Factors that Makes Customers Patronize Islamic Banks in Qatar

Abstract

Growth in Qatari economy produced new business opportunities. The banking sector which is considered to be one of the vital sectors in Qatar is not exempted from these opportunities. Both Islamic and conventional banking systems are competing aggressively to take advantage of those new opportunities by attracting/retaining customers/depositors. This research aims to support Islamic banks in Qatar in identifying and understanding critical factors that positively/negatively affect customer’s perception toward Islamic banks. 15 semi-structured interviews were conducted with Islamic bank’s customers. Sharia compliance and family/friends were the most influential factors that were found in this research. Other factors such as quality of services and corporate social responsibility activities had less influence on customers.