| 15 Jun 2010 |
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The Qtel Group co-found the first MEF Middle East Office at Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP)
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Qatar-based Office will strengthen regional ecosystem and promote investment in local content
15 June 2010, Doha/London - In line with its vision to create the first Mobile Innovation hub for the region, the Qtel GroupQtel Group
celebrated the co-founding of the first Mobile Entertainment Forum (MEF) Middle East office for the MENA region at Qatar Science and Technology ParkQatar Science and Technology Park in Qatar.
The Mobile Innovation hub will play a major role in developing new mobile applications, solutions in health and education services, and will be a main driver for achieving an ecosystem for mobile innovation in the MENA region.
The MEF Middle East office will be based in the Qatar Science & Technology ParkQatar Science & Technology Park (QSTPQSTP) and will benefit from QSTPQSTP's expertise in the mobile industry. QSTPQSTP has recently demonstrated its active role in the market by successfully developing and launching the first regional Internet Multimedia platform aiming at making possible remote wireless monitoring by means of sensors. The Innovation Hub and QSTPQSTP will collaborate on a number of innovative projects of common interest that will leverage the exceptional skills and sectorial top capabilities from both institutions
The MEF Middle East office will be responsible for liaising with regional members and establishing a networking ecosystem, as well as localising strategic MEF initiatives for the MENA region.
Regular networking events will attract both existing and potential regional members, as well as attendees from MEF's global membership to encourage knowledge exchange. In addition, the localisation of key MEF initiatives will help bridge the innovation gap and stimulate further innovation in mobile services and products.
The office opening was underpinned by an agreement reached between QtelQtel
International and fellow MEF member QU Wireless Innovations Centre (QUWIC) to foster mobile innovation, application development and localisation of content in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The move is also aligned with The Qtel GroupQtel Group's vision to be among the world's top 20 telecommunications providers by 2020. "Mobile applications and content development are still in its infancy in the MENA region," commented Dr. Nasser Marafih, CEO of the Qtel GroupQtel Group. "Given the rapid growth in 3G networks and increased uptake in smartphones, local content represents the missing element to drive adoption of mobile data services. In Qatar, for example, 90% of the Internet content and traffic is international and only 5% is local1. By co-founding the establishment of the local MEF office, and our partnership with QSTPQSTP and QUWIC, we aim to support the creation of a sophisticated local mobile application and content ecosystem to accelerate growth of the mobile content industry in the MENA region."
"We are delighted that our plans to have presence in the MENA region through the MEF Middle East office in Qatar have come to fruition and are looking forward to working with our partners to accelerate growth in mobile media," commented Gerrit Jan Konijnenberg MEF EMEA Chairman. "The mobile entertainment sector is a $36bn global industry and the Middle East was identified as a key growth market in our most recent membership survey. By engaging stakeholders across the value chain, at both a local and international level, we aim to stimulate further innovation and growth and create competitive advantage for our members."
Dr. Tidu Maini, Science and Technology Advisor, Chairman Qatar Science & Technology ParkQatar Science & Technology Park said: "We would like to welcome the Qtel GroupQtel Group and Mobile Entertainment Forum (MEF) to QSTPQSTP, which is a further evidence of our active involvement into mobile innovation research in Qatar and the region. We are delighted to add another renowned organization to our portfolio of collaborations with leading international companies, mainly in the field of technology. The creation of new technology is at the heart of our vision, which is aligned to Qatar's 2030 vision."
was opened in 2009 with funding from the Qatar Foundation. The park is an obvious location choice - a hub for innovation, it is home to international technology brands and an incubator for start-up companies, as well as the site for several leading universities.1 Qtel/AD Little Analysis, Information society statistics profiles
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About Mobile Entertainment Forum (MEF)
MEF is the global trade body of the mobile media industry. It represents the leading companies throughout the entire mobile entertainment value chain, and works on behalf of its diverse membership to facilitate industry growth, shape regulation and deliver competitive advantage to its members.
With headquarters in London and regional chapters covering Asia, EMEA, LATAM and North America, MEF is a member community with global reach, vibrant local representation and strong leadership to drive market change. Established in 2000, MEF provides a consistent and powerful voice for the foremost mobile media businesses and entrepreneurs.
About The QtelQtel Group
The Qtel GroupQtel Group is a diversified telecommunications group with a presence in 17 countries, providing voice and data services to people and businesses, and bringing advanced technology to more than 60 million customers. We are committed to expansion in the MENA region, where we are the largest telecommunications company by number of operations, and South East Asia. Our vision is to be among the top 20 telecommunications providers in the world by 2020.
About Qatar Science & Technology ParkQatar Science & Technology Park (QSTPQSTP)
Qatar Science & Technology ParkQatar Science & Technology Park (QSTPQSTP) was founded by the Emir as part of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development. QSTPQSTP works to transform Qatar into a knowledge-based economy by attracting commercially oriented research and development. It is located in the vicinity of Carnegie Mellon, Texas A&M, Weill Cornell and other leading universities which are also a part of Qatar Foundation. QSTPQSTP provides an environment for local and international companies to interact with the universities and develop new technologies.
© Press Release 2010
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