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 The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) announced the onboarding of Google Cloud as a new member of the Qatar Internet Exchange (QIX), marking a significant milestone in the expansion of Qatar’s national internet infrastructure.  QIX is a government-supported, non-profit initiative that advances the internet ecosystem in the State of Qatar. It serves as a central interconnection hub, linking internet service providers, content providers, educational institutions, and government and enterprise entities, enabling the efficient local exchange of internet traffic.  Google Cloud is a global leader in cloud technology, providing infrastructure, platform capabilities, and AI-driven solutions that help organisations in Qatar and globally transform their digital operations. Through its extensive content delivery infrastructure, it enables secure and efficient access to digital services for users and organisations worldwide.  Through this collaboration, QIX members will benefit from improved local access to Google Cloud services, reduced latency, and enhanced network performance. Localising traffic exchange is expected to deliver faster and more reliable digital services for Service Providers, enterprises, and end users across Qatar.  Commenting on the announcement, Ali al-Suwaidi, Director of Technical Affairs at CRA and Chair of the QIX Steering Committee, stated: “The onboarding of Google Cloud represents an important step in the evolution of the Qatar Internet Exchange. Welcoming a global cloud provider strengthens QIX’s role as critical national internet infrastructure, enhances traffic localization, and improves network performance. This milestone reflects our continued commitment to building a resilient, high-performance internet ecosystem that supports Qatar’s digital transformation objectives.”  Ghassan Kosta, Regional General Manager - Qatar, Oman, Bahrain & Iraq, Google Cloud, said: “Joining the Qatar Internet Exchange marks a significant step in our commitment to enhancing the digital experience for our customers and partners in Qatar. By localizing traffic exchange, we are ensuring faster, more reliable access to Google Cloud’s suite of services and AI technologies. This move not only optimises network performance but also supports the Qatar National Vision 2030 by contributing to a more robust and resilient national digital infrastructure.”  The addition of Google Cloud reinforces QIX’s position as a trusted interconnection platform for global cloud and content providers serving the Qatari market. It is also expected to encourage broader participation from government entities, enterprises, academic institutions, and research networks, contributing to a more interconnected and resilient digital ecosystem.  This milestone aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030 by strengthening national digital infrastructure, enabling innovation, and supporting the development of a knowledge-based economy. Enhanced connectivity and network efficiency will deliver tangible benefits to consumers and businesses, reinforcing Qatar’s position as a leading regional digital hub. 

  The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) hosted a workshop to highlight the key developments and outcomes achieved under the current 2024-2026 cycle of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Competition Framework Review and Update, launched by CRA in October 2024.  The workshop brought together representatives from government entities, licensed telecommunications Service Providers, companies and institutions using ICT services, as well as representatives from the wider ICT and digital transformation ecosystem, including technology providers, small and medium-sized IT enterprises (SMEs), system integrators, digital platforms and industry experts.  During the workshop, CRA presented the updated market definition methodology and the finalised list of Candidate and Relevant Markets applicable to the current Market Definition and Dominance Designation (MDDD) review.  CRA also provided an overview of the updated ex-post Competition Policy and outlined the next steps for completing of the MDDD review, including consultation on dominance designations and proposed regulatory remedies.  Since launching the current review cycle in October 2024, CRA has conducted a comprehensive, evidence-based process, including public consultations and direct engagement with stakeholders. Their contributions have informed the review and supported CRA’s analysis of competitive conditions and market developments.  The review forms part of CRA’s ongoing efforts to develop the sector’s regulatory frameworks in a manner that promotes sustainable competition, provides greater regulatory clarity and transparency for market players, and supports investment and innovation.  The review also strengthens CRA’s ability to protect consumer interests and respond to changing market conditions, supporting greater choice and access to high-quality and reliable ICT services.It aligns with the objectives of the Digital Agenda 2030, the Third National Development Strategy 2024 — 2030, and Qatar National Vision 2030. 

