As part of its on-going efforts to enhance services for Qatar’s businesses, Ooredoo today announced the launch of a new instalment programme that enables customers to purchase the latest devices and spread payments over a calendar year.

With the new programme, business customers who bank with QNB, Commercial Bank of Qatar or Doha Bank can now purchase any device from Ooredoo’s wide portfolio and pay with 12 monthly instalments. Customers who select this facility benefit from a 0% interest rate, so that they can manage their costs more effectively over the year and benefit from immediate access to the latest technologies.

Devices available from Ooredoo include the latest smartphones, tablets, Ooredoo4G+ My-Fi connections, and 4G Smart Cradles, ideal for businesses looking to stay connected with employees, customers and stakeholders. Ooredoo is continuing to enhance the channels and services available to businesses, as the company strives to become the leading integrated ICT provider in Qatar and the region. As well as the instalment plan, the company has also recently launched a programme that enables enterprise customers to lease Cisco technology from Ooredoo.

The aim of these programmes is to bring cutting-edge technology to companies of all sizes in Qatar, and to provide customers with a range of financing options. The new offer is available from all Ooredoo shops, and is only available for devices of a greater value than QR500.

As part of its network leadership strategy, Ooredoo successfully completed the pre-launch phase for 4G mobile in Algeria, becoming the first operator in the country to provide the superfast Internet service.

With the launch in Algeria, Ooredoo now offers 4G services in eight markets in the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia, positioning the company as one of the leading 4G providers. This significant network investment reflects Ooredoo’s commitment to deliver a better data experience for its customers across its global footprint. The launch was conducted in Tlemcen in north-western Algeria, which is one of three provinces (along with Tizi Ouzou and Bechar) that will be first to have access to 4G mobile services. Ooredoo Algeria has plans in place to roll-out 4G across all 48 provinces in the coming months.

During the launch event in Tlemcen, Ooredoo Algeria showcased its range of new 4G handsets and laptops, as well as innovative services such as app downloads. Ooredoo Algeria has successfully conducted a trial phase to demonstrate the speed and capacity of 4G services, using a preliminary licence from the Algeria Regulatory Authority for Post and Telecommunications. It will now move forward with the full commercial launch. During the trial process, which was conducted with Nokia and in presence of representatives from the Regulatory Authority, Ooredoo Algeria realised speeds of up to 75 Mbps on its 4G network – the fastest yet recorded in Algeria.

Sheikh Saud Bin Nasser Al Thani (pictured), Group CEO, Ooredoo, said: “Our launch of 4G in Algeria demonstrates Ooredoo’s commitment to investing in superfast networks across all our markets. We continue to offer our customers a better data experience, enabling them to enjoy faster downloads and clearer, buffer-free streaming, made possible by the latest network technology.” With the commercial launch, customers will be able to access 4G speeds for the same price as Ooredoo Algeria’s 3G services. Customers will benefit from faster streaming and upload speeds, entertainment services delivered via their mobile devices, and crystal clear calls.

The network upgrade will also support Ooredoo Algeria’s efforts to offer e-commerce, m- payments, m-banking, m-health, and m-education services. Ooredoo’s successful launch in Algeria follows the launch of 4G services in Myanmar in May 2016, where Ooredoo was again the first operator in the country to offer 4G. Coverage started in Yangon, Mandalay and Naypyitaw, and is continuing to roll-out across the country. Ooredoo Tunisia successfully launched 4G services in April 2016, along with innovative bundles for customers that include data allowance, free call minutes, video-on-demand services with Ooredoo TV and online storage services.

Ooredoo’s other 4G markets include Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Maldives and Indonesia, and the company continues to deliver on-going network upgrades to ensure its customers benefit from faster Internet services across the Ooredoo footprint. 

With just 17 days to go until the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) has announced that three of Qatar’s leading companies have signed up as National Partners. Ooredoo, Qatar Airways and Qatar Insurance Group are uniting in support of the 40 athletes across ten sports that will represent Team Qatar at the world’s greatest sporting event this summer.

The Olympic Games will take place from 5^th-21^st August and Qatar will be sending the biggest athlete delegation in its history, with world champions and reigning Olympic medallists aiming to make the nation proud. The National Partners’ are also supporting Bayt Qatar, the QOC’s Olympic hospitality house in Rio de Janeiro that will aim to share Qatar’s culture, heritage and passion for sport with the people of Rio de Janeiro and the world. Joining them will be the QOC’s Media Partner, Al Kass, who will provide broadcast services, and Official Supplier, Qatar Airways Holidays, who will provide discounts on travel packages, and Al Siddiqi, who are providing Team Qatar’s uniforms.

Speaking about the QOC’s new partners, Dr Thani Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, Secretary General of the QOC, said: “It is a very exciting time for Olympic sport in Qatar and we are thrilled to partner with such iconic Qatari organisations ahead of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Our Team Qatar athletes have been working incredibly hard to ensure they are in the best shape of their lives and this support will give them a timely boost in the final stages of their training. We hope that the whole nation will join our partners in getting behind our athletes and celebrate their incredible achievements in the true spirit of Olympism. We cannot wait for the Games to begin.”

