Ooredoo launched Monday its Hayya SIM, which will allow FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 fans and visitors to stay connected during the tournament free of charge. From November 1, the Hayya SIM cards will give visitors to Qatar 2,022 local minutes, 2,022 local SMS and 2,022MB data with the line valid for three days.
Visiting fans with a Hayya Card will be able to get a Hayya SIM from one of several dispensing machines that will be available at airports, ports and land borders, as well as in taxis, Metro stations, hotels, official FIFA fan accommodations, fan zones, Ooredoo shops, franchises and dealers, among others. Visitors will also be able to get a Hayya SIM online at the Ooredoo eShop.


Dignitaries at the launch event. Supplied picture


The Hayya SIM will be available in two formats: a physical SIM card and an eSIM. Visitors subscribing to their Hayya SIM at the Ooredoo eShop can have the SIM delivered to any location of their choice in Qatar, while those opting to use an eSIM will receive it via e-mail. Activation of the Hayya SIM will be quick and efficient. eSIMs will be activated as soon as the customer connects to the Ooredoo network, while physical SIM cards can be activated via the Ooredoo app or at the Ooredoo eShop.
At the same time, Ooredoo also announced that all of its prepaid and postpaid customers residing in Qatar will enjoy 2,022 benefits via a deal called the ‘2022 Gift’, which could be activated via the Ooredoo app. Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad bin Nasser al-Thani, chief commercial officer at Ooredoo, said: “We have promised an unrivalled fan experience during the FIFA World Cup and we are delivering on this promise with the biggest offer in history from any telco ever at a major event. Whether you are residing in or visiting Qatar, as an Ooredoo customer, you will encounter first-hand how we prioritise customer experience.”
Sarah al-Dorani, executive director of Marketing at Ooredoo, added: “We are proud as Ooredoo to demonstrate our capabilities as a smart operator and innovative player. As we connect the world to the biggest sporting event, we will also be connecting fans in Qatar to a seamless digital experience with our eSIM and AI technology. “In line with our brand, we continue to ‘Upgrade your World’ by delivering excellence in user journey and offering incredible 2,022 rewards to our existing customer base in Qatar.”
Ooredoo is utilising sophisticated Artificial Intelligence technology as part of its digital onboarding process, both to speed up authentication and ensure security. The AI technology enables quick validation of identification details, while Face Capture with Liveness and 3D Face Map enables comparison of selfies with ID photos for quick and easy identification.
In his speech, Qatar Tourism COO Berthold Trenkel lauded Ooredoo’s efforts, highlighting his appreciation that Qatar’s leading telco is warmly welcoming visitors to Qatar with a seamless connectivity journey from the moment they land.
Speaking to Gulf Timeson the sidelines of the event, Sheikh Nasser said that aside from the eSIMs, Ooredoo is expected to be distributing “around 1.5mn to 2mn” physical Hayya SIMs for the promotion. The eSIMs, he also noted, would make it convenient for fans arriving from European and South American countries, while the physical Hayya SIMs would be for those coming from Asia, the Middle East, and Gulf countries.
Sheikh Nasser also expressed optimism about the reliability and robustness of Ooredoo’s infrastructure, saying that for the past 12 years the telecommunications company has been preparing for the World Cup and working closely with the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) to ensure optimum fan experience and provide 5G services for a seamless journey of visitors during the tournament.
Also attending the launch event were senior representatives of a number of organisations involved in 2022 FIFA World Cup, including Ooredoo CEO Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulla al-Thani and high-level representatives and ambassadors from the SC, as well as Ooredoo brand ambassador Mutaz Barshim and popular regional influencers.
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