ictQATAR releases inaugural annual report

Only five employees worked at ictQATAR when it opened its doors in 2005. Today, there are more than 180 people onboard that have helped build ictQATAR from a vision into an innovative force that is improving people's lives and making Qatar a better place to do business.

This comprehensive report takes readers through ictQATAR's journey and showcases how real people are beginning to experience the benefits of technology in their lives and how Qatar is realizing the true promise of e.

Highlights of the report include:

• Telecoms liberalization: ictQATAR directed the opening of Qatar's telecoms market to competition, officially awarding a second mobile license in 2007, and beginning work on the process to award a second fixed license.

• Integrated, online government, Working with Ministries and Councils, ictQATAR introduced Hukoomi, a one-stop-shop for government information and services.

• Cybersecurity: Through its innovative Q-CERT program, ictQATAR is leading the way to ensure security of information and the safety of young and adult internet users.

• E-Learning: Through its e-education program, in collaboration with the Supreme Education Council, ictQATAR has introduced an array of programs to improve learning in the classroom and increase adult e-literacy.

• E-Health - Partnering with the National Health Authority and Hamad Medical Corporation, ictQATAR is leveraging IT innovations to promote clinical excellence and improve medical care for patients.

Among the compelling profiles in the report is Zaher Al Askar, a teacher at the Muhammed Bin Wahab Secondary School for Boys who is using an online teaching tool, Global Gateway, to connect his students to other students around the world. Also profiled is Marah Al-Bustami, a mother currently in university who is using free internet in Qatar's iParks to do her school work while enjoying time with her two year daughter.