Ooredoo’s partnership with the QOC will enable Team Qatar to stay connected to their families, friends and fans throughout the Olympic Games, with Ooredoo giving the full delegation their own Ooredoo Passports, which offer roaming call minutes and data. The leading international communications company will also provide telecom and broadband solutions in Bayt Qatar, using smart services to bring people closer to the action.

Speaking about their partnership with the QOC, Waleed Mohammed Ebrahim Al Sayed, Chief Executive Officer, Ooredoo Qatar, said: “Ooredoo is proud to be a National Partner of the Qatar Olympic Committee, and we are confident that Team Qatar will inspire our nation at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Ooredoo continues to develop new solutions and services to enable people to follow Qatar’s sporting success around the world, and we believe that our Olympic competitors will inspire more people to pursue sporty, healthy lifestyles.”

Qatar Airways, which has connections to over 150 destinations worldwide, will become the official Airline Partner for Team Qatar, transporting the athletes and their delegations as they travel to Rio and around the world to represent their country. The 2015 Skytrax Airline of the year will also provide crucial communications support through its digital channels and at Hamad International Airport to help encourage the whole nation to get behind Team Qatar as they compete in the most important competition of their lives. This will provide a particular boost to the QOC’s #YallaQatar campaign, which aims to showcase Qatar’s Olympic athletes, their journeys and their incredible feats. H.E. Mr Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Executive of Qatar Airways commented:

“Qatar Airways is proud to become the official Airline Partner for Team Qatar and ensure that our biggest-ever athlete delegation arrives at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games refreshed and ready to compete. Our partnership with the Qatar Olympic Committee is an obvious choice because our values match the Olympic values of friendship, excellence and respect. As a global connector, flying passengers across six different continents, we will share with our international network the impact and fulfilment that sport can bring to nations the world over.”

Founded in 1964, Qatar Insurance is the largest national insurance company in the Middle East. Over the last 50+ years, the company has successfully transitioned from being a domestic insurer in Qatar to a group of companies with an international reach. As well as providing travel insurance for Team Qatar, QIC Group will support the QOC in its mission to create more Olympic heroes and raise awareness of and participation in Olympic sport. 

Speaking about the new partnership with the QOC, Mr. Khalifa Abdulla Turki Al-Subaey, Group President and CEO of QIC Group said: “QIC Group is fully focused on being ranked amongst the top fifty insurers in the world. Partnering with the QOC as its National Partner is a step towards realising our mission and representing Qatar as a hub that demonstrates the spirit of true sportsmanship and goodwill on a global stage. We aim to utilise this important partnership to make positive contributions that will not only benefit Qatar and the rest of the world but will also help to create a legacy for our future generations.”

During the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, Bayt Qatar will bring the soul of Qatar to the heart of Rio. An iconic heritage site and former museum, Casa Daros, will provide a stunning setting to bridge sport, education, culture and diversity in a true celebration of Olympism. The QOC, its partners and stakeholders will come together to create a journey of Qatar’s history, traditions and development into a global sports hub through innovative and interactive exhibitions, an outdoor Souq and a full entertainment and activity programme.

In order to give visitors the best possible experience, the QOC has signed MOUs with several Qatari organisations. These include: Education Above All, who will organise a Garangao night for children from local Brazilian Favelas; the ICSS who will organise a special event for their Save the Dream charity; and Qatar Foundation, Al Shaqab, Qatar Museums, Katara, Doha Film Institute, Aspire, Aspetar, We Are Doha, the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy and the ADLQ, who will all contribute films, photos and content to help showcase the very best of Qatar.

Bayt Qatar will be open from 4^th-21^st August and the QOC has just launched the official website www.baytqatar.qa for the public to find out more and keep up to date with news, events and activities. You can follow Team Qatar’s journeys to Rio on the QOC’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube channels under the hashtag #YallaQatar.

Ooredoo has today announced the return of its ‘Shahry Smart Special Number’ promotion, which offers a free special number with every new or upgraded Shahry Smart subscription. The promotion, which received positive feedback when it first launched in 2015, will enable new and upgrading Shahry users to access a free special number worth up to QR 6,000 in value.

Special numbers enable customers to choose a more memorable number for their service. The offer is valid now and will be applicable when choosing one of the Shahry Smart plans (55, 100, 150, 250, 450 and 750) before December 2016. The special number discount will be selected based on the Shahry Smart pack chosen by the customer. For example, Shahry Smart 55 customers will be able to choose a free special number up to QR 500 in value or a discount of QR 500 for higher numbers (up to QR 6,000). New customers on Shahry Smart 750 will get a free special number worth up to QR 6,000.

Reserving special numbers is fast and easy and can be done through the special numbers page on the Ooredoo website at http://www.ooredoo.qa/en/etr or at any Ooredoo shop. Customers can also reserve a special number through the Ooredoo mobile app, available for Apple iOS and Android mobile devices. The postpaid Shahry Smart packs offer a host of local and international minutes/SMS and data. Packs come in denominations of 15, 35, 55, 100, 150, 250, 450 and 750 as well as Ooredoo’s VIP service, Al Nokhba

Ooredoo companies have received a string of prestigious awards in recent months, including leading honours for marketing innovation, customer service, and network investment. Operations in the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia all won industry accolades, marking one of the company’s most successful award seasons in its history.

