QIB Partners With Unravel to Launch In-App Travel Booking
Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) has partnered with travel technology company Unravel to introduce an in-app hotel discovery and booking service for its customers. Announced on October 25, 2026, the service allows QIB cardholders to explore and book hotels directly through the QIB Mobile App.
The platform combines short-form hotel videos, AI-powered travel planning, and integrated reservations. As a result, customers can discover destinations, compare accommodation options, and complete bookings without leaving their banking app. QIB says it is the first bank in Qatar to introduce this type of travel platform through its mobile application.
Discover More Than 3.5 Million Hotels
The new service gives eligible QIB debit and credit cardholders access to more than 3.5 million hotels and properties worldwide. The platform also covers accommodation in more than 190 countries, offering options for family holidays, luxury stays, and regional getaways.
Unlike conventional booking interfaces that rely mainly on photographs, Unravel uses short videos to showcase hotel rooms, facilities, pools, and surrounding views. As a result, travellers can better visualise a property before booking.
The platform also offers personalised recommendations and filters based on individual preferences. For example, users can narrow their searches to family suites, beachfront resorts, or other suitable accommodation. The service also offers exclusive cardholder rates and a best-price guarantee.
Exclusive Rates and Travel Assistance
QIB’s official offer page advertises discounts of up to 70% on selected hotel bookings. However, savings depend on property availability and the applicable terms. The offer runs from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027, and requires payment in the mobile app with an eligible QIB card.
Customers can also access dedicated travel assistance around the clock through WhatsApp and email. In addition, the platform offers free cancellation on many properties, subject to each booking’s conditions. Travellers can review cancellation deadlines and refund terms before confirming their reservations.
Expanding Qatar’s Digital Banking Services
D Anand, QIB’s general manager of the Personal Banking Group, said the partnership expands the mobile app with services that reflect customers’ changing needs. He highlighted the convenience of combining hotel discovery, planning, and booking within the same digital banking environment.
Meanwhile, Unravel founder and CEO Vijay Anand said the partnership brings the company’s travel experience to Qatar for the first time. He pointed to the combination of video-based discovery, AI-assisted planning, and global hotel inventory as a way to simplify travel booking.
The launch also reflects a broader shift towards digital banking platforms that offer services beyond traditional financial transactions. By integrating travel reservations into its app, QIB aims to increase customer convenience while giving cardholders additional value.
Ultimately, the partnership connects banking, travel discovery, and hotel booking in one place. Its adoption will show how customers respond to using a banking app for travel planning and everyday financial services.
