Qtel is official communications partner for Qatar's Museum of Islamic Art

Qtel will be the Exclusive Dedicated Communications Platinum Partner and will initiate a range of campaigns designed to encourage visitors and educate the wider public about the Museum's cultural resources, it was announced today.

In addition, Qtel will have the opportunity to build special cultural tours of the facility for its employees and for special guests, as part of a programme to ensure the widest number of people benefit from access to this unique institution.

Sheikh Saud bin Nasser Al Thani, Executive Director of the General Service Unit in Qtel, said: "The Museum of Islamic Art will be a vital cultural resource for the people of Qatar and for the world. It will provide a window into the rich history of Islamic art and offer an important educational platform for future generations from all nations."

"Qtel is very proud to be playing a role in this important moment of cultural development, and we will deploy all our resources to maximize its impact for Qatar and the world," he added.

The company, which has provided much of the highly-advanced communications infrastructure used by the Museum of Islamic Art, sees a significant opportunity in using SMS and Mozaic Mobile technology to keep the community informed about the range of artwork on display and exciting range of exhibitions set to come to Qatar.

QMA Chief Executive Officer Abdullah al-Najjar commented on the new agreement: "The Museum is designed to be both a community resource and a cultural hub for an international audience. In choosing our Communications Partner, we wanted to find a company capable of connecting with both constituencies and Qtel, with its firm roots here in Qatar and broad global vision and reach, was the ideal company to work with."

Working with the Qatar Museums Authority, Qtel has developed one of the most far-reaching cultural sponsorship programmes ever deployed in Qatar. As well as material and technological support, Qtel also has the option to empower its employees to provide voluntary support for the Museum and its aims. This includes educational and cultural outreach work.

Qtel's sponsorship and support for the Museum of Islamic Art is a core part of its wider corporate social responsibility strategy, which has cultural and educational investment as one of its core pillars.

The Qatar Museum Authority will bring a range of exhibitions to Doha, in partnership with the British Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of New York, the Louvre, the Royal Collection of Morocco, Egypt's Museum of Islamic Art, and the Cartier Collection of France.

Qtel is also in the process of developing a plan to use the Museum as a host venue for the major international events and trade functions that it organizes.

Designed by internationally-recognized pioneer I.M. Pei, the Museum - which is located on an artificial island a short distance off the coast of Doha - is one of the most striking architectural statements in the region and is certain to impress visiting dignitaries. In addition to the gallery, the museum features a temporary gallery, a 200-seat auditorium, a library, a conservation laboratory, and presentation areas.

Photo caption: Sheikh Saud bin Nasser Al Thani, Executive Director of the General Service Unit in Qtel signs the agreement with QMA Chief Executive Officer Abdullah al-Najjar.