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Only five employees worked at ictQATAR when we opened our doors
in 2005. Today, we have 180 people on our team. With tremendous
cooperation from the rest of the government, we have built ictQATAR
from a vision into an innovative force that improves lives and makes our
country a better place to do business.
In this short time, we have begun to realize the rewards of information
and communication technology (ICT). Qatar’s telecommunications sector
now offers a second mobile provider in the marketplace. This competition
will provide choice to consumers and will drive innovation in products
and services while offering the public better quality, service, and value.
By connecting people to government through the new e-government
portal, Hukoomi, ictQATAR helps nurture democratic principles. Now
people of all ages and income levels can access the same information
about government policy and services any time day or night. We support
the country’s ambitious education reform by helping open students’
eyes to a world of ideas and concepts. Technology allows adult learners
to keep growing intellectually and professionally so their careers advance
and prosper. Every day, ICT supports the economy as it expands, deepens,
and diversifies, allowing Qatar to compete against economic power-
houses throughout the world. Because of technology, people with a dream
and a good idea can start or expand small and medium-sized businesses,
connecting securely to customers and suppliers all over the globe.
In so many ways, technology lights the path to a brighter, better future
for everybody who lives and works in Qatar. We have just begun our
astonishing journey.
Dr. Hessa Sultan Al-Jaber Secretary General of ictQATAR
Dr. Hessa Sultan Al-Jaber
Content
Introduction 2
The Vision 4
The Journey 8
Profiles 18
Organization 26
The Supreme Council of Information &
Communication Technology (ictQATAR)
connects people to the technologies
that enrich their lives, drive economic
development, and inspire confidence in the
future. Established in 2004 as the nation’s
ICT policy and regulatory body, ictQATAR’s
responsibility is to support Qatar’s ambitious
vision to achieve social and political change
while advancing global competitiveness.
Already, ICT is benefiting those who live
and work in Qatar in countless ways.
Children and adults learn more creatively.
Businesses of all sizes are discovering new
efficiencies and new markets. Government
is more responsive. And transformation in
healthcare is under way.
In just a few years, these accomplishments have supported Qatar’s
rise to a ranking of 32nd among 127 nations in the 2007–08 Networked
Readiness Index produced by the World Economic Forum and
INSEAD. This ranking squarely places Qatar as a regional leader.
When ictQATAR was established, His Highness the Emir invested
the Council with two authorities:
As the country’s independent and fair regulator, ictQATAR
protects consumers and businesses from unfair practices as
Qatar transitions to a competitive telecoms market.
As the government body that nurtures innovative technologies to
benefit those who live and work in Qatar, ictQATAR connects
citizens to government and helps people of all ages and income
levels become comfortable with technology so they can achieve
their personal and professional goals. A strategic partnership
between ictQATAR and Microsoft strengthens ICT initiatives in
healthcare, education, and other sectors.
ictQATAR’s accomplishments include opening the country’s
telecommunications market to competition; launching an easy-to-use
online portal to government information and services; raising awareness
of the power of ICT through a national information campaign, “The
promise of e”; and preparing for the future through the creation and
adoption of a comprehensive three-year strategic plan.
And ictQATAR has only begun to bring improvements to every aspect
of life in Qatar. In the years ahead, an increasingly vibrant, innovative
ICT sector will fuel Qatar’s economy and secure an even brighter
tomorrow for Qatar’s families.
32007 Annual ReportictQATAR2
52007 Annual Report
A diverse, flexible economy that advances the welfare
of everyone: this is the goal of Qatar’s National Vision.
Fundamental elements of the National Vision include
promoting democratic processes, safeguarding the
nation’s unique environment, offering world-class
healthcare to all citizens, and providing learners with the
skills and knowledge to thrive in a global economy.
This National Vision is an ambitious roadmap to a
prosperous future where citizens will enjoy unlimited
social, economic, and political opportunities. And
ICT is integral to attaining all these goals. In fact,
technology is supporting social and political reforms
already in progress.
By 2012, Qatar’s IT spending is expected to
surpass that of its peers, Bahrain and Oman,
recording a compound annual growth rate
of 11 percent.
