Ooredoo

Corporate brand

Ooredoo is a Qatar-based multinational telecommunications group providing mobile, fixed-line, broadband, digital-content and related communications services across the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia.

Last updated August 31, 2026

AI crawler reads

2requests

1companies

Anthropic2

Profile: 2
Controversies: 0
JSON · MD: 0

First read: Nov 4, 2026
Latest read: Nov 4, 2026

From this site's server log

Overview

Ooredoo Q.P.S.C. is a Qatar-based telecommunications group whose consumer-facing brand developed from the country’s former national operator, Qatar Telecom, commonly known as Qtel. Founded by the Qatari government in Doha in 1987, the company began as the Qatar Public Telecommunications Corporation and was later reorganized as Qatar Telecom in 1998. Although private investment was introduced, the state retained majority control. The company became the principal telecommunications provider in Qatar and expanded from traditional voice services into mobile communications, broadband, fiber connectivity, television, digital content and business solutions. The Ooredoo name was introduced across the group in 2013. Derived from an Arabic expression meaning “I want,” the name was intended to communicate customer ambition, personal choice and the company’s stated objective of supporting human development. The rebrand unified Qtel and its international operating companies under one identity rather than treating the group as a collection of separately named national businesses. Several operations nevertheless retained strong local brands or later adopted combined identities, including Asiacell in Iraq and Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison in Indonesia. Ooredoo’s business covers mobile voice and data, wireless broadband, fixed-line voice, fiber and home internet, enterprise connectivity, cloud and managed services, mobile financial services, entertainment and digital content. In Qatar, the company has introduced successive generations of mobile technology, including 3G, 4G LTE and commercial 5G. It has also operated fiber and television services for homes and businesses. International subsidiaries offer combinations of prepaid and postpaid mobile plans, fixed broadband, enterprise communications, roaming, digital entertainment and other telecommunications products adapted to local markets. The group expanded through a mixture of organic network investment, acquisitions, licenses and brand conversions. Important steps included the acquisition of Kuwait’s Wataniya Telecom in 2007, the development of operations in North Africa and South and Southeast Asia, and the integration of national operators under the Ooredoo identity. The company entered Myanmar after receiving a telecommunications license in 2014, but later exited that market as political and financial conditions deteriorated. In Indonesia, its mobile business combined with Hutchison 3 Indonesia in 2022 to create Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, a separately branded listed telecommunications company. Ooredoo has positioned itself as a digitally enabled communications provider rather than only a traditional mobile operator. Its brand activity has included international sports sponsorships, a partnership with footballer Lionel Messi, a premium partnership with Paris Saint-Germain and title sponsorship of Qatar’s Formula 1 event. The company has also worked with the Leo Messi Foundation on projects related to children and community development. Ooredoo remains active as a multinational operator, with its principal markets concentrated in the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia.

History

Ooredoo was established in Doha in 1987 by the government of Qatar as the Qatar Public Telecommunications Corporation. It was created to develop and operate the country’s telecommunications infrastructure and initially functioned as a wholly state-owned national operator. In 1998, the organization was transformed into Qatar Telecom, generally known as Qtel. Private investment was subsequently permitted, but the Qatari state retained majority influence. Qtel’s early development in Qatar involved the introduction and expansion of mobile, fixed-line and internet services. It launched 3G services in 2006, expanded its broadband and digital portfolio, and introduced mobile financial services in 2010. Its fiber rollout accelerated during the early 2010s, with higher-speed internet packages, television services and trials of 4G LTE mobile broadband. These investments helped move the company beyond fixed voice and basic mobile service toward an integrated communications model. International expansion became a central part of the company’s strategy. The group acquired Kuwait’s Wataniya Telecom in 2007 and developed or purchased interests in operators across the Gulf, North Africa, South Asia and Southeast Asia. Several businesses were initially known by local names: Nawras in Oman, Wataniya in Kuwait and Maldives, Tunisiana in Tunisia, Nedjma in Algeria, and Indosat in Indonesia. As part of a global brand strategy, Qtel Group and its operating businesses were formally unified under the Ooredoo name in February 2013. The new name, associated with the Arabic phrase “I want,” was designed to express aspiration and customer empowerment. The rebranding continued across individual markets. Wataniya Maldives became Ooredoo Maldives in 2013, Nedjma became Ooredoo Algeria later that year, Tunisiana became Ooredoo Tunisia in 2014, Nawras became Ooredoo Oman in 2014, and Wataniya Telecom became Ooredoo Kuwait in 2014. Indosat adopted the Indosat Ooredoo name in 2015. Ooredoo also expanded into Myanmar after winning a license in 2013 and receiving formal authorization in 2014. That operation was later sold amid political instability and financial difficulties, with the disposal completed in 2024. Technology investment has remained a defining feature of the group. In Qatar, Ooredoo tested 5G technology from 2014 and launched a live commercial 5G network in 2018. The group also developed partnerships with network-equipment suppliers, including a major Nokia collaboration to expand Qatar’s mobile network. Its operating companies have offered combinations of 3G, 4G, fiber, WiMAX, fixed wireless and digital television services according to local market conditions. Ooredoo has used sports, entertainment and community partnerships to build a unified international identity. The company has sponsored football and motorsport, including Paris Saint-Germain and the Qatar Formula 1 Grand Prix. Lionel Messi became a global brand ambassador in 2013, and Ooredoo worked with the Leo Messi Foundation on development-oriented initiatives. The group continues to operate as a Qatar-controlled telecommunications company with a portfolio concentrated in nine markets across the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia.