Qatar's Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has opened a public consultation on a proposed 'Universal Service Policy' aimed at expanding access to essential telecommunications services across the country.A CRA statement on Wednesday said the proposed policy seeks to ensure that essential telecommunications services are available at permanent residences and permanent locations of business in Qatar, supporting digital inclusion and enabling consumers to participate fully in the digital society.The consultation gives stakeholders and interested parties an opportunity to submit comments and feedback on the draft policy. The consultation period will close on Oct. 20, 2026.The services covered would include broadband internet data services, as well as basic incoming voice calls and SMS messages, as defined by the policy.The draft sets out the scope of universal service, mechanisms for its provision and obligations for telecommunications service providers. It also establishes service quality requirements and regulatory oversight measures.The policy includes provisions to help eligible consumers access the services while taking into account the affordability needs of low-income users. It also sets minimum speed and service-quality requirements.The CRA said the draft policy forms part of its efforts to develop regulatory frameworks that support an advanced and sustainable telecommunications sector, in line with economic, social and technological developments and the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030. 

The Arab Postal Regulation Forum 2026 kicked off Sunday in Doha under the theme Postal Sector Reform in the Arab Region: Enabling Innovation, Competition and Sustainable Digital Trade.The two-day forum, the first of its kind in the Arab region, is hosted by the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) in co-operation with the Universal Postal Union (UPU) Regional Office for the Arab Region in Doha.The forum provides a platform for dialogue and exchange of regulatory experiences and practices, contributing to enhanced regional co-operation and supporting efforts to develop the postal sector across the Arab region in line with international best practices and UPU standards.**media[494086]**"Qatar is proud to host the first edition of the Arab Postal Regulation Forum, reflecting its commitment to strengthening Arab co-operation and developing frameworks for co-operation among postal regulators and policymakers,” said CRA president Eng. Ahmad bin Abdulla al-Muslemani.“The forum comes at a time when the sector is undergoing significant transformations driven by rapid technological developments and changing market and consumer needs,” he said. “This requires the adoption of more flexible and efficient regulatory frameworks that keep pace with innovation, foster competition, and strengthen trust in postal services.”“We look forward to the forum’s work resulting in the ‘Doha Recommendations’, serving as a shared Arab reference that supports the development of postal regulation, enhances the sector’s readiness to keep pace with rapid technological and economic transformations, and reaffirms our collective commitment to building a more efficient, innovative and sustainable postal sector,” the official said. Sheikha Noor bint Hassan al-Thani, manager of the UPU Regional Office for the Arab Region in Doha, said: "The Arab Postal Regulation Forum provides an important opportunity to bring together policymakers and regulators from across the Arab region to exchange expertise and discuss the shared priorities and challenges facing the postal sector.”Over the two days, the forum will feature discussions on key regulatory issues facing the postal sector, including licensing and market access, competition in digital postal markets, consumer rights and quality of service, complaints handling, transparency, data protection and privacy.The forum will also discuss the future of universal postal service, including accessibility, affordability, digital inclusion and sustainable financing models.Held within the framework of the UPU regional project on postal policy and regulation in the Arab region (2026-29), the Forum is expected to conclude with the "Doha Recommendations”, which are intended to identify priority actions at the regional level, strengthen future co-operation, and support the development of postal regulatory frameworks across the region. 

