*With less than 1,000 days to go for the FIFA World Cup, Ooredoo Group is well placed to achieve its ambitious digital strategy, especially smart stadium solutions and services

With less than 1,000 days to go for the FIFA World Cup, Ooredoo Group is well placed to achieve its ambitious digital strategy, especially smart stadium solutions and services, as part of efforts to sustain its market leadership and generate long-term shareholder value.

Moreover, this year, its domestic business intends to develop new digital channels as well as new remuneration models for its sales and distribution channels, the board informed the shareholders at the general assembly, which approved the 2019 financial results and the 25% cash dividend.

"The significance of data revenue now representing 50% of group revenue is a clear indication that our strategy of digitalisation continues to be appropriate and effective. Our progress has enabled us to consolidate our position within the global telecommunications market, and we look forward to continuing this progress in 2020,” said Ooredoo Group chairman HE Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohamed bin Saud al-Thani.

On its digital strategy for 2020 and beyond, Ooredoo Group chief executive officer Sheikh Saud bin Nasser al-Thani said the investments in the superior network quality across its footprint, supported by a clear a digital strategy, provides it with the technological leadership to thrive and grow.

“An area that is particularly close to my heart, where we believe Ooredoo has the potential to excel, is in the provision of smart stadium solutions and services,” he said.

Already in 2019, Ooredoo provided the network foundation for one of the largest sporting events ever held in the region, the IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019.

“This experience provides us with a positive springboard to contribute to major events across our markets in the coming years,” according to him.

Ooredoo Qatar showcased its 5G capabilities during the Amir Cup football tournament, demonstrating a futuristic remote connected ambulance and an immersive sports display of some of the matches at the Mall of Qatar.

Regarding Ooredoo Qatar, for 2020 and beyond, it intends to capitalise on its leadership position as a pioneer of digitalisation and 5G, and to leverage its experience, expertise and partnership in order to continue growth, development and expansion.

“Plans for 2020 include improvement of the customer experience by developing new digital channels and distribution to enhance the customer journey,” its board said, adding sales and distribution would be value-oriented with new remuneration models.

Ooredoo Qatar is planning to increase the number of convergent customers and introduce value upgrading initiatives as well as offering a better TV experience with a new channel mix.

In Kuwait, Ooredoo said the proliferation of 5G-enabled smartphones and early stage adoption is expected to drive up demand as customers seek increasingly converged product portfolios. Growth is also expected in the B2B segment, as businesses are witnessing increased focus on digital.



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