Qatar Mobile Operators Launch Anti-Fraud APIs Through GSMA Open Gateway Initiative
Ooredoo and Vodafone Qatar collaborate to provide developers with powerful identity verification tools
Doha, Qatar
Ooredoo and Vodafone today announced the commercial launch of new network technologies in Qatar designed to combat digital fraud.
Delivered through the GSMA Open Gateway initiative, the CAMARA-standardised Application Programmable Interfaces (APIs) will give developers simple, secure tools to protect consumers.
Speaking at Mobile World Congress Doha, Ooredoo and Vodafone Qatar outlined the release of CAMARA-standardised Number Verification and SIM Swap APIs for developers.
The initiative responds to a growing national challenge: as Qatar’s digital economy accelerates, online fraud has increased in line with global trends. Since 2024, Qatar’s central bank has been running a national campaign to tackle financial phishing attempts, aiming at raising awareness about the dangers of financial fraud and how to prevent falling a victim of these, and the Qatar Financial Information Unit has a specialised wing tasked with combating digital fraud.
Worldwide, GASA estimates that criminals scammed more than $1 trillion from victims last year, further emphasising the need for the mobile industry to work together with online banks and retailers through global standardised technology initiatives to tackle the issue.
Network APIs Available Now for Developers
The operators are now providing developers with two APIs to support consumer protection and fraud prevention:
- SIM Swap API (Available Now): Monitors and detects changes in the SIM card associated with a mobile number. It provides developers with insights into whether a SIM card has been swapped recently, either by returning a timestamp of the last change or a yes/no response for a defined period (e.g., the last 24 hours).
- Number Verify API (Available Now): Enables enterprises to seamlessly check if the mobile number of a device accessing an online service or app matches the one provided by the customer.
Henry Calvert, Head of Networks, GSMA, said: “By giving developers easier, secure access to the rich network functionality of mobile networks, we can also use network intelligence in the fight against fraud and scams. A key part of this is ensuring new APIs are interoperable so banks and online retailers can interact with mobile operators in a standardised way, wherever they are in the world. We’ve already seen the results other country mobile operators and banks have achieved through SIM Swap and Number Verification and look forward to building on these foundations in Qatar.”
Thani Al Malki, Chief Business Officer, Ooredoo Qatar, said: “Developers are at the heart of every digital service used today, and giving them direct access to network-level intelligence is a major leap forward. These new CAMARA APIs allow industries across Qatar—from banking to e-commerce—to build safer, frictionless digital experiences. We’re proud to contribute to a unified framework that raises security standards across the entire ecosystem.”
Baran Yurdagul, Chief Operating Officer at Vodafone Qatar, commented: “The launch of Telecom APIs through the GSMA Open Gateway marks an important milestone in strengthening Qatar’s digital resilience. Through these API’s, we are enabling developers and enterprises to access secure, reliable identity-verification tools and telecom capabilities that help protect customers and create new services and opportunities. At Vodafone Qatar, we remain committed to bringing world-class, innovative solutions to support the country’s vision for a safer digital economy.”
Commitment to Continued Innovation
Looking ahead to 2026, Qatar operators plan to expand their API portfolio with additional services focused on identity and fraud prevention.
The Qatar initiative forms part of the global GSMA Open Gateway programme, which now includes more than 80 mobile operator groups representing 292 networks and over 80% of mobile connections worldwide. By bringing together operators from around the world, the GSMA Open Gateway initiative facilitates the design of digital products capable of operating seamlessly on all devices, regardless of the country or operator. The service APIs are available through the CAMARA repository, an open-source project by the Linux Foundation and a fundamental part of the GSMA Open Gateway initiative.