Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 06 | Page 52

COUNTRY FOCUS: QATAR ICT solutions for Qatar Rail A communication services provided both on-board and at stations. In addition, the ICT services will provide vital connectivity during the development phase of each of the essential national projects. and operations phases. This agreement will bring the full benefit of world-class technology and cutting-edge networks to our projects and ultimately to the customers who travel on the national rail system.” The MoU was signed at a ceremony today by Waleed Al Sayed, CEO, Ooredoo Qatar and Dr. Eng. Saad Al Muhannadi, CEO of Qatar Rail, which was attended by senior executives from both companies. Qatar Rail is currently driving the development of one of the largest rail projects in the world, and the technology agreement is one of the most far-reaching and comprehensive ever agreed by a leading ICT provider and a rail infrastructure developer. Waleed Al Sayed, CEO, Ooredoo Qatar, said: “Qatar Rail is leading one of Qatar’s foremost projects, creating a national railway network that will support our National Vision 2030 and deliver incredible benefits for our people and for future generations. By integrating a full collaboration framework into the development plan, we will ensure that Ooredoo will provide world-class technology and networks at every stage of the roll-out and deploy smart technology that will enable significant environmental and financial benefits.” Under the terms of the agreement, Ooredoo will provide Qatar Rail with the latest infrastructure and solutions, including fixed and wireless connectivity services. In addition, the agreement will support the development of dedicated smart solutions for managing rail transportation, including full control centre functionality and data centre services. The agreement positions Ooredoo as the primary ICT solutions supplier for the QRDP. It will support the provision of next-generation ICT services and infrastructure across the Qatar Rail network. Upon completion, citizens, residents and visitors to Qatar will all benefit from an incredible range of Dr. Eng. Saad Al Muhannadi, CEO of Qatar Rail, said: “One of the goals of Qatar Rail is to encourage Qatar’s private sector to participate in our key rail projects, and we are very proud to be working with Qatar’s leading operator and ICT provider throughout the design, construction ccording Ooredoo and Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a collaboration framework to provide next generation ICT solutions for the design, construction and operation of the Qatar Rail Development Programme (QRDP). 52 INTELLIGENTCIO The agreement is designed to support Qatar Rail’s vision to provide customercentric integrated railway services that are accessible, efficient, safe, and reliable while maximising social, economic, and environment benefits. Ooredoo has demonstrated its experience and expertise in connecting Qatar with world-class ICT infrastructure on major national projects including Lusail City, Hamad International Airport, Katara, Souq Waqif and more. (QNA) www.intelligentcio.com