Bringing Latest Technologies to Qatar

Doha, Qatar - 8 February 2016

As part of its ongoing commitment to enhance and develop Qatar's ICT sector, Microsoft Qatar today announced its newest collaboration with Ooredoo that aims at providing the latest technologies to Qatar's ICT sector. The new initiative was unveiled during a press conference today as part of Microsoft's Innovation Summit, held at the St. Regis Doha hotel.

Ooredoo's new initiative will see the introduction of the latest technologies for businesses in Qatar, including a broad portfolio of hardware and software services, as well as a wide range of advanced Cloud services. The exclusive launch of Windows 10 through Ooredoo in Qatar capitalizes on Ooredoo's broad base of business customers across multiple industries. As Microsoft builds on its successful partnership with Ooredoo by launching the Lumia flagship devices, the company continues to expand and enhance the collaboration with the launch of the new Surface Pro 4 devices.

Microsoft and Ooredoo have already created a remarkable experience for their customers, by providing a concierge service for Microsoft device customers for the first time. Exceptional offers have already been presented on Office 365. Additionally, Microsoft Qatar also announced today a new Surface 3 Bundle Promotion for Education. The Surface 3 is bundled with Windows 10, Black Type Cover and Pen.

Microsoft Qatar General Manager, Naim Yazbeck said: "Microsoft realizes the importance of collaborating and partnering with Ooredoo, as it aims at bringing cutting-edge technologies to Qatar. This partnership is yet another step forward, reflecting Microsoft's commitment to realizing the goals of its national plan, which comes in line with Qatar's National Vision 2030."

"We are proud to support Qatar's unique national vision and contribute to one of the most dynamic economies in the world. We believe this new agreement makes sense from every angle: By working together to deliver unprecedented technology opportunities for entrepreneurs and SMEs, we are also supporting the growth of our future clients and partners," he addedMicrosoft Qatar is excited to announce today that all Government Entities can now order Surface Pro 4 as part of their government Enterprise Agreement. This is a step to support the mobility initiatives and increase productivity across Government Entities. Details can be found on the Government Agreement Portal.

Visitors to the Microsoft Innovation Summit experienced the latest platform and productivity solutions including from Windows 10 devices, Surface Pro 4 and Surface Hub, to Office 365, Internet of Things, and business intelligence.

"Microsoft has seen endless support from its partners: Intel, Dell, Qatar Datamation Systems, Information and Communication Technology W.L.L., Ebla, Everteam, Nintex, Diyar Middle East, Mannai Trading Co. W.L.L, and Plantronics. We are pleased with these productive partnerships and together, we look forward to enable our customers to realize their goals and aspirations," concluded Yazbeck.

Ooredoo has also launched a new set of Microsoft business devices in Qatar, which includes Lumia smartphones, Surface Pro 4, and a full range of accessories, including the Lumia 950 Display Dock, foldable Microsoft keyboard and Arc mouse, all bundled with Ooredoo's Shahry Smart, Mobile Data Plans, and Office 365.  

Commenting on the initiative, Yousuf Abdulla Al Kubaisi, Chief Operating Officer, from Ooredoo, said: "Ooredoo is striving to be an ICT innovation engine for Qatar, engaging with an ecosystem of innovative partners like Microsoft in order to deliver the most reliable and dynamic solutions for businesses and consumers. We're very proud to launch flagship devices and services with Microsoft, and believe this event will provide essential insight and updates for participants." 

"As Microsoft's first partner to ship Windows 10 on our new PCs last summer, we believe that Windows 10 brings the best of mobility together in a more secure and easier-to-implement package, giving businesses a good reason to take a fresh look at mobility. By placing a higher importance on 2-in-1 devices, Dell has been helping small businesses truly reap the benefits of a mobile and collaborative workplace.  We are delighted to attend Microsoft's "Innovation Empowered" event to showcase out newest devices on Windows 10," said Emad Sallam, Client Solutions Marketing Manager, Dell | Middle East - Commercial.

"We are delighted to continue our innovation journey with Microsoft by introducing our newest X1 family members at the event. Powered by Windows 10, the X1 portfolio is optimized with unique features and for greater performance, better cloud access and class-leading security and durability to help businesses use technology as their secret weapon," said Mohammed Hilili, Lenovo General Manager for Gulf & Saudi Arabia.

The Microsoft Innovation Summit welcomed more than 600 industry professionals and technology enthusiasts. The event saw discussions on subjects like Windows 10, Microsoft Surface Pro 4 for commercial customers, Surface Hub, apps, Windows enabled devices, and Internet of Things.

As Qatar's leading communication company and preferred business services provider, Ooredoo enjoys a long-standing and multilevel collaboration with Microsoft, delivering a full range of solutions for consumers and businesses, supported by the nationwide Ooredoo Supernet.

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About Microsoft Qatar
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ:'MSFT') is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. As part of Microsoft Gulf with its Dubai-based headquarters, Microsoft Qatar opened in Doha in 2003 with its offices located in Qatar Science & Technology Park. Microsoft Corporation's address on the World

About Microsoft Gulf
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ:'MSFT') is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Microsoft Gulf opened its Dubai-based headquarters in 1991. Microsoft Gulf today oversees Microsoft activities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE. Microsoft Corporation's address on the World Wide Web is: www.microsoft.com Microsoft Middle East's Web site is www.microsoft.com/middle east

About Ooredoo
Ooredoo is Qatar's leading communications company, delivering mobile, fixed, broadband internet and corporate managed services tailored to the needs of consumers and businesses. As a community-focused company, Ooredoo is guided by its vision of enriching people's lives and its belief that it can stimulate human growth by leveraging communications to help people achieve their full potential.

© Press Release 2016