Vodafone Qatar unveiled Wednesday some of the most disruptive and transformational technologies that Qatar has ever seen by making the region’s first 5G holographic call.
The groundbreaking demonstration was part of Vodafone Qatar’s third edition of Innovation Day, held in the presence of HE the Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti and other senior officials, as well as a large number of leading organisations and entities from Qatar's private and public sector.
The highlight of Innovation Day 2109 was the region’s first live holographic call using 5G technology, marking yet another major communications technology milestone for Qatar and further strengthening Vodafone’s credentials as one of the country’s most innovative companies.


HE the Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti and other dignitaries tour the exhibition hall of Innovation Day 2019.

Abdulkarim Hassan, defender on the Qatar National Team and AFC 2019 Asian Cup winner, appeared as a live 3D hologram on stage in front of the audience.
During the call, which was made at the Marsa Malaz Kempinski Hotel, Hassan gave footballing advice and tips to two members of Qatar’s future generation athletes training at Aspire Academy - both who were present at the event.
The exchange demonstrated the possibilities that 5G technology can bring, highlighting how ultrafast speed and low latency can enable a diverse range of applications. 


Vodafone Qatar CEO Sheikh Hamad Abdulla Jassim al-Thani speaking at the event


The Innovation Day was hosted by technology presenter and computer scientist, Spencer Kelly


For sports specifically, Vodafone said the possibilities include remote coaching and training, as well as the opportunity to give sports fans stadium experiences from virtually anywhere.
Now in its third year, Vodafone Qatar said its Innovation Day "has gone from strength to strength, reflecting the company’s continuous commitment to pioneering digital innovation and has become a much-anticipated date in the country’s corporate events calendar."
In one of the largest technology showcases of its kind, customers and partners were presented with a wide range of services, solutions, and products ranging from smart manufacturing, smart environment, smart agriculture, connected marine boats, cloud and hosting, and virtual landline numbers.
The annual Innovation Day, hosted by technology presenter and computer scientist, Spencer Kelly, also highlighted Vodafone’s extensive network of international technology experts, including Marc Randolph who delivered this year’s keynote address.
Randolph is a veteran Silicon Valley entrepreneur, adviser, investor, and co-founder of the online movie and television streaming service Netflix.
Vodafone Qatar CEO Sheikh Hamad Abdulla Jassim al-Thani said: “Our Innovation Day is about connecting today’s ideas with tomorrow’s technology. Over the past three years it has become a platform for businesses of all sizes to explore how technology can unlock a world of possibilities and accelerate their journey to growth. As a digital first company, innovation runs through our DNA. 
"This explains our drive to help build Qatar’s digital future, one that will transform how we live and work. We are committed to play our part to move Qatar towards being one of the most connected countries in the world – in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030.”
According to Vodafone Qatar, the 5G holographic call also marks the latest in a long line of firsts that Vodafone has celebrated during the last 10 years of operations. 
This includes being the first provider to commercially connect customers to its live 5G network, bringing to market advanced technologies, such as eSim and changing the rules of mobile through exciting new innovations and plans that cater to customers’ lifestyles. 
Such developments highlight Vodafone’s continued progress in building a complete digital ecosystem in the country, the company said.