2024
Myanmar exit finalized
[1]Ooredooen.wikipedia.org
Ooredoo completed the sale of its Myanmar telecommunications operation.
2022
Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison merger completed
[1]Ooredooen.wikipedia.org
Indosat Ooredoo combined with Hutchison 3 Indonesia to form Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison.
2018
Commercial 5G launch in Qatar
[1]Ooredooen.wikipedia.org
Ooredoo launched a live commercial 5G network in Qatar, following earlier testing.
2014
Entry into Myanmar
[1]Ooredooen.wikipedia.org
Ooredoo received a license to build and operate a telecommunications network in Myanmar.
2013
Global Ooredoo rebrand
[1]Ooredooen.wikipedia.org
Qtel Group and its international operating companies were unified under the Ooredoo identity.
2010
Mobile Money introduced in Qatar
[1]Ooredooen.wikipedia.org
Qtel launched a mobile financial service while upgrading its domestic 3G network.
2007
Acquisition of Wataniya Telecom
[1]Ooredooen.wikipedia.org
Qtel acquired Kuwait-based Wataniya Telecom, strengthening its regional telecommunications portfolio.
1998
Transformation into Qatar Telecom
[1]Ooredooen.wikipedia.org
The organization became Qatar Telecom, commonly known as Qtel, and private investment was introduced while state control continued.
1987
Qatar Public Telecommunications Corporation founded
[1]Ooredooen.wikipedia.org
The Qatari government established the national telecommunications corporation in Doha.

Products and positioning

A state-backed, multinational communications group combining mass-market mobile connectivity with broadband, digital entertainment and enterprise technology services. Its brand emphasizes network modernization, digital inclusion, customer aspiration and support for social and economic development.

Mobile telecommunications · 1987
Mobile voice and data
Ooredoo’s core offering includes prepaid and postpaid mobile voice, messaging and data plans. National operating companies provide services over successive generations of cellular networks, with products tailored to consumer, youth, enterprise and high-usage segments.
Mobile telecommunications · 2018
Ooredoo 5G
The group’s 5G offering provides higher-capacity mobile broadband and lower-latency connectivity in supported markets. Ooredoo launched a live commercial 5G network in Qatar in 2018 and has also commercialized 5G in Kuwait.
Fixed broadband · 2012
Ooredoo Fibre
Fiber services connect homes and businesses to high-speed fixed broadband. In Qatar, the fiber rollout supported faster internet packages, television services and bundled communications products.
Digital entertainment · 2012
Ooredoo TV
Ooredoo TV and related entertainment products combine television channels, video-on-demand and digital content with broadband and mobile services. Ooredoo Oman has also offered over-the-top television access through applications and set-top boxes.
Mobile financial services · 2010
Mobile Money
Mobile Money is a telecommunications-linked financial service introduced in Qatar to enable mobile-based payments and related transactions.
Business telecommunications
Enterprise communications and ICT
Ooredoo serves corporate and institutional customers with fixed and mobile connectivity, business broadband, managed communications and other information and communications technology services. These offerings complement the consumer network business.

Marketing campaigns

2021Ooredoo Qatar Grand Prix sponsorship
Qatar · International
Ooredoo Qatar became the title sponsor of Qatar’s first Formula 1 race at Lusail International Circuit.
Outcome. Connected the brand with Qatar’s international motorsport profile.
Source
2013Global Ooredoo brand launch
Qatar · Kuwait · Oman · Algeria · Tunisia · Maldives · Indonesia
The group introduced Ooredoo as a common international identity, replacing or supplementing several national operator brands.
Outcome. Created a unified brand platform for the group’s international telecommunications businesses.
Source
2013Lionel Messi global ambassador partnership
Middle East · North Africa · Southeast Asia
Ooredoo appointed Lionel Messi as a global brand ambassador and linked the partnership to community and human-development initiatives with the Leo Messi Foundation.
Outcome. Expanded the brand’s international visibility and associated telecommunications marketing with social-development activities.
Source
2013Paris Saint-Germain partnership
International
Ooredoo became a premium partner of Paris Saint-Germain, with its logo appearing on the back of the club’s football shirts.
Outcome. Provided a prominent global sports-marketing platform.
Source