Source—2008 Business Monitor International
4 ictQATAR
the vision
In order to achieve this promise for all, ictQATAR approved a
three-year master plan that details ICT programs and projects
through 2010. All activities are framed by an environment,
readiness, and usage (ERU) model. Within this framework,
ICT-driven change occurs by creating the right environment
through conducive market conditions, appropriate policies,
and essential infrastructure—all to increase the readiness of
citizens, businesses, and government. In order to ensure
broad usage, ICT decision making is based on developing useful
applications and sector-specific content .
The ERU model has led to the creation of nine core national
programs that support individual initiatives. These programs
include state-of-the-art infrastructure development; capability-
building; regulatory and legal frameworks; information safety
and security; societal inclusiveness; and ICT in the priority areas
of education, health, government, and business.
72007 Annual Report
Educ
atio
n
Hea
lth
Gov
ernm
ent
Priv
ate
sect
or
Environment
Readiness
Usage
6 7 8 9
Programs addressing ERU framework
Sectorial ICT plan
1 State-of-the-art infrastructure 2 Innovation and capability building 3 Regulatory and legal framework 4 Safety and security 5 Inclusive society 6 e-Education 7 e-Health 8 Integrated government 9 e-Business
1 2 3 4
4 5
4 5
Qatar’s long-term vision, socioeconomic development
goals, and sector-specific priorities drive Qatar’s ICT
strategy and master plan as outlined below.
ictQATAR6
Sector-specific priorities and ICT imperatives
Socioeconomic programs
ICT strategy ICT master plan
Government services
Education
Health
Financial services
Tourism and sports
Transport
Oil and gas
Manufacturing
Sustained political reform
Long-term economic development
Equitable social development
Framework
Environment
Readiness
Usage
Educ
atio
n
Hea
lth
Gov
ernm
ent
Priv
ate
sect
or
Qatar National
Vision
Strategic thrust
Programs
Initiatives
Impact
92007 Annual Report
Over the past year, those who live and work in Qatar
have experienced the power of ICT in many ways
The Power of Choice: Telecoms Liberalization
Liberalization of the telecommunications sector has been a priority for
ictQATAR since the first days of the Council’s existence. And after a
careful, ordered, transparent process, in 2007 ictQATAR finally ended
the country’s monopoly in telecommunications products and services.
The open process included consultation and expression of interest
stages. A second mobile license was awarded to a Vodafone and Qatar
Foundation consortium to provide mobile service to business and
individual consumers. This first step in liberalizing the telecommunica-
tions industry means consumers will benefit as companies compete
for their business.
When the process began, 17 providers from throughout the world
expressed interest in entering Qatar’s market. ictQATAR’s regulatory
staff evaluated the companies to ensure they met specific technical,
financial, and operational criteria before the final list of renowned
providers competed against one another in an auction process. A similar
process is under way for the awarding of the fixed-line license.
In its role of regulator, and with a consumer protection mandate,
ictQATAR is developing a full regulatory framework that includes
dominance designation and conditions; interconnection and access
rules; regulatory cost accounting; tariff policy; spectrum and number
policies; consumer protection; and dispute resolution. Other areas
that will come under its focus will be electronic transactions
legislation, the application of UNCITRAL principles, domain name
procedures, and e-government processes.
the journey
8 ictQATAR
The Power of Connected Government: Hukoomi
Qatar’s leadership is dedicated to making government work effectively
and efficiently for residents, citizens, and visitors. A nationwide effort
is under way to integrate a customer-focused approach to every aspect
of running the government in order to reduce redundancies, increase
transparency, and heighten efficiency.
As part of this commitment, in 2007 ictQATAR worked with Ministries
and Councils to make government more responsive to the people it serves.
The centerpiece of this collaboration was the launching of Hukoomi,
a new, modern, online portal to Qatar’s government. Built on the success
of Qatar’s former e-government site—integrated into ictQATAR in
2005—Hukoomi gives those who live and work in Qatar easy, 24-hour
access to expanded government information and online services.
At any time, citizens and residents do everything from paying traffic fees
to hunting for a new job. Business owners can register their enterprise
online and access information and services about work visas and
business operating laws. And visitors to Qatar have a one-stop center
for information on tourist visas, cultural events, and accommodations.
