Qtel wins 'Corporate Social Responsibility' recognition at CEO Middle East Awards 2009

The award was presented to Qtel in recognition for its ongoing efforts to support CSR activity in its home market of Qatar, and for its success in extending its CSR strategy into regional and international markets, as the company has expanded its presence across 17 countries.

Qtel was named as the winner of the award against competition from a number of leading companies, including several leading groups within the telecommunications sector.

Dr. Nasser Marafih, CEO of Qtel, said:

"Qtel has long recognised that, as a company, we have an important responsibility to all the communities that we serve, and we have worked hard to ensure that CSR is built into every aspect of our strategy and activities. We are proud to receive this award and we remain committed to support activities that improve the lives of people everywhere."

"I would like to thank the organisers of this award for acknowledging our efforts, and for recognising the importance of CSR as a key strategic element for successful businesses in the region," he added.

Since the beginning of his career with Qtel in 1992, as expert advisor from the University of Qatar, Dr. Nasser has helped ensure that CSR is at the heart of the company's strategy. As well as being instrumental in the introduction of the first GSM service in the Middle East in 1994 and the introduction of Internet services to Qatar in 1996, he has ensured that the company continues to invest in services and sponsorships that make a direct social contribution.

The Corporate Social Responsibility Award was collected by Adel Al Mutawa, Executive Director, Group Communications, Qtel on behalf of Dr. Nasser.

Qtel has organised its ongoing CSR strategy into five key pillars, under the core message "For Qatar, Hand in Hand," which looks to prioritize its support for Education; Healthcare; Environmental Issues; Sport; and Social Welfare initiatives.

Qtel's CSR approach has been so effective in Qatar that the Qtel Group is increasingly exporting this approach across its international operations in the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

In healthcare, Qtel has supported the construction of the full-fledged dialysis facility at the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC). The "Fahad Bin Jassim Kidney Centre" will provide accommodate 80 beds in total, including 20 private rooms.

For education, Qtel is a major support of original research within Qatar, enabling the creation of a wireless communication research laboratory in Education City in partnership with local universities, and supporting a range of school events and educational projects. Qtel has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Qatar University Wireless Innovations Centre (QUWIC) to carry out joint applied research and technology development in the key areas of wireless systems, services, and applications.

With regards to environmental issues, Qtel supports the National Program for Raising Awareness and Safe Disposal of Electronic Waste (NPRASDEW), which aims to provide a clean and safe environment in Qatar by targeting the proper disposal of electronic waste. It is also spearheading a paper-saving initiative across its operations.

In sport, Qtel is one of Qatar's most active supporters of local, regional and international sport. Qtel has provided direct support for the Qatar Race Club, Qatar Sports Federation for Special Needs, Al Murqab Sailing Team, Sony Ericsson Championship and the Qatar Stars League.

For social welfare, a number of organizations, including the Qatar Diabetic Association, Qatar National Cancer Society, Qatar Society for Rehabilitation of Special Needs, the Qatar Orphan Foundation and the Qatar Red Crescent have all received funds generated by Qtel's charity auctions of Easy-to-Remember Mobile (ERM) numbers.

During Ramadan, Qtel organised a series of hospital visits, so that people could visit the sick and needy, and bring them good wishes for a speedy recovery. The company also organised and participated in a wide range of charity and community activities to mark the Holy Month.

On a daily basis, Qtel-sponsored volunteers positioned at strategic locations across Qatar, distributing Iftar snacks of water and dates as people break their fast. It also ran an innovative social awareness campaign, encouraging people to use communication with respect during the Holy Month, called "Let's Connect with Kind Words."