The roots of Habib Qatar go back to year 1978 when it was established as a partnership between two Swiss nationals, directors of Habib Bank AG Zurich and a prominent Qatari, Mr. Ali Sultan Al-Ali Al Madheed, a former diplomat and owning various businesses as well as properties in Qatar. Thereafter in 1996, the Swiss directors sold their shareholding to the local partner; thus, making the company a 100% Qatari-owned entity.