Doha, Tuesday 15th November 2022 – In a press held on Sunday, November 13th in Katara Cultural Village the details of the fifth edition of the major national sporting event and QIC Group’s - the leading insurer in Qatar dominant insurer, the GCC and MENA region - sponsorship of the Samla race was officially announced.  

Hosted by members of Samla’s organizing committee and headed by H.E. Prof. Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti, the press conference was attended by Sheikh Saud Bin Khalid Bin Hamad Al Thani, Board Member of Qatar Insurance Group (QIC Group) (QIC). 
Speaking at the press conference, on behalf of the Group, Sheikh Saud Bin Khalid Bin Hamad Al Thani thanked Katara Cultural Village and the organizing committee and underscored the tangible positive impact of the Samla race on Qatari society. “Qatar Insurance Group is delighted to be one of the official sponsors of the fifth edition of the Samla race. For it embodies the values ingrained in the mission and culture of QIC Group and for the opportunity it offers us to highlight the prominent role Qatar occupies in the world of sports. We are excited to see our athletes take on this challenge and we look forward to stellar performances inspired by a spirit of competition and sportsmanship” said Sheikh Saud Al Thani.

“Samla is more than just a sporting tournament; the race reflects the resilience and determination of our people and has become a source of inspiration for all Qataris. Consequently, this sponsorship is a great source of pride and satisfaction to all of us at QIC Group.” added, Sheikh Saud Al Thani. 
At the press conference, His Excellency Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al-Sulaiti, expressed his gratitude to all sponsors and acknowledged QIC Group for their support and commended its efforts in making this major sporting tournament a success. 

Samla is a sporting event that requires endurance and perseverance as it is held on difficult and remote desert tracks that require high levels of athletic skills and abilities such as running, swimming, archery, rowing, and mountain biking. 

The annual race which takes place in March, sees young Qataris with high athletic skills compete in covering a distance of about 200 kilometers.It was announced that the new edition will extend from Al Thakhira area to Al Shahaniya area, where the contestants will take on six new endurance challenges across Qatari desert tracks. 

Qatar Insurance Company (QIC) is a publicly listed composite insurer with a consistent performance history of over 50 years and a global underwriting footprint. Founded in 1964, QIC was the first domestic insurance company in the State of Qatar. Today, QIC is the market leader in Qatar and a dominant insurer in the GCC and MENA regions. QIC is one of the highest rated insurers in the Gulf region with a rating of A/Stable from Standard & Poor’s and A (Excellent) from A.M. Best. QIC is also the first & best digital insurance company in Qatar and the largest insurance company in the MENA region by gross written premium, profitability, and total assets. It is listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange and has a market capitalization in excess of QAR 7.8 billion.