Sheikh Saud Bin Nasser Al Thani, Group CEO, Ooredoo, said: “Across our footprint and in every market, Ooredoo is striving to deliver world-class networks, a superior customer experience and a strong performance culture. These awards demonstrate that Ooredoo is setting the pace for growth and development, and that we continue to introduce new innovations that make a real impact on our customers’ lives.” This awards include five major honours at the Global Telecoms Business Innovation Awards in London, including Consumer Service Innovation, Business Service Innovation, Wireless Network Infrastructure Innovation and Infrastructure Innovation awards.

Ooredoo was also named one of the “Top Companies in the Arab World 2016” by Forbes Middle East in its annual gala ceremony. Ooredoo Qatar won the “Best Mobile Application of the Year” award at 2016 Qatar IT Business Awards in Doha, for its innovative Ooredoo App, which is one of the most popular telecoms apps in the region. Ooredoo Oman took home six prestigious awards at the Oman Tech Awards, including honours for the company’s website, Facebook page, and dedicated Ooredoo Oman App. In addition, for the sixth consecutive year, Ooredoo was recognised as one of the Sultanate’s Top 20 performing companies by Oman Economic Review, Oman’s leading economic and business publication.

In the Contact Centre World Asia Pacific Finals in Malaysia, Ooredoo Myanmar’s Contact Centre won the Gold Prize and was ranked number one for “Best in Customer Service” in Asia Pacific. Ooredoo Kuwait also saw strong results at the Contact Center World Awards in London, where it won individual awards for leadership as well as trophies for implementing best-practice and operational excellence. One of the strand-out features of Ooredoo’s recent award success has been the rising profile of the company’s brand-building work and advertising.

The cutting-edge “Fans Do Wonders” campaign, which featured Paris Saint-Germain, won a Bronze for Social Media in the international Clio Sports Awards held in New York, as well as featuring in first place award in the Viral Best TVC Awards. The campaign has also received awards at the Summit Creative Awards 2016, MENA Digital Awards 2016, Internationalist Awards 2016 and Summit Marketing Effectiveness Awards 2015. In the APAC Stevie Awards, held in Sydney, Australia in May, Ooredoo received three silver and three bronze awards for a range of innovative campaigns, including Ooredoo Myanmar’s Bindez news aggregation app, Indosat Ooredoo’s vision to become Indonesia's Leading Digital Telco and the “Fans do Wonders” campaign.

Ooredoo’s Ramadan advert, which celebrates the spirit of togetherness and connection of the Holy Month, has also begun to receive regional recognition, despite only having been screened over the past few weeks.

The award, which celebrates the spirit of togetherness and connection that it shared during the Holy Month, received the top prize at Tasaweeq’s Viral Forum, which took place in Kuwait recently. The short film marks the first time that Ooredoo’s operations have come together to create an original advert, with support from Ooredoo Group, Ooredoo Qatar, Ooredoo Kuwait and Ooredoo Oman. Ooredoo’s financial strategy has also received international recognition in recent months, with the company winning “Best Telecoms Deal” and “Best Social Development Deal” at the EMEA Finance Project Awards, held in London this June.

ECTV Network Limited and Ooredoo have today announced the official launch of the English Club TV Channel in Qatar on Ooredoo’s award-winning Ooredoo tv service.

English Club TV is an educational channel for people who want to study English. It is broadcast in more than 76 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. English Club TV is available now on channel number 477 and channel number 170  on Ooredootv and Mozaic TV respectively , and to ensure the educational content is available for as many as possible, the channel is placed in the basic tiers of Ooredootv and Mozaic TV.

Andrew Semchenko, CEO of the English Club TV Group, commented: “Many people in Qatar are looking to develop their language skills. It is an important asset and helps people to develop their careers and expand their international horizons. Our channel will provide a significant resource for people across Qatar, since learning English with English Club TV is fun, interesting and effective.”

Fatima Sultan Al Kuwari, Director of Community & Public Relations, Ooredoo, said: “We are investing in the very best content for our users, and this means not just the latest Hollywood blockbusters and family entertainment, but also Arabic and educational content. I’m sure English Club TV will prove valuable for a host of our customers from across the world, wanting to perfect their English or help their children learn.”

Ooredoo provides a wide range of educational content via its entertainment portfolio, as well as through its mobile services on the OoredooSupernet. 

Pan-Arab TV channel, Quest Arabiya is building an impressive list of IPTV partners allowing it to reach a potentially huge online audience throughout the MENA region.

The ‘free to air’ factual entertainment channel is committed to engaging with its viewers through its linear and digital channels and believes partnering with the leading IPTV providers in the region is key to that strategy. Quest Arabiya is now working with InVision and Mobily in KSA, Ooredoo and Mozaic in Qatar, Du and Etisalat in UAE and Batelco (Selevision) in Bahrain, and is also available through ArabSat and NileSat. The channel, an exciting partnership between Image Nation Abu Dhabi and Discovery Communications, launched in December 2015 across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), focuses primarily on factual and reality based programming such as Extreme Outdoor, Turbo, Engineering and Nature & Wildlife.

