Business Times Issue 103 | Ooredoo | April 24

PIONEERING THE FUTURE OF TELECOMMS

AZIZ ALUTHMAN FAKHROO

OOREDOO

OOREDOO

PIONEERING THE FUTURE OF TELECOMMS

AZIZ ALUTHMAN FAKHROO

Project by:

Malvern Kandemwa

Words by:

Michelle Duncan

Ooredoo Group, a global telecommunications leader, continues to redefine connectivity and innovation in the digital age under the visionary leadership of Group Managing Director and CEO, Aziz Aluthman Fakhroo. With a strong commitment to digital transfor-

mation, sustainability, and operational excellence, Ooredoo Group sets the standard for the telecommunications industry worldwide. His strategic vision and leadership have been instrumental in driving Ooredoo Group’s growth and success in a rapidly evolving industry landscape. With a focus on innovation, customer-centric solutions, and sustainable business practices, has positioned Ooredoo Group as a leading player in the telecommunications sector.

Aziz Aluthman Fakhroo, CEO, Ooredoo Group

Aziz Aluthman Fakhroo has been leading Qatar’s largest telecom company since November 2020, where he has been a board member since 2011. Previously, he served as Deputy Under Secretary for Budget, Treasury and Financial affairs at the Ministry of Finance. Prior to that, he was the Co-head of Mergers and Acquisitions at Qatar Investment Authority. He is also a Board Member at Accor SA since 2015. In March 2021, he was appointed as Board member of KATARA Hospitality and member of the Board of Trustees of Qatar Museums. In December 2021, he was appointed to the Board of Commissioners of Indosat.

Under Fakhroo’s leadership, Ooredoo Group has embraced digital transformation to meet the evolving needs of customers and stakeholders. Through investments in innovative technologies, such as 5G networks, IoT, digital platforms and AI, have enabled Ooredoo Group to deliver innovative solutions and personalised experiences to its customers. Qatar is leading the way with global 5G and Internet of Things (IoT) innovation, delivering new levels of business success and a new network milestone, with 22 5G network towers now live, covering areas such as the Pearl, Hamad International Airport, West Bay, Rawdah and more. Some of

Qatar’s busiest areas are now 5G ready, meaning more people will be able to access the network technology. Through strategic investments in network expansion, data centres, and advanced technology solutions, Fakhroo has strengthened Ooredoo Group’s infrastructure to ensure reliable and high-performance telecommunications services.

Now, Ooredoo is leveraging 5G to drive IoT innovation with two key technology elements: network traffic prioritisation based on the priority of the industry vertical, and lower latency for critical applications such as smart and connected transportation, retail, energy, healthcare, education, and entertainment.

“Our industry-leading 5G and IoT solutions, and channel partner ecosystem, are guiding Qatar’s organisations in their digital transformation journeys to seize market share and transform daily lives across the country.”

Ooredoo expects the ultra-fast 5G networks to serve as the foundation for the IoT to make a major impact in the following verticals: Transportation – Autonomous vehicles can use 5G’s broadband and low latency to navigate complex city streets, and for ambulances to coordinate on green light signalling. Connected metros and trams can leverage 5G broadband and GPS technology for real-time tracking that can reduce headways, enhance safety, and provide real-time passenger information.

SMART AND CONNECTED RETAIL:

With Qatar’s connected malls growing, smart retailers can move beyond 4G geolocation-based services, to a 5G world with augmented and virtual reality providing immersive experiences from virtually trying on clothes to gyms with simulated races.

CONNECTED ENERGY TRANSMISSION:

Smart grids can combine with 5G networks to monitor and predict rapid increases in demand, enable smart street lighting with LED lamps, and overall provide real-time and dynamic utilities pricing to enhance costs, efficiency, and safety.

SMART HEALTHCARE:

In the era beyond digital patient records and self-care apps, 5G’s fast speeds and low latency could enable robotic surgery, new levels of monitoring wearable devices such as heart monitors, and Big Data analytics that could analyse massive patient data sets for predicting treatments and identifying regional or global healthcare trends.

EDUCATION:

In schools and universities, 5G combined with mobile devices, from tablets to wearables, can transform the learning experience. Students, educators, and administrators can foster enhanced digital collaboration, immersive virtual reality field trips, and new levels of automated campus safety and security.

ENTERTAINMENT:

Theme parks, concerts, and video games are being transformed by 5G and IoT. By connecting sensors on people with mobile devices, customers can design bespoke itineraries, experience virtual reality concerts, and gain new levels of immersive gameplay.

DIGITAL INNOVATION

Our success is facilitated by our ongoing digital transformation, which not only contributes to our resilience but also empowers us to capitalise on market opportunities and position ourselves for long-term sustainable growth. Our adaptability in navigating a dynamic market landscape ensures sustained success and attractive returns. Ooredoo remains committed to its strategy based on five fundamental pillars: delivering exceptional customer experience, empowering our people, and nurturing talent, driving innovation as a smart telco, continuously evolving and fortifying our core operations, and maintaining a value-focused portfolio. Under the leadership of Group Managing Director and CEO Aziz Aluthman Fakhroo, Ooredoo Group continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to digital transformation, sustainability, infrastructure development, and operational excellence in the telecommunications industry. By embracing innovation, sustainability, and strategic leadership, Ooredoo Group is driving the future of telecommunications and shaping a connected world for customers and communities around the globe.