Qtel shares excitement of Gulf Cup 2009 with fans

Working with Nawras and Wataniya Telecom, which are part of the Qtel Group, the telecommunications leader is providing a full range of Gulf Cup services, including special support for fans from Qatar, Kuwait and Oman - three of the four nations that have reached the semi-finals.

Fans are being offered a wide selection of SMS updates, interactive games and promotions tailored to enable them to support their national team. In addition, Qtel is distributing thousands of flags and whistles to travelling fans to enable them to cheer on their team, as well as offering special promotions that will enable lucky fans to travel to the final.

Adel Al Mutawa, Executive Director, Group Communications, Qtel, said:

"This is the first sporting event that the Qtel Group has provided integrated sponsorship and communications support for, and the results so far have been extremely positive. With their in-depth knowledge of their local markets, Qtel, Nawras and Wataniya Telecom have been able to deliver a wide range of services designed specifically with the needs of sports enthusiasts in mind."

"Equally, the integrated technology network provided by Qtel has enabled the highest possible level of interconnected telecommunication in support of some very advanced applications, which have really added to the overall experience for fans who have not been able to travel to the game," he added.

For Qatar-based sports fans, Qtel is providing a range of SMS and MMS services, which provide up-to-the-minute match reports, goal news and even video footage from the match sent straight to customers' mobile phones.

Qtel has also arranged for thousands of special "Fan Packs" to be distributed at Doha International Airport for fans taking flights to watch the matches. The packs include flags, whistles and a number of special gifts to commemorate the 2009 Gulf Cup.

In Oman, Nawras is delivering a wide selection of special services, including an exciting Bawabaty mobile portal, bringing live updates of all the action from the Cup and also exclusive, live mobile TV coverage of games from Al Jazeera during the Gulf Cup.

Nawras has also established special Fan Zones at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, Sur and Sohar in Oman, where fans can watch the games and get more information about the action on the pitch. The Main Nawras Fan Zone is also hosting football freestyle artists from around the world to entertain the crowds.

Wataniya Telecom is also offering a range of special services to keep Kuwait-based football fans up-to-date with the latest developments, as well as ensuring travelling enthusiasts stay connected. The company has distributed 1,000 special shirts to the fans of the Kuwait Football Team and has even covered transport costs for some.

All three nations have seen their team progress to the semi-finals, following intense matches in the eight nation tournament.

Founded in 1968, the Gulf Cup has become a major sporting event of whole region, drawing large groups of supporters from different GCC countries to support the progress of their national teams throughout the two-week event.

Qtel has a distinguished history of supporting sporting events within Qatar, and, as the company has grown internationally, it has extended its support to a range of regional and international events. The company is the sponsor for the next AFC Asian Cup tournament and the Asian Champions League.

The 19th Gulf Cup runs until 17 January 2009.