Khalid Khouri, deputy general manager of Quest Arabiya, believes that delivering quality content to its audience when, where and how they wish to view it is absolutely vital in the modern TV market and therefore sees its partnerships with the leading IPTV firms as crucial to the channels continued growth and success. He said “Our audiences are adventure-fuelled, curiously minded people who are digitally savvy. They live online and are interested in shaping the content they watch. “By working with these leading IPTV providers we’re making it easier than ever before for our viewers to access unlimited digital content from the variety of shows we offer and contribute to conversations that are happening online. 

“Furthermore, we’re able to invest back within these local markets to provide more jobs and promote local production to keep sharing these great untold stories, while our partners are able to monetize these value-added services driven by consumer consumption habits.” Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), or internet TV, is a service that allows you to quickly access a wealth of video content all through an internet connection. By signing up with a number of market-leading Telcos that offer these value-added services, Quest Arabiya is ensuring its audiences can catch-up on the incredible line-up of its adventure-fueled shows anywhere, anytime.

The Abu Dhabi-based channel is now able to reach a wider spectrum of viewers that will see it expand within the emerging markets and strengthen its foothold in MENA while it continues to build a sustainable film and television industry and showcase the region’s diversity.

Ooredoo, in partnership with Osool Media, have today announced the official launch of a new service that will enable Ooredoo customers to buy popular electronic online gift vouchers via Ooredoo’s nationwide Self-Service Machine (SSM) network.

The partnership, which was signed in January by Ooredoo’s Chief Sales and Services Officer, Mr. Ahmad Abdulaziz Al Neama, and Managing Director of Osool Media, Mr. NayefEissaRashwan, will give online access to Ooredoo customers to a variety of Internet games, play stores and mobile vouchers via the company’s popular Self-Service Machines. Thanks to the launch purchasing Skype credit, Facebook vouchers and more, will now be easier than ever before for Ooredoo customers.

SSM users simply have to select the service and amount wanted, input the voucher recipient’s phone number, and pay by cash or credit/debit card 24/7 to purchase a voucher. Vouchers are available now for services such as iTunes, Xbox, Skype, Facebook, Steam, Visa Prepaid Cards, PlayStation, eBay, Amazon and Google, as well as entertainment voucher cards for all iOS, Android and Blackberry devices. Once purchased, customers will receive a confirmation receipt showing the product selected, denomination and the service number. The voucher code will then be sent to the customer through SMS to redeem.

In addition to buying online vouchers via the Ooredoo Self-Service Machine, customers can also pay Ooredoo Shahry and Kahramaa bills, purchase Hala prepaid SIM cards, top-up Hala accounts, and purchase vouchers for an incredible range of shopping and dining experiences for popular brands in Qatar. 

Six months after their launch, Ooredoo’s Business Desks are receiving thousands of visitors per month at Ooredoo Shops, as business customers take advantage of the new service. The Ooredoo dedicated business desks, which opened in selected Ooredoo retail stores in February, were designed to give business customers easier access to business services to ensure increased customer satisfaction.

The desks, which are located at Al-Khor, Salwa, Al Sadd, Al Wakra, City Center, Old Airport, Landmark, and Hyatt Plaza Ooredoo Shops, enable business customers to purchase the company’s business portfolio and services in-store, including Shahry Smart and Hala Business packs, Fibre and Mobile Broadband, SIP-T Business Telephony, Smart Office, Ooredoo Cloud Services, and more.

Ooredoo has seen a strong uptick in the number of companies deploying business solutions in 2016, particularly from small and medium-sized businesses in Qatar looking to realise greater efficiencies. Talking about the positive results, Yousuf Al-Kubaisi, Chief Operating Officer, Ooredoo Qatar, said: “In addition to enhancing the level of customer care for companies, we are also introducing special offers for businesses at these locations, bringing superior value and productivity to small and SOHO businesses. This new Business Desks channel has proven to be a significant success, and, with thousands of customers being served every month, we hope to extend the programme further in the near future.”

Each dedicated desk offers customers a trained business sales representative to assist with their business needs, and discuss future communication plans.

For full details of all plans, pricing and offers available for business customers visit an Ooredoo Shop, ring the business team on 800 8000 or go to www.ooredoo.qa/business for more info.

Follow Your Business Instinct with Ooredoo Business. #MyBusinessInstinct

Ooredoo began its official countdown to the 2016 Rio Olympics on its social media pages, calling for people across Qatar to support Team Qatar and cheer on the 38 Qatari athletes competing this summer. Ooredoo has signed an agreement with Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) to support the committees work, and a number of upcoming international sporting events.

As part of the agreement, Ooredoo is a National Sponsor of QOC. In addition, Ooredoo is supporting Bayt Qatar, the QOC’s Olympic hospitality house in Rio de Janeiro that will share Qatar’s culture, heritage and passion for sport with the Olympics’ international audience. The rousing #YallaQatar campaign was launched by the Qatar Olympics Committee and is being supported by Ooredoo as part of its wider partnership agreement. Ooredoo will promote athleticism and sporting events to its customers, as part of its efforts to inspire the next wave of Qatari sporting talent.

To ensure competitors can keep in touch with loved ones, Ooredoo will be giving all members of Team Qatar an Ooredoo Passport card, which includes 100 roaming minutes for all incoming and outgoing calls, and 1GB of roaming mobile data. To make the most of the international crowds, and help position Qatar as a leading sporting destination, Ooredoo will have a dedicated stand in Bayt Qatar showing its progress on “smart stadium” and smart solutions for major sporting events. Team Qatar will be competing across ten sports in the Rio Summer Olympics from 5-21 August 2016.

