The first Qatari factory to manufacture smartphones and other consumer electronic products is close to launch, Qatari businessman Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad al-Thani said on Friday.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Qatar-Germany Business and Investment Forum in Berlin, Sheikh Mohamed said the factory will manufacture laptops and tablets as well using the latest robotics technologies.
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and German Chancellor Angela Merkel inaugurated the forum in the German capital on Friday.
The businessman praised the Qatar government's strong support for the project, and said the technology the unit will use to manufacture the products was developed in Qatar. He said the intention to venture into the Information Technology sector was that it is one of the main sectors that will lead the transformation of Qatar's economy into a knowledge-based one, which is the aim of Qatar National Vision 2030.
Talking about his inspiration to enter into the IT industry, he said the educational initiatives, including Educate A Child, launched by Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, formed an important factor in his decision. Educate A Child provides education to 10mn children, all of whom need access to technology to pursue their studies.
He said the aim of the project is to democratise technology and make it accessible to people at all price points by lowering costs. He said 30% of the profits of the venture will be dedicated to research and development, adding that the company will establish a centre that will attract the most promising young researchers. He said the company had carried out two-year studies on providing low-cost access to the internet that does not need satellites, but relies on airplanes. He said the technology already existed, but the company made a few improvements and adjustments to enhance its efficiency.
Sheikh Mohamed said the Qatari company has signed an agreement with a German logistics company, as well as an agreement with German pharma company Alpha Biocare. He said Oryx Communications has exposure to the pharma field and has signed a partnership deal with the German company.
The Qatari company financed an Alpha Biocare factory, in addition to financing some of the company's research. The Qatari company will now be the only seller of Alpha Biocare products all over the world except Europe.
