Ooredoo: A Global Leader in Telecommunications
Ooredoo is a state-owned multinational telecommunications giant headquartered in the iconic Ooredoo Tower in Doha, Qatar. Providing a comprehensive suite of mobile, wireless, wireline, and content services, the company serves a diverse range of residential and business clients across the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, and Asia. With a commitment to innovation, Ooredoo has established itself as a pioneer in the industry, notably becoming the first operator globally to launch commercial 5G services (the fifth generation of mobile networks) in Qatar.
As of 2021, Ooredoo boasted a massive global footprint with over 121 million customers. The company is publicly traded on both the Qatar Stock Exchange and the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, reflecting its significant economic influence in the region.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1987 by the Government of Qatar.
- Global Reach: Operates in nine countries and territories.
- Financials: Reported revenue of US$6.23 billion in 2022.
- Innovation: First global operator to launch a live commercial 5G network (May 2018).
- Ownership: 68% owned by Qatar government-related entities.
- Workforce: Employed 15,167 people in 2021.
The Evolution of Ooredoo
The company's journey began in 1987 as the 100% state-owned Qatar Public Telecommunications Corporation. In 1998, it transitioned into Qatar Telecom, known as Qtel, which allowed for private investment while ensuring the Qatari government maintained majority control. Over the following decade, Qtel became the dominant operator in Qatar, introducing fiber internet, broadband, and digital services.
In February 2013, the company underwent a strategic unification. All operating companies worldwide were rebranded under the Ooredoo Group. The name "Ooredoo" is derived from the Arabic phrase for "I Want," symbolizing the company's goal to reflect customer aspirations and stimulate human growth within the communities it serves.
Technological Milestones
Ooredoo has consistently pushed the boundaries of connectivity. In 2010, it upgraded its 3G network and introduced Mobile Money services. By 2012, the company rolled out a fiber network capable of download speeds up to 100 Mbit/s and initiated 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution) mobile broadband trials. This trajectory culminated in May 2018, when Ooredoo launched the world's first live 5G network, a technology it had been testing since 2014.
Global Operations and Subsidiaries
Ooredoo operates a vast network of subsidiaries across several continents, adapting its services to meet local market needs.
Middle East Operations
- Ooredoo Qatar: The flagship operation, which has evolved from basic telephony to advanced 4G+ networks and strategic partnerships with media platforms like Eros Now.
- Ooredoo Oman: Formerly known as Nawras, it is a pioneer in the region for launching Over-The-Top (OTT) TV services, allowing users to access content regardless of their broadband provider.
- Ooredoo Kuwait: Established in 1999 as Wataniya Telecom before being acquired and rebranded.
- Asiacell (Iraq): The first mobile telecommunications company in Iraq, holding a national license for extensive network coverage.
- Ooredoo Palestine: Providing essential services in the Gaza Strip since 2017.
North Africa and Asia
In North Africa, Ooredoo operates in Algeria (formerly Nedjma) and Tunisia (formerly Tunisiana), bringing 3G and EDGE networks to these markets. In South Asia, it maintains a presence in the Maldives via its former Wataniya Maldives operations.
In Southeast Asia, the company's presence is marked by Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison in Indonesia, formed through a merger between Indosat Ooredoo and PT Hutchison 3 Indonesia in 2022. While Ooredoo entered the Myanmar market in 2013, it finalized the sale of its Myanmar operations to Nine Communications Pte. Ltd. in May 2024 to focus on more strategic markets.
Corporate Ownership and Partnerships
Ooredoo's ownership structure is heavily tied to the state of Qatar. As of 2022, 68% of the company is held by government-related entities (52% directly by the state), 10% by the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), and 21% by public shareholders.
Beyond infrastructure, Ooredoo leverages high-profile partnerships to maintain its brand image. Since 2013, global football icon Lionel Messi has served as a brand ambassador. The company also maintains a premium partnership with Paris Saint-Germain and is the title sponsor of the Formula 1 Ooredoo Qatar Grand Prix.
Company Overview Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Doha, Qatar |
| Primary Industry | Telecommunications |
| Global Customers (2021) | 121+ Million |
| Revenue (2022) | US$6.23 Billion |
| Key Markets | Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Iraq, Algeria, Tunisia, Maldives, Indonesia |
| Stock Listings | Qatar Stock Exchange, Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Ooredoo mean?
Ooredoo is an Arabic word meaning "I Want," chosen to reflect the aspirations of the company's customers and its goal to enrich lives and stimulate growth.
When did Ooredoo launch 5G?
Ooredoo became the first operator in the world to launch a live commercial 5G network in May 2018, following tests that began in 2014.
Who owns Ooredoo?
The company is primarily state-owned, with 68% owned by Qatar government-related entities, 10% by the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), and 21% traded on the public market.
Which countries does Ooredoo operate in?
Ooredoo operates in nine countries and territories: Algeria, Indonesia, Iraq, Kuwait, Maldives, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, and Tunisia.
What was Ooredoo called before its rebranding?
Before becoming Ooredoo in 2013, the company was known as the Qatar Telecom ("Qtel") Group, and prior to 1998, it was the Qatar Public Telecommunications Corporation.