Ooredoo Wins “Rawda” Award for Excellence in Social Work
Doha Marathon by Ooredoo 2026 Recognised as a Leading Community Initiative with Sustainable Impact
Doha, Qatar
Ooredoo, Qatar’s leading telecommunications and ICT provider, has been awarded the “Rawda” Award for Excellence in Social Work, marking a national achievement that reflects its strong commitment to creating positive and sustainable social impact through meaningful initiatives that enhance quality of life and promote inclusion, participation, and social responsibility.
This recognition comes as part of the inaugural edition of the “Rawda” Award for Excellence in Social Work, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, and organised by the Ministry of Social Development and Family to honour the most impactful and distinguished social initiatives in the country.
The “Rawda” Award is considered the first national award in the field of social work in Qatar. It was established under Amiri Decree No. (16) of 2025 to serve as an institutional framework for recognising the most impactful and sustainable social initiatives, across five main categories: individuals, families, non-profit organisations, the private sector, and media.
The award falls under the umbrella of the Ministry of Social Development and Family, in strategic partnership with the Social and Sport Contribution Fund. It aims to promote, develop, and encourage a culture of social work, strengthen community values, and support initiatives that contribute to achieving the social development pillar of the Qatar National Vision 2030.
Ooredoo’s win recognises the impact of the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo, which has grown into one of Qatar’s leading community-driven sporting initiatives. Over the years, it has evolved into an event that brings together sport, health, inclusion, and community engagement, creating a meaningful and lasting impact.
In its 2026 edition, the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo attracted 20,000 participants from 160 nationalities, including 2,200 from outside Qatar, marking a record turnout that reflects the initiative’s rapid growth and underscores Ooredoo’s role in strengthening Qatar’s position as a global destination for sport and sports tourism.
The marathon also reflects Ooredoo’s commitment to sport for all, by making participation accessible to people of all ages and abilities across five race categories: the Kids’ Fun Run, 5 km, 10 km, Half Marathon, and Full Marathon.
This inclusive approach is further strengthened through initiatives such as the “Blue Race,” organised in collaboration with the Autism Parents Platform, free participation for people with disabilities up to 21 km, and the “Al Adaam” category dedicated to supporting Qatari athletes.
The marathon’s impact extends beyond sport, creating broader social and community value by supporting local charities, promoting a culture of volunteering, and fostering national partnerships.
More than 2,800 individuals from various national entities contributed to organising the event, including the Ministry of Interior, Hamad Medical Corporation, and the Qatar Athletics Federation, reflecting strong collaboration across institutions in service of the community.
Commenting on this achievement, Sheikh Ali bin Jabor bin Mohammad Al Thani, CEO of Ooredoo, said, “We take pride in this national recognition, which reflects Ooredoo’s ongoing commitment to launching initiatives that make a real difference in the community. This achievement would not have been possible without the continued support of Ooredoo Group’s Board of Directors, represented by our Chairman, Sheikh Faisal bin Thani Al Thani, and the members of the company’s Board of Directors.
The Doha Marathon by Ooredoo has become more than just a sporting event; it is a fully integrated community sports event that promotes health, celebrates inclusion, and strengthens social connection, aligned with our vision of empowering individuals and communities while creating sustainable, positive impact.”
This win reflects the strong alignment between Ooredoo’s approach to social responsibility and the objectives of the “Rawda” Award, which aims to move beyond sponsorship towards empowerment, while encouraging organisations to adopt initiatives that deliver meaningful social value, driven by impact, sustainability, and effectiveness.
This achievement also reflects Ooredoo’s ongoing commitment to aligning its community initiatives with the Qatar National Vision 2030, particularly across the pillars of human and social development. Through initiatives that promote active lifestyles, support inclusion, and enhance quality of life, Ooredoo continues to contribute to building a healthier, more connected, and sustainable society.
Ooredoo remains committed to developing innovative and purpose-driven community initiatives that place people at the heart of its priorities, reinforcing its role as an active partner in advancing sustainable social development in Qatar.