Nokia Middle East and Africa launches Ramadan applications for mobile users worldwide

Building on last year's offering, the new solutions are free and come preloaded in select Nokia devices or as downloadable applications for a range of Nokia devices. The online applications can be accessed and downloaded on the compatible Nokia devices from anywhere in the world, on www.nokia.com/ramadan.

"The overwhelming response and feedback that we received from last year's offering allowed us to improve and expand this year's application, making it a complete solution that gives Nokia users a single and easy access to many of the cherished experiences that Muslims like to be close to during the Holy Month,"

said Chris Braam, Vice President, Sales, Nokia Middle East and North Africa.

The 2008 Ramadan offering from Nokia includes the Holy Quran, which allows users to read, search, bookmark and listen to Quran recitation. Other elements include Emsakya, Ramadaniat and Mozzaker. Developed by ASGATech, the only Forum Nokia Premium Partner in the Middle East, all content of the Ramadan applications has been reviewed and approved by Al Azhar Al Shareef.

Building on Nokia's existing Maps platform, the new mobile services also feature locations of major mosques in KSA, UAE, Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, and Pakistan, which can be navigated to using the Nokia Maps service.

"As the number one mobile device company in the world, we are now expanding into offering services and software that empower and enable Nokia device owners to fully realize the benefits of mobility, and the Ramadan applications come as part of this strategy. In 2007, 14% of Nokia's global net sales came from the Middle East and Africa, so this is a region that is greatly important to us and we have committed to ensuring that we are tailoring solutions that meet the local needs," added Braam.