Athletes contending include high jumper Mutaz Barshim, female swimmer Nada Arkji, and Bronze Olympic shooting medallist and Ooredoo ambassador, Nasser Al-Attiyah. Qatar’s equestrian and handball team will also fly the flag at the global sporting event. Ooredoo’s partnership with Qatar Olympic Committee will also include all Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) events, FINA/Airweave Swimming World Cup events, and support for the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup Series, which will next be held in 2017.

As part of the company’s ongoing investment in entertainment for Qatar, Ooredoo today announced that the award-winning Ooredoo tv service has introduced four new apps to its app store.

Thanks to the new additions to the service, users can now listen to their favourite Holy Quran recitals on their TV using the Holy Quran App, check out the latest recipes and food info with Foody.TV, and catch-up with the latest news and documentaries with the Al Jazeera and France 24 apps. To ensure that fresh content is available for all of its wide customer base, the company has also invited businesses and developers to come-up with new content for the service, and aims to invest in a host of next-generation solutions, in a number of languages, in the near future.

Fatima Sultan Al Kuwari, Director Community & Public Relations, Ooredoo, commented: “We believe home entertainment should be so much more than just ‘what’s on TV’, which is why we have developed an app section to allow our users to enjoy the latest games, news and social media whilst relaxing at home. We’ve opened up our platform to Qatar’s talented developers and businesses, as we believe it’s a great way for us to collaborate with young and established digital companies, and we look forward to creating truly unique content with them.”

The four new additions to the app tab have been added as a part of Ooredoo’s ongoing commitment to ensure Ooredootv is the best entertainment service in the region for its customers. Ooredootv offers users a crystal-clear 4K service, which works with multiple devices and combines apps, on-demand and live television in one easy-to-use box. With 26 apps already available for users on its app store, Ooredootv is fast becoming one of the most interactive services in the country. “Our app store will soon become an innovation platform for Qatar, converging TV and Internet into one smart-living service. Long gone are the days of traditional satellite. People in Qatar want to be in control of their technology, as well as have access to diverse content, which is why we are adding more and more applications.” Added Fatima Sultan Al Kuwari.

Mozaic TV and Ooredoo Broadband customers can access Ooredootv today by using the “Collect & Go” service at any Ooredoo Shop to collect their new Ooredootv box. Installation is simple, and can be done instantly by customers in their own homes. Ooredootv is available now via Ooredoo Shops, Starlink, TechnoBlue and Jumbo outlets. The service has no upfront charges, no equipment costs and no ongoing contracts.

Visit ooredoo.qa/portal/OoredooQatar/ooredoo-tv_2 for more. 

Ooredoo has today launched Ooredoo Conferencing, an advanced solution that provides a complete set of communication and collaboration tools for SME and Enterprise businesses. As part of its strategy to become the leading ICT provider in Qatar and the region, Ooredoo continues to grow its portfolio of solutions for businesses, providing a “one-stop-shop” for companies looking for advanced communication services.

Ooredoo Conferencing, which is powered by Cisco WebEx, is the first conferencing solution in Qatar to provide an all-inclusive set of collaboration and communication tools that can be accessed anywhere through any device. Globally, the Cisco WebEx Conference service hosts more than 3 billion meeting minutes per month. In Qatar, the service is being made available in specially-designed versions for small and medium businesses and for large enterprises.

YousufAbdulla Al Kubaisi, Chief Operating Officer, Ooredoo Qatar, said: “Collaboration services are among the most in-demand services for businesses today, as companies look to reduce travel time and costs, and bring their experts together to solve key problems. Ooredoo Conferencing will enable companies in Qatar to collaborate without boundaries with employees, suppliers and partners around the world.” Ooredoo Conferencing provides a range of collaboration services in one package, including world-class video conferencing, integrated desktop sharing, document sharing, recording and playback facilities. The solutions can be provided over the Cloud or through infrastructure located on the company’s premises, delivering total security and control over the conferences.

Mohammad Hammoudi, General Manager of Cisco Qatar, commented: “Today’s global businesses require faster, more efficient ways to communicate and collaborate with their distributed workforce, worldwide customers, and remote offices. New pressures on organisations, heightened by a challenging global economic environment, are making collaboration more important than ever, Cisco WebEx unlocks infinite opportunities for organisations and businesses through technology that has the power to reach people, share information, and keep diverse teams connected, without fail, anytime, anywhere, on any platform, and on any device.”

To enable companies of all sizes to access the power of collaboration, Ooredoo is offering two main service options. The first is the Meeting Center service, which enables companies to create an online meeting for conferences and share content on any device or system. Monthly billing and a tiered-pricing scheme, based on the number of hosts a company expects or the number of participants they estimate will take part in concurrent conferencing sessions, provides additional flexibility and makes it very cost effective

Ooredoo is also launching an Enterprise Edition, for Qatar’s leading and largest companies, providing a portfolio of conferencing services including Meeting Center; Training Center (to deliver interactive e-learning); Event Center (to host events and webinars); and Support Center (to deliver fast and personalised customer service & support). 