112007 Annual Report
The Telecommunication Law is promulgated, providing the regulator the power to issue new licenses
The process is set in motion to liberalize the sector by intro-ducing into the market new mobile and fixed-line providers
A Vodafone and Qatar Foundation consortium is selected as the second licensee
A Vodafone and Qatar Foundation consortium is officially awarded license. Company is named Vodafone Qatar
Vodafone Qatar will begin offering service
2006 2007 2008 2009
Qatar’s leadership understood that competition would bring value to
consumers and spur development of the advanced products and services
needed to support a growing, diverse economy. Three objectives
have driven Qatar’s telecommunications liberalization:
Foster an efficient telecommunications sector to benefit society
Create a showcase for successful sector reform
Provide a sustainable business environment
In three years, ictQATAR will review the state of the telecommunications
market. At that time, we may determine that the market can sustain
additional mobile and fixed-line operators and once again initiate
licensing procedures.
ictQATAR10
Qatar Public Telecommunication Corporation is established
Qatar Public Telecommunication Corporation is renamed Qatar Telecom (Qtel)
The Information Technology and Communication Committee is established
The Supreme Council of Information & Communication Technology (ictQATAR) is formed
Qatar’s telecommunication transformation major milestones
1987 1998 2002 2004
Qatar boasts some of the region’s highest penetration rates in telecommunications (both fixed-line and mobile).
challenges are not limited by national boundaries. FIRST fosters regional
ties to security partners around the world in order to share up-to-date
information about threats and vulnerabilities.
Working with the community and public and private institutions,
Q-CERT raises awareness of cyber-security threats and risks. Q-CERT’s
mandate includes:
Build incident response capability
Create broad capabilities to monitor cyber-security developments
Work with critical organizations to establish and improve risk
management practices
In 2007, Q-CERT cooperated with government agencies, schools,
organizations, businesses of all sizes, and Qatar’s citizens to understand
and manage cybersecurity risks. ictQATAR and Q-CERT are committed to
protecting sensitive information and ensuring the safety of our children on
social networking and all other sites on the Internet.
Approximately 100 people representing the Arab States and other nations
throughout the world traveled to Doha in early 2008 to participate
in the International Telecommunication Union’s Regional Workshop on
Frameworks for Cybersecurity and Critical Information Infrastructure
Protection. During the meeting, ictQATAR and Q-CERT conducted a
cybersecurity forensics workshop for representatives from the region to
discuss challenges and best practices, develop frameworks for cyber-
security, and share information on development activities. International
meetings such as these are crucial because the interconnection of modern
societies creates interdependencies and risks that must be managed at
the national, regional, and global levels.
132007 Annual Report
Hukoomi is a historic milestone—the first time that more than 50 entities
across the government came together online. Hukoomi will help businesses
improve productivity and compete in the marketplace. And it will improve
convenience and satisfaction in the daily lives of everyone in Qatar.
In 2007, ictQATAR worked with the State Audit Bureau to develop online
business services for launch in 2008 as a pilot program. The services
will streamline the tendering process for companies and firms of all sizes
seeking to do business with Qatar’s government. E-tendering and
e-auctioning services will improve the tendering process, while increasing
government transparency and fairness by providing all potential bidders
the same information at the same time.
Next year, Hukoomi is expected to add seven new innovative services.
A total of 52 state-of-the-art e-government programs will be implemented
over the next three years, including many online services to benefit citizens
and households as well as businesses and government employees.
The Power of Safety: Cybersecurity
For Qatar, information security and the safety of young and adult
Internet users is an absolute priority. To safeguard users as well as to
protect government information and systems, ictQATAR in 2005 forged
a partnership with Carnegie Mellon’s Software Engineering Institute
(CERT Coordination Center) to establish the Qatar Computer Emergency
Response Team (Q-CERT). By 2007, Q-CERT, now the nation’s center for
information security, grew into a team of more than 30 professionals
who brought security expertise and experience from around the world.
Q-CERT passed an independent evaluation and met the requirements to
become a member of the Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams
(FIRST). This membership is important because information security
ictQATAR12
A Sampling of Hukoomi Services
Citizens and Residents
Pay traffic fees Find emergency numbers Explore government employment
opportunities Find information about schools Research transportation options Look at the schedule of local
cultural and sporting events Businesses
Register a business online Manage commercial
registration online Obtain worker visas Review business operating laws Post job openings
Visitors
Obtain tourist visas Research accommodations Find restaurants Discover local cultural and
sporting events Learn Qatari customs and
societal norms Ask a local Qatari for trip advice
ICDL, the world’s largest purveyor of computer skills certification,
provides e-literacy opportunities for adults of all skill levels. Internation-
ally benchmarked ICDL training modules help men and women learn
or enhance computing knowledge. In 2007, 3,500 independent school
teachers and government employees began ICDL training.
