Middle East has named Dr. Abdulbasit Ahmad al-Shaibei, the Bank’s Chief Executive Officer, among its Middle East Sustainability Leaders for 2026.
The recognition highlights his leadership in advancing the Bank’s sustainable finance initiatives and strengthening its environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices.
Leaders selected for the list were celebrated during a ceremony held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), as part of the fourth edition of the ‘Forbes Middle East Sustainability Leaders’ Summit’, which is being held from October 19 to 20, 2026, under the patronage of Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and in the presence of officials and leaders from the banking and financial sectors, alongside representatives from business sectors, decision-makers, and innovators from the region and the world.
Commenting on the recognition, Dr. al-Shaibei said, “Being named among Forbes Middle East’s Sustainability Leaders for 2026 is a significant acknowledgement of QIIB’s ongoing efforts to advance its sustainable finance practices and initiatives.
“This recognition also reflects the progress of Qatar’s banking sector, guided by the strategic vision of regulatory authorities, particularly Qatar Central Bank, and their pivotal role in strengthening the sector’s competitiveness and reinforcing its position regionally and internationally.”
He noted, “Our sustainability initiatives reflect our commitment to aligning with the Third Financial Sector Strategy launched by Qatar Central Bank, which places significant emphasis on ESG principles. We are therefore focused on expanding our sustainable financing solutions and pursuing initiatives that deliver lasting economic, environmental and social benefits. These efforts will further strengthen QIIB’s market position while opening up new opportunities for our customers and investors.
Dr. al-Shaibei highlighted the role of Islamic finance in advancing sustainable development and stated, “Islamic finance provides a strong foundation for responsible financing, and we believe it has significant potential to support the global shift towards sustainable development.
“Its ethical principles and standards encourage accountability, responsible use of resources and positive outcomes for society. Our priority at QIIB is to bring these values into our everyday banking practices by offering practical products and solutions that meet customer needs, respond to evolving market conditions and support the national economy.”
He also credited QIIB’s team for its collective efforts in advancing the Bank’s sustainability agenda, stating: “This recognition reflects the dedication of our team and the coordinated efforts across the Bank to develop responsible financing solutions and make sustainability an integral part of our strategy.
“We will continue to build on our achievements and enhance our initiatives to keep pace with changes in the financial sector and meet the evolving expectations of our stakeholders.”
Concluding his remarks, Dr. al-Shaibei said: “This recognition further motivates us to enhance our financing and investment products and expand our contribution to initiatives that promote sustainable development.
“We remain focused on ensuring that our efforts support the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030, contributing to the country’s continued development and strengthening its position in Islamic finance and responsible banking.”
QIIB’s approach to sustainable finance builds on a series of initiatives and financial solutions introduced over recent years. A key milestone was the publication of its Sustainable Finance Framework in early 2024, which provides a structured approach to directing financing towards projects that deliver environmental and social benefits, in accordance with relevant principles.
In January 2024, QIIB issued $500mn in sustainable sukuk under its ‘Oryx’ issuance, marking the first transaction of its kind by a Qatari financial institution.
The issuance attracted strong international investor interest, with orders exceeding $4bn, more than eight times the issue size, and participation from over 120 investors worldwide, reflecting the strong demand for the offering in global markets.
The sukuk were also listed on the London Stock Exchange, marking another milestone for QIIB, celebrated with an official bell-ringing ceremony attended by senior representatives.
The Bank subsequently received a post-issuance review from Sustainable Fitch, which confirmed that 100% of the sukuk proceeds had been allocated in line with the eligibility criteria set out in QIIB’s 2024 Sustainable Finance Framework.
QIIB has also expanded its green financing offerings in the local market, introducing a dedicated financing product for electric and hybrid vehicles with competitive profit rates and flexible grace periods to encourage cleaner transportation and help reduce carbon emissions.
QIIB has further strengthened its sustainability efforts through strategic partnerships, including a memorandum of understanding with the Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (GORD). The agreement covers cooperation on green financing initiatives, research and development, institutional capacity building, and the use of the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) to support green real estate financing solutions.
Beyond financing, QIIB has a strong track record of supporting scientific research and innovation through its sponsorship of specialised conferences, including the Sixth International Conference on Entrepreneurship for Sustainability and Impact at Qatar University.
QIIB’s continued progress in sustainable finance has earned the Bank several regional and international accolades, most recently the ‘Best Islamic Sustainable Finance Bank in Qatar 2026’ and ‘Leadership in Sustainable Islamic Finance in Qatar 2025’ awards. The latest recognition by Forbes Middle East in its Sustainability Leaders 2026 list adds to QIIB’s achievements, further highlighting the Bank’s progress and strengthening its position in sustainable finance across the region.