The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA), in collaboration with Center for Empowerment and Care of the Elderly (Ehsan), held an awareness workshop to empower consumers to protect their personal data and promote safe use of mobile phones, as part of the National Initiative to Celebrate 160 Years of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).The workshop comes as a part of CRA’s ongoing series of initiatives launched to raise awareness about the safe and responsible use of digital technologies to reinforce confidence in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector in Qatar, in alignment with the Qatar National Vision 2030 that aspires to create an informed and secure digital community.CRA experts conducted interactive sessions that demonstrated how users can manage privacy settings on their mobile phones, identify potentially unsafe applications, and control data access permissions effectively.The workshop also featured practical discussions on enhancing privacy on messaging and social media platforms such as WhatsApp, with participants learning how to adopt safe digital habits that reduce exposure to online risks.On this occasion, Director of the Consumer Affairs Department at CRA Amel Salem al-Hanawi stated: “Enhancing awareness is the cornerstone of digital protection. Through this workshop, we aimed to empower elderly people to take control of their digital privacy and make informed decisions about their data. We remain committed to engaging directly with the community and translating our consumer protection mandate into tangible action that builds trust and strengthens digital resilience.”Acting Director of Social Awareness and Community Outreach Department at Ehsan Center Shaikha Ahmed al-Horaib stated: “The collaboration between the Center for Empowerment and Elderly Care, Ehsan, and the Communications Regulatory Authority comes as part of our ongoing efforts to promote safe digital literacy among the elderly and to empower them to use modern technologies with confidence and security”.She added: “This partnership reflects the Center’s commitment to supporting the elderly in keeping pace with digital transformation, enhancing their ability to protect their personal data and private information, and enabling them to interact with technology in a conscious way that contributes to their digital safety and quality of life.”

The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has begun the gradual launch of the first phase of the Caller Name Presentation (CNAP) initiative, in collaboration with the telecom service providers Ooredoo Qatar and Vodafone Qatar, and in co-ordination with the relevant national authorities. The initiative aims to protect consumers, enhance their trust in telecom services, and reduce fraudulent calls.Under this initiative, the two service providers will implement the CNAP for all fixed and mobile voice calls made by legal entities within the country to local mobile numbers belonging to consumers. This includes calls from ministries and government entities, private companies, non-profit organisations, educational and healthcare institutions, associations, as well as banks and financial institutions.This service is part of a comprehensive national initiative developed by CRA in co-ordination with Ooredoo Qatar, Vodafone Qatar, and relevant authorities across various local sectors. The initiative aims to enhance trust in phone calls and reduce fraudulent attempts targeting users through the impersonation of legal entities.The new service enables call recipients to identify the official, verified name of the calling entity before answering, allowing them to distinguish immediately between trusted and suspicious calls.This initiative was launched to protect users from fraudulent calls, which often involve impersonation of legal entities to obtain sensitive personal or financial information. The CNAP service allows users to view the official registered name of the calling entity alongside the phone number in real-time, helping them make an informed decision on whether to accept or reject the call.In this context, Engineer Ahmad bin Abdulla AlMuslemani, President of CRA, said: “Mandating the telecom Service Providers to implement the CNAP service establishes the foundations for safe and trusted communication in the State of Qatar.CRA will continue working with relevant stakeholders to develop innovative digital solutions that contribute to building a more secure telecommunications environment.” He added: “This initiative is part of the CRA’s strategy to enhance trust and protect consumers, reflecting its commitment to a proactive regulatory approach that serves the public interest and strengthens Qatar’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) ecosystem, in support of the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.”Further commenting on this collaboration, Sheikh Ali bin Jabor bin Mohammad al-Thani, Chief Executive Officer of Ooredoo Qatar, said: “We are pleased to be part of this joint initiative, which enables us to support the national efforts to develop the telecommunications sector in the country.At Ooredoo Qatar, we adopt the latest technological solutions that place our customers’ interests at the forefront of our priorities, and this initiative stands as a core pillar of what we believe in and work to achieve.”Sheikh Hamad Abdulla Jassim al-Thani, Chief Executive Officer at Vodafone Qatar, commented: “In line with the Qatar National Vision 2030, Vodafone Qatar remains committed to supporting the digital transformation of the country. The implementation of CNAP reflects our dedication to customer safety, secure and reliable communication, and compliance with regulatory requirements.” The first phase will activate the service for all local fixed lines numbers of legal entities, while the second phase will extend it to all local mobile numbers belonging to these entities. Entities will be automatically enrolled, with an option to opt out, subject to certain conditions, during the second phase for mobile numbers that are not used for public-facing communications.The service will not be implemented on international calls and calls received by consumers while using international roaming service. It also will not be implemented on outgoing calls from residential landlines and personal mobile numbers.