Alliance targets technology, education and skills, reflecting Qatar's commitment to technology-driven development.
DOHA, Qatar -- 25 April 2007 -- Today ictQATAR and Microsoft signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Partnership to enhance the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in Qatar. This agreement comes in alignment of the national ICT strategy that aims to transform Qatar to become a successful knowledge-based society. Dr. Hessa Al-Jaber, the Secretary General of ictQATAR , was joined by Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer to sign the Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Partnership. .
As specified in the agreement, Microsoft will provide ictQATAR with advice, assistance and tangible initiatives in the provision of know-how and expertise in using an agile Technology Infrastructure, enhancing the learning experience through the use of IT and building capacity to facilitate the creation of a digitally connected society.
Dr. Hessa Al-Jaber said. "This Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Partnership is part of our goals to connect Qatari people to technologies that will enrich their lives, strengthen our economy and create better opportunities for our young people to realize their full potentials. With valuable support from Microsoft, we will make positive steps towards becoming a truly digital society."
"We live in an age where information technology is providing people with powerful tools for creating new social and economic opportunities," Ballmer said. "We welcome this opportunity to work with ictQatar to help accelerate the development of a knowledge-based society by focusing on education, fostering innovation and creating jobs."
Collaboration in Education
A core element of the Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Partnership is the commitment to advancing education among students in Qatar. ictQATAR and Microsoft have agreed to explore the establishment of a School Technology Innovation Centre to build awareness around new technologies, demonstrate learning techniques through technology and share best practice in the effective use of ICT in education.
As part of the commitment to education Microsoft offers to establish IT Academies at appropriate schools and colleges which are designed to enable accredited academic institutions to deliver to students a premium education on cutting-edge Microsoft technologies. Microsoft will engage with ictQATAR to explore the development of an Arabic digital literacy curriculum to help expand fundamental understanding of computers. From using the Internet, to sending e-mail, to creating a rsum, the Digital Literacy Curriculum will help citizens in the community to develop the essential skills needed to begin computing with confidence. As Microsoft continues to share its expertise with the Qatari society, people will get a unique opportunity to learn how to best use technology in a manner that will positively affect their everyday lives.
ictQATAR and Microsoft, and in concert with Q-CERT programs, will engage to further develop an Internet safety and security awareness plan and supporting campaign to enable children and adults alike to better protect their computers, their families and themselves when using technology and the Internet.
Collaboration in Connecting People
With this Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Partnership, ictQATAR and Microsoft will make available the Microsoft Connected Industry Frameworks. Qatar is witnessing a phenomenal development in various industries, such as the Energy industry, Real Estate, Education, Health, among many others.
Microsoft and ictQATAR will also oversee the establishment of a joint team that will provide programmatic training and advice to all industries aimed at accelerating the use of Technology throughout the society in Qatar in support of ictQATAR's strategy and vision.
Commenting on the partnership agreement, Mohammad Hammoudi, Country Manager of Microsoft Qatar added, "Today's news reflects Microsoft's long-term commitment to collaborating with nations, academic institutions and the private sector organizations in Qatar and throughout the Middle East to contribute to socio-economic development and to accelerate the evolution of the Knowledge-based society."
-Ends-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, Pakistan, Qatar, the UAE and Yemen. 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 ictQATAR
ictQATAR, the Supreme Council of Information and Communications Technology, is Qatar's leading telecommunications regulatory authority and initiator of multiple information and communication technology programs designed to drive industry and advance the lives of Qatar's people. ictQATAR's aims to promote an advanced ICT society through the development of infrastructure and skills, the delivery of e-services and education, and the fostering of a regulatory environment conducive to sustainable growth. For more information please visit our website: http://www.ict.gov.qa
© Press Release 2007
