Qtel CEO wins "Outstanding Leadership" award

The Qtel executive was named as winner in recognition of both his long history of service to Qatar - having worked with Qtel since its early years - and also for the bold modernization and international expansion the company has undertaken in recent months.

Qtel was also named as a finalist in the "Best Operator" category, in recognition of the company's development and growth.

Commenting on the award, Dr. Nasser said:

"To receive such strong industry recognition for Qtel's ongoing efforts is very gratifying, because it reflects the strength of our achievements in our home market of Qatar and around the world."

"Qtel's success in 2008 has resulted from the prudent support of our Board of Directors and our valued shareholders, as well as the energy and imagination of Qtel's employees. While I am honored to accept the award for Outstanding Leadership, it should be seen as an important recognition of the work of all our stakeholders."

In the judges' report for the award, Qtel was cited for its clear vision for growth, ongoing community contribution and strong record of innovation and customer service.

It was noted that Qtel has effectively transformed itself into a global operator in less than two years - growing from operations in a single country in 2006 to a group with a global footprint of 16 countries and over 57 million customers today.

In particular, the report cited Qtel's pioneering acquisition of a stake in Indosat in Indonesia; its impressive growth in markets like Kuwait, Iraq and Algeria; and its investment and development in the telecommunications foundations of Qatar, one of the world's fastest-growing economies.

Experts at the Telecoms World conference, which has gathered representatives from many leading operators, have stated that Qtel is moving very strongly towards its vision of becoming one of the world's top 20 telecommunications companies by 2020.

The judges also commended Qtel's firm commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility, as well as its pioneering range of research programs, including its support for unique telecoms studies at Carnegie Mellon University, Qatar University, CNAQ and Texas A&M University.

Sitting on the judge panel for the 2008 awards were some of the most respected figures in the telecommunications industry and a number of leading business specialists.

Dr. Nasser started his career at Qtel in 1992 as expert advisor from the University of Qatar.

He was instrumental in the introduction of the first GSM service in the Middle East in 1994, led the introduction of the Internet to Qatar in 1996, and played a key role in the privatization of Qtel in 1998.

He was named CEO of Qtel in 2002.