Ooredoo has today announced the launch of two new low-priced data recharges, as the company continues to ensure the Internet is accessible for all its customers.

Due to high-demand, and the popularity of the data recharge range, Ooredoo has launched the QR 10 (100MB) and QR 30 (500MB) denominations, which will enable customers to get a quick data boost wherever they are, at an affordable price.

With the launch, Ooredoo now offers the lowest cost data top-ups in Qatar, designed especially for people wanting only a small data boost, or on a tight budget. Data purchased with the new 100MB data recharge will be valid for seven days from activation, 500MB data recharge will be valid for 15 days. Customers can simply purchase an Ooredoo Data Scratch Card at Ooredoo Shops and authorised dealers across the country, to enjoy a data boost.

Ooredoo offers a full family of data recharge options, including 250MB of data for just QR 20, 1GB of data for only QR 60, 3GB of data for QR 80, 6GB for QR 100 and 15GB for QR 200. Ooredoo data recharge options have become one of the most popular Ooredoo services due to their ease of use and the benefits provided. With no renewal or subscription fees, mobile top-ups from QR 60 onwards are valid for 30 days once activated, and customers can use more than one recharge method during the 30-day validity period.

Ooredoo customers using the Internet benefit from Ooredoo’sSupernet network, which has seen significant upgrades in 2016.

The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has observed an increase in inquiries and complaints about issues related to the use of data roaming services. CRA would like to create awareness among consumers in Qatar to better understand their rights and obligations when using communications services during their overseas travel.

If you are traveling to any of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, you can benefit from a new regulation on reduced roaming charges within GCC. The regulation, effective since April 1, 2016, is a result of coordination efforts between GCC telecommunication agencies and providers for reduced roaming rates for voice calls, outgoing SMS & data services within the member states. These reduced roaming rates are reflected in the packages offered by the two service providers in Qatar. However, all consumers of communications services, should stay informed of the following guidelines related to roaming services and manage their roaming charges more efficiently.

Availability of Roaming Packages: Both Ooredoo and Vodafone have special packages and products related to use of roaming services outside Qatar. As an informed consumer, ensure to check with your service provider about such products and packages and understand all related terms and conditions. Carefully select the most appropriate plan according to your requirements.

Monitor Your Data Usage: Be aware of your roaming package, and continually monitor your balance to avoid roaming bill shocks. Your service provider is obliged to provide you notifications before your package ends or is consumed. Take advantage of such alerts and manage your roaming costs responsibility.

Understand Activation / Termination Process Beforehand: It’s ideal to understand all processes related to activation before you travel to avoid any additional charges. Ensure to call your service provider beforehand or visit their website to read available information. Note down any contact number or customer service number that you need to activate your package. Where possible, activate the package before you travel so that you don’t incur any unnecessary roaming charges at your destination.

Ensure Using the Correct Network: Many complaints received by CRA are a result of the use of wrong network in the destination country. Please be aware of the correct networks that your service provider has partnered with in your visiting country. Ideally, turn your network selection to manual mode in settings of your mobile device to ensure that the strong non-partnering network doesn’t get selected automatically.

Use of Data Roaming: Turn off data roaming when traveling to avoid charges when accessing apps, web, email, or using iMessages, MMS and other data services. Switching off data roaming should not affect making voice calls or sending SMS.

Using Mobile Services Offered by Airlines: Several airlines offer online connectivity and Wi-Fi networks. If you plan to use such services, ensure you understand the terms and condition, and any associated price plans beforehand.

No Plans to Use Roaming Data? If you are not planning to use roaming data while traveling switch off data roaming on your device. If you are not sure how to turn off roaming services, contact your service provider for assistance.

Options to Stay Connected: If you want to stay connected without using international data roaming, you could use free Wi-Fi networks available in hotels, public areas or restaurants abroad, after switching data roaming off. You may also use local pre-paid SIM cards at your destination. If using these alternatives, please ensure you are aware of related terms and conditions and keep your personal data safe.

Ooredoo has today announced that its Ooredoo tv and Mozaic TV services will provide full coverage of the 2016 Rio Olympics starting this week, delighting sports fans across Qatar. 

The 2016 Rio Olympic Games will run from 5 August in Rio de Janeiro, and the opening ceremony will be carried on Abu Dhabi Sports 1, 3 and 4HD beginning at 1.45am on Saturday, 6 August.Customers interested in watching the full coverage can enjoy incredible value with Ooredoo tv and Mozaic TV, by ordering the Abu Dhabi sports package for just QR 39 per month.

The action packed subscription covers the latest sporting events via the channels Abu Dhabi Sports 1, 2, 3 HD, 4 HD, 5 HD, and 6 HD, as well as news and entertainment from Al Arabiya HD, Abu Dhabi Al Emarat, Abu Dhabi Drama and Abu Dhabi TV. To ensure that everyone can enjoy the spirit of Team Qatar in Rio, selected coverage will also be available on Ooredoo tv and Mozaic TV’s essential packages, including the opening ceremony via Abu Dhabi Sports 1, and several events broadcast on Al Kass, MBC Pro and Dubai TV. 

