The partnership aims to further the development of innovation capabilities and support the ongoing cultivation of the innovation ecosystem in Qatar

Doha, Qatar

Ooredoo and Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation (QRDI) Council have announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at leveraging the innovation capabilities of Qatar’s leading telecommunications provider.
The MoU was signed by Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer and Chief Executive Officer of Ooredoo Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulla Bin Mohammed Al Thani, and Secretary General of QRDI Council, Omar Ali Al-Ansari on 28th March 2021.
Under the agreement, the parties will collaborate to explore mechanisms to further expand and leverage Ooredoo’s innovation capabilities, to create opportunities for start-ups, accelerators, and technology companies – both local and international – to establish business in Qatar and collaborate on innovation solutions. This will support Qatar’s economic diversification efforts by enabling growth of new private sector led product development activities in Qatar.
The MoU is one of several initiatives the QRDI Council has planned for 2021 and falls in line with the vision set out in Qatar’s national RDI strategy, QRDI 2030. The 10-year strategy works toward the greater goal of building a knowledge-based economy, as called for in the Qatar National Vision 2030.
The initiative is an example of QRDI Council’s ongoing efforts to work closely with large local enterprises to leverage innovation by attracting other private sector entities to co-develop and pilot innovative technologies, as well as grow and scout for the best innovation talent. At the same time, QRDI Council will also facilitate support towards new innovation- driven private sector entities, by creating linkages with Qatar’s existing knowledge institutions, which can provide specialized and technical know-how as well as state of the art infrastructure.
Commenting on the MoU, Secretary General, QRDI Council, Eng. Omar Ali Al-Ansari said: “This partnership is a prime example of how we can leverage the strengths of large local enterprises in Qatar, such as Ooredoo, to create new opportunities for the next wave of innovative private sector entities. This approach can help boost global competitiveness while also developing exciting job opportunities for the next generation of talent in Qatar.”
For his part, Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer and Chief Executive Officer of Ooredoo Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulla Bin Mohammed Al Thani said: “We are delighted to partner with QRDI Council, as we continue to drive innovation in our digital portfolios and make sure our customers have access to the latest digital services. Innovation is a key part of our corporate strategy and is in line with our unwavering support for Qatar National Vision 2030, which is why we welcome partnerships such as this one, which will drive our progress in this regard. We look forward to a long, mutually beneficial relationship with QRDI and to enhancing our contribution to our country’s development.”
QRDI Council’s ten-year strategy, QRDI 2030, aims to enhance Qatar’s resilience through locally empowered and globally connected Research, Development and Innovation. QRDI 2030 outlines a roadmap towards building a vibrant and integrated national system by connecting Qatar’s RDI efforts to its national imperatives.