Huawei, a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices, has become one of the first technology firms to register with 100% ownership in Qatar.
The company also opened a new office at West Bay in Doha to support its increased activities in the country, it was announced.
“As an enabler of technology and innovation, Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) works with industry leaders and governments across the globe to encourage direct foreign investment in ICT sector,” CRA president Mohamed Ali al-Mannai said.
“Collaboration with stakeholders is a hallmark of CRA’s mandate and we will continue to boost and support development of similar new initiatives in the sector,” he added.
Huawei’s position as one of the first fully-owned technology companies operating in Qatar follows a May 2018 announcement that the country would open to 100% foreign ownership.
The move is intended to accelerate the development in all economic and commercial activities, attract foreign capital inflow, and achieve economic diversification in accordance with Qatar National Vision 2030.
Aimed at driving the development of Qatar’s ICT industry, Huawei’s new office will expand and enhance the company’s activities in sectors with a key role to play in achieving the country’s development goals.
The opening of this third office will help Huawei better serve Qatar’s national ICT and telecommunication needs and reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to the country.
“We are glad that Huawei has chosen to open a new office in Qatar. ICT has a vital role to play in assisting Qatar’s growth into a competitive and diversified economy in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030, and we look forward to increasing our collaboration in the future,” said Yahya bin Saeed al-Naemi, assistant undersecretary for Commerce, Ministry of Economy and Commerce.
“This marks an exciting new period of growth for the company in the country, and we are looking forward to expanding our activities and collaborating with our local partners and customers to further innovate and drive forward the local ICT industry,” Huawei Qatar CEO Frank Fan noted.
He thanked the Qatar government for its continued support, hoping to work together for many years to come.
Also in attendance at the event was Al Jaber Group chairman Mohamed Sultan al-Jaber.
Huawei first established an office in Qatar in 2005, and currently employs 180 workers. In recent years, the company launched a number of major projects in Qatar, including a new high-capacity CCTV storage project with Hamad International Airport, as well as a state-of-the-art IP Network Backbone with Qatar Rail.
As part of its commitment to contribute to local education and knowledge transfer, Huawei also launched the ICT Skills Competition in 2017, a corporate social responsibility project intended to find and develop local ICT talent.
One talented team travelled to China to take part in the international final last year, where it won an Excellence Prize, and the competition is set to repeat for a second round this year.