Due to the time difference between Rio and Qatar, Ooredoo is encouraging all Olympic supporters to utilise the Ooredoo tv catch-up service, which enables users to watch programmes broadcast up-to 48 hours before, as well as to pause, rewind and record live TV from their remote control and smartphone with Ooredoo tv and Mozaic TV. With the unique ‘time shifting’ function, subscribers can also watch their favourite Olympic competitors at any time, at home or on-the-go. 

The Ooredoo tv App also allows customers to watch Abe Dhabi Sports 1, 2 and Al Kass 1, and 2 on their device. The Rio 2016 Olympics will feature 42 sports, and 306 events over the course of 19 days. Altogether, 136 medals for women, 161 for men and nine mixed medals will be up for grabs. Ooredoo is the official ‘National Partner’ of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) in 2016 and will support the committee’s work in Rio, as well as at a number of upcoming international sporting events. Ooredoo tv is available now via Ooredoo Shops, Starlink, TechnoBlue and Jumbo outlets. The service has no upfront charges, no equipment costs and no ongoing contracts.

Visit ooredoo.qa/portal/OoredooQatar/ooredoo-tv_2 for more.

Ooredoo will demonstrate the power and potential of a wide range of next-generation smart ICT solutions at the 2016 Olympic Games, which began in Rio de Janeiro this Friday. The company, which is a National Sponsor of the Qatar Olympic Committee, is hosting a solutions booth inside Bayt Qatar, the QOC’s Olympic hospitality house that will share Qatar’s culture, heritage and sporting passion with visitors to the 2016 Games.

At the booth, visitors will be able to preview the incredible next-generation immersive media that Qatar will provide at future sporting events, as well as enjoying videos and presentations about the nation’s world-class sporting and technology infrastructure. In addition, visitors will be introduced to Ooredoo’s drive to build the Smart Cities of the future, supported by world-class Smart Data Centres and ICT systems integration capabilities. Ooredoo representatives will look to build relationships with key stakeholders from around the world during the exhibition, emphasising its position as a leading integrated ICT provider.

Waleed Al-Sayed, Chief Executive Officer, Ooredoo Qatar, said: “We’re very proud to be working with the Qatar Olympic Committee to demonstrate Qatar’s credentials as an advanced destination for global sports events. Ooredoo’s services, systems and solutions are set to deliver a next-generation customer experience for fans and visitors, and the Rio Olympics 2016 provides an ideal platform for us to promote our expertise.”

Ooredoo is set to deploy the Ooredoo Supernet to support immersive media at a range of sporting events in the future. Fans will be able to use their mobile devices to watch live replays from multiple angles, check the latest stats and enjoy a fully-interactive experience – wherever they are in the stadium or even when they are outside or at home. Ooredoo is also developing services that offer a unique fan experience via mobile, with online visas, instant information and ticketing, that will support visitors when they arrive at the airport, travel to the stadium and make their way home.

Alongside next-generation customer services, Ooredoo aims to make Qatar the most secure sports event destination ever, deploying a cyber-security framework that addresses critical infrastructure threats and ensures an incident-free experience. Ooredoo has already demonstrated its experience and expertise in connecting world-class ICT infrastructure on major national projects including Lusail City, Hamad International Airport, Katara, Souq Waqif and more. This sponsorship of Qatar Olympic Committee in Rio is part of the company’s ongoing initiative to support sport and technological innovation in Qatar. 

Ooredoo has today added Seib Insurance and Reinsurance Company LLC (Seib) as the newest partner to its multi award-winning Nojoom Rewards Programme.

Nojoom members can now earn and redeem points with Seib Insurance, one of the leading national providers of high-quality insurance products and services in Qatar, and authorised by the Qatar Financial Center Regulatory Authority. Seib products are tailored to meet the specific and ever-changing risk exposures facing customers, and enable them to transfer their risk with peace of mind. With the new partnership, all members will earn 1 Nojoom Point for every QR 1.5 spent on a range of insurance services provided by Seib, including: motor, home, luxury items, personal accidents, travel, local and international medical insurance.

Members can visit Seib Insurance and Reinsurance Company LLC at the Sheikh Jabor Bin Yousef Bin Jassem Al Thani Building on Airport Road, to take advantage of the partnership from today. Fatima Sultan Al Kuwari, Director Community & Public Relations, Ooredoo, said: “Nojoom was designed to give back to our customers for using Ooredoo. We believe that sometimes the simplest action deserve a reward, and whether it’s topping-up your phone or insuring your next holiday, you can now enjoy a host of benefits across Qatar and the world, with peace of mind thanks to Nojoom.”

Mr. Rakesh Nayar, Chief Commercial Officer of Seib Insurance and Reinsurance Company LLC, said: “We are excited to be partnering with Ooredoo on its Nojoom Rewards Programme, which is a reflection of Ooredoo’s trust in Seib’s value in customers’ lives, and is fully aligned with our strategy to build sound business partnerships designed to endure and thrive. Through our partnership, our clients can not only have peace of mind as we lift the risk off of their shoulders by meeting their insurance objectives, but will also enjoy additional Nojoom points that they can redeem for a plethora of products and services as a reward.”

For more information on Nojoom partners and how to enrol into Nojoom, customers can visit the Nojoom page of the Ooredoo website at www.ooredoo.qa/nojoom, download the Ooredoo app or stop by any Ooredoo Shop.