With a focus on fostering ICT use among women—especially those not
working—ictQATAR signed an agreement with the Supreme Council for
Family Affairs to promote e-literacy among women.
e-Learning Portal, a new online multi-media tool, helps adults advance
their careers or learn for the love of it. Access cards allow university
students, private and public employees, and non-working adults
learn valuable new skills. The cost-free e-Learning Portal gives adults
access to 4,000 courses in Arabic, French, and English. The courses are
accredited by renowned international bodies. In 2008, e-Portal will be
available to 5,000 adults.
The Power of Wellness: e-Health
A pillar of Qatar’s ambitious national agenda is commitment to providing
world-class healthcare to the entire population. The healthcare sector has
seen a concerted effort by government to build not only state-of-the-art
infrastructure but also strong institutions and frameworks to act as
catalysts in bringing the benefits of e-health services to people in Qatar.
Information technology is a cornerstone of an effective and responsive
healthcare delivery system. ictQATAR partners with the National Health
Authority and Hamad Medical Corporation to leverage IT innovations
in order to promote clinical excellence and improve medical care for
all patients. In 2007, several initiatives standardizing and supporting
152007 Annual Report
The Power of Learning: e-Education and e-Literacy
Qatar has made quality education a priority. It is the country’s goal to build
a modern, world-class education system that allows citizens to develop
their potential while respecting our society’s values. In 2007, integrated
ICT technology deepened and expanded the learning experience for
everyone—from children in kindergarten to professionals who want to
improve their credentials.
ictQATAR collaborated with the Supreme Education Council to boost
student achievement, involve parents in the educational process, and
open the world to students of all ages. And as people benefited from
the following programs, they gained invaluable ICT experience.
School Knowledge Network, a unique three-way portal connects students,
parents, and teachers any time. Knowledge Network has been implemented
in 37 middle and high schools. It permits three-way communication and a
way for students to submit homework assignments or parents to instant
message teachers to find out about coursework or upcoming tests.
Global Gateway, a collaboration with the British Council, allows
teachers and their students to collaborate with counterparts around the
world. Whether they conduct experiments, discuss global issues, or
learn firsthand how people live in other countries, the classroom experi-
ence has become more innovative and lively. Teachers at 54 schools are
now trained to use Global Gateway.
Model e-School, introduced in two middle schools, encourages class-
room creativity and innovation. Reflecting worldwide best practices,
e-learning blends with traditional classroom methods to create dynamic
experiences and activities. An example is e-Schoolbag, a tablet PC for
school and home that contains interactive content, digital textbooks,
and other tools.
ictQATAR14
Over the next three years, ictQATAR will collaborate with the private and
public sectors to roll out 21 e-business initiatives to help SMEs thrive. Our
plan is based on exhaustive analysis of market conditions and interaction
with stakeholders across the business landscape. The initial focus is on
heightening awareness of the added value of ICT to small and medium-sized
enterprises. After this education phase, ictQATAR will support the provision
of business resources, ICT applications, and SME development activities.
Through the first phase and beyond, ictQATAR will sponsor Business
Connect, a series of seminars bringing businesses and ICT development
together. Business Connect seminars highlight relevant ICT information
and provide a forum to share success stories. Another program fostering
adoption of ICT in the business community, particularly during the first
phase, is the SME e-Business Pilot. A pilot group of SMEs will be selected
and will be guided through an 18-month program designed to increase
e-maturity. SME leaders will participate in training and partner with other
companies in order to benefit from ICT-related services. Seasoned IT coaches
will facilitate the program and address concerns of business leaders.
The Power of Connectivity: iPark
In early 2007, ictQATAR and the Ministry of Municipality and Agricultural
Affairs partnered to provide free wireless access in three parks in Doha.
The Internet Parks Initiative, known as iPark, allows people to email, chat,
or surf the Internet any time at Sheraton Park, Al-Bidda Park, and Dahl-
Alhamam Park. In the first half of 2008 alone, more than 26,000 people
benefited from iPark.
172007 Annual Report
healthcare services were launched as part of the development of an
integrated national health information platform. This platform—including
a secure electronic health record—will revolutionize how healthcare is
delivered. Quick, accurate, and up-to-date medical records and informa-
tion will be available at