Brand decisions

2022
Indosat Ooredoo and Hutchison 3 Indonesia mergerM&A
Background
Indonesia’s mobile market included Indosat Ooredoo and Hutchison 3 Indonesia as separate operators.
Action taken
The businesses merged to form Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, with the transaction closing in January 2022.
Aftermath
The combined company became a major Indonesian telecommunications operator under the Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison brand.
Source
2022
Decision to exit MyanmarStrategy
Background
Ooredoo faced political and financial difficulties in Myanmar amid the country’s instability.
Action taken
The group agreed to sell its Myanmar telecommunications business to Nine Communications.
Aftermath
The sale was finalized in 2024 as Ooredoo concentrated on its strategic markets.
Enterprise value. US$576 million (Transaction announced in 2022; completion finalized in 2024)
Source
2018
Launch of commercial 5G in QatarProduct launch
Background
Ooredoo had tested 5G technology in Qatar since 2014 and was investing in network modernization.
Action taken
The company launched a live commercial 5G network in Qatar.
Aftermath
Ooredoo became an early global commercial 5G operator and later commercialized 5G in Kuwait.
Source
2013
Unify the group under the Ooredoo identityStrategy
Background
Qtel had developed a portfolio of operators using different national brands across several regions.
Action taken
The group adopted Ooredoo as its common international brand and rebranded operating companies in successive markets.
Aftermath
The change established a single global identity while some local operating names continued to be used alongside Ooredoo.
Source

Recent events

2026.10.26
Reported2026.10.26
Zain and Ooredoo launch joint tower platform[3]Zain与Ooredoo推出合资铁塔平台finance.sina.com.cn
Zain and Ooredoo launched their joint tower platform after completing the first phase of asset integration. The platform combines 4,000 tower assets in Kuwait and Qatar, with each operator holding a 50% stake.
2022.03.12
Reported2022.03.12
Ooredoo and Google Cloud sign strategic technology partnership MoU[4]Ooredoo 与 Google Cloud 签署策略科技合作备忘录gulf-times.com
Ooredoo and Google Cloud signed a memorandum of understanding for a strategic technology partnership to advance Ooredoo’s digital offerings.
2022.03.12
Reported2022.03.12
Ooredoo announces partnership with SAP[4]Ooredoo 与 Google Cloud 签署策略科技合作备忘录gulf-times.com
Ooredoo announced a partnership with SAP under which SAP would consolidate Ooredoo’s ERP applications into a centralized cloud platform.
2022.03.06
Reported2022.03.06
Ooredoo and KDDI APAC partner on connected-car IoT services in Qatar[5]Ooredoo与KDDI APAC合作在卡塔尔提供联网汽车物联网服务gulf-times.com
Ooredoo and KDDI APAC announced a partnership under which Ooredoo provides IoT connectivity for Toyota's Lexus-connected car services in Qatar.
Unconfirmed
Reported2021.12.26
Ooredoo wins Cisco’s Managed Services Partner of the Year award[6]Ooredoo获得思科年度托管服务合作伙伴奖gulf-times.com
Ooredoo was named Cisco’s Middle East and Africa ‘Managed Services Partner of the Year’ for 2021.
2021.12.22
Reported2021.12.22
Ooredoo and Fortinet announce collaboration on Enterprise EDGE[7]Ooredoo 与 Fortinet 宣布合作拓展 Enterprise EDGEmenafn.com
Ooredoo announced that it chose Fortinet to strengthen its Enterprise EDGE managed SD-WAN service with Fortinet Secure SD-WAN capabilities for business customers in Qatar.
2021.12.04
Reported2021.12.04
Ooredoo Qatar announces plans to retail Alcatel Link Zone Wi-Fi device[8]Ooredoo Qatar宣布计划销售Alcatel Link Zone Wi-Fi设备gulf-times.com
Ooredoo Qatar announced that it would retail the Alcatel Link Zone 4G LTE cat7 Mobile Wi-Fi MW70 through Ooredoo shops, its eShop, and B2B sales channels. The article describes the retailing as upcoming.
2021.11.29
Reported2021.11.29
Nokia and Ooredoo Group enter five-year strategic partnership[9]诺基亚与Ooredoo Group达成五年战略合作businesstoday.in
Nokia and Ooredoo Group entered a five-year strategic partnership to bring technologies and services, including 5G, to customers in the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia.
2021.11.09
Reported2021.11.09
Ooredoo partners with Ember Medical[10]Ooredoo与Ember Medical达成合作gulf-times.com
Ooredoo partnered with telehealth platform Ember Medical to offer customers payment and rewards benefits, including integration of Nojoom Points, Ooredoo Money Wallet and Ooredoo direct billing as payment options on the platform.
2021.11.06
Reported2021.11.06
Dindone POS platform launches in Qatar with Ooredoo[11]Dindone POS 平台与 Ooredoo 在卡塔尔推出gulf-times.com
Dindone POS, a cloud-based solution for restaurant operations, was launched in Qatar with Ooredoo and integrated with WallPost ERP.

Sources21 sources

Cite this profile: Cite the canonical profile. /brand-wiki/ooredoo · Editorial policy · How profiles are compiled