Ooredoo has today encouraged customers to visit its Ooredoo Extra website, as the company has released a host of new services on the dedicated site since its launch.

Ooredoo Extra was designed to give customers a one-stop-shop for all of the company’s entertainment, add-ons, and news-based services, and since its launch has grown to provide services and features in a host of categories including Music, Games, News, Sports, Health & Education, Islamic and more.

Popular content on Ooredoo Extra includes the Ooredoo Gaming portal which enables Qatar’s smartphone users to play games on-the-go, and offers subscribers the ability to download and play unlimited games on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. As well as the SmartWomanTM App, designed to support and develop women with its content in the country, and provides educational content, social networking and social impact information for female Ooredoo customers only. 

The Ooredoo Extra site also includes a dedicated MyTones page that allows users to customise their calling experience. Thanks to the MyTones section customers can preview, buy, and gift a tone through the website. The Ooredoo Extra feature was developed to bring more ease and convenience to customers by managing their own services without having to go to an Ooredoo Shop or calling a customer service agent. Demand for premium services has risen strongly in 2016, particularly as more customers enjoy the speed and reliability of Ooredoo’s 4G and 4G+ services, made available on its Supernet.

Ooredoo Extra is available now for free at http://extra.ooredoo.qa, or can be accessed through Ooredoo’s main website under ‘4G+ Mobile’​er ‘4G+ Mobile’.

Ooredoo has today announced the launch of a new sports package – OSN Sports Extra - for Ooredoo tv and Mozaic TV subscribers. Ooredoo already offers a jam-packed OSN package full of entertainment, and the latest OSN Sports Extra bundle has been designed to allow users to watch the latest matches and sports content.

The new package from OSN will offer exclusive access to some of the most popular sports in the region, including Supercopa de España, Arabian Gulf League matches, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Major League Soccer, NFL, NHL, international rugby competitions, cricket tournaments including the Pakistani league and World Cup, golf tournaments, tennis events, WWE live events and matches, and more. Ooredoo has added OSN Sports Extra to its growing list of sports offerings, as the company continues to invest in a wide range of content for Qatar’s diverse population. OSN Sports Extra is available now and costs just QR 105 per month.

So that users never miss a moment, events which are broadcast during the same time slot on OSN Sports Extra channels can be recorded, using Ooredootv’s set-top box.  Ooredootv also offers a multi-screen service so customers can use their OoredooWi-Fi to enjoy the best drama, comedy, documentaries and hit shows on their smartphones and tablets, whilst other users enjoy all the football action. Ooredootv is available now via Ooredoo Shops, Starlink, TechnoBlue and Jumbo outlets. The service has no upfront charges, no equipment costs and no ongoing contracts.

Visit ooredoo.qa/portal/OoredooQatar/ooredoo-tv_2 for more.

The Ooredoo delegation in Rio, which is being led by the company’s Chief Executive Officer Waleed Al Sayed, continues to support Team Qatar at the Rio Olympics. Ooredoo is a National Sponsor of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and sent a delegation to the competition as part of its wider programme to support the Committee’s national and international objectives.

During the first days of the event, Ooredoo’s Chief Executive Officer escorted His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, President of QOC, around the Ooredoo booth. In addition, Ooredoo received Dr. Thani Al Kuwari, Secretary General of QOC and several VIP guests, including Lord Sebastian Coe, President of the International Association of Athletics Federations. Ooredoo is using its presence at the Rio Olympic Games 2016 to showcase smart solutions that will position Qatar as one of the world’s leading sporting hubs. As well as previewing smart stadium solutions, that will provide mobile ticketing and immersive media services, the company is also showing presentations on new technology to manage traffic and visitor flows during major events.

Ooredoo will also sponsor the much-anticipated ‘Legendary Match’, a friendly football match between respected retired and celebrity players, during the Rio Olympics 2016. The ‘Ooredoo Legendary Match’ will take place on Wednesday 10 August at 10.00PM Qatar time and players will include a number of famous footballers. Ooredoo will be streaming live updates from the match via its social media channels.

Talking about the match, Waleed Al Sayed, said: “We are pleased to use this opportunity to promote Ooredoo as a partner for major sporting events, and hope to inspire our youth to take part in sports. Seeing these legends play will help cement sportsmanship and the opportunity for future success in their minds, and demonstrate that Qatar is a supporter of sport at home and abroad.” In the first days of the Olympics, the Ooredoo team has attended the opening ceremony of the Olympics and hosted the Team Qatar athletes, including Ooredoo’s ambassador Nasser Al-Attiyah at its booth in Bayt Qatar.

As part of Ooredoo’s National Sponsorship of QOC, the Ooredoo team are showing their support to Bayt Qatar, by welcoming guests at the Ooredoo booth seven days a week,from the afternoon until midnight. The booth, which was developed by the Ooredoo Sponsorship team, has drawn high praise from visiting dignitaries and sports media. Team Qatar will be competing across ten sports in the Rio Summer Olympics until 21 August 2016. Ooredoo’s team will be covering the event through the company’s Snapchat and social media accounts, and customers can follow the action on a range of channels on Ooredoo tv and Mozaic TV.