Ooredoo CEO Discusses Qatar-Russia Ties, Opportunities for Collaboration, COVID-19 Challenges at Russia’s Major Economic Forum

Doha, Qatar

Ooredoo’s Chief Executive Officer, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulla Al Thani, has appeared in a televised interview with Russian TV channel RT Arabic on his visit to Russia for the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).

The interview, conducted on the sidelines of SPIEF as the event continues, focused on Qatar’s participation in the forum, the challenges Ooredoo – and the entire telecommunications industry – has faced in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the potential for future collaboration between Ooredoo and its counterparts in Russia.

Sheikh Mohammed shared his thoughts on strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries, highlighting the presence of many senior-level representatives that confirms the intention to boost relationships and economic links. He also emphasised the opportunity the forum presents for entities to share best practice, experience and expertise, and expressed his hope that Qatar-Russia ties will progress to the next level.

With the ongoing pandemic situation still very much at the forefront, Sheikh Mohammed discussed Ooredoo’s response to the crisis. He detailed challenges faced, including the phenomenal increase in demand for connectivity and network speed, and explained how and why Ooredoo had been able to weather the COVID-19 storm, continue seamless service to its customers and maintain a stable operational position. Sheikh Mohammed also noted the unilateral focus on the emergence of a digital economy, and highlighted Qatar’s position as a leader in digital transformation.

Naturally, SPIEF has seen great interest in Qatar as the host of the next FIFA World Cup in 2022, and Sheikh Mohammed discussed Ooredoo’s role in the upcoming event during the interview. He noted the many opportunities to share expertise and best practice with Russian counterparts at the forum, with Russia having been the experienced host of many such events in the past. He confirmed Ooredoo’s readiness to take on the challenge of the tournament, and expressed his pleasure at the prospect of working with Russian telecomms providers to ensure the success of FIFA World Cup 2022 in Doha.
Sheikh Mohammed is visiting St Petersburg as part of a delegation of companies representing Qatar at SPIEF. His interview with RT Arabic took place on the same day that His Excellency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani inaugurated Qatar’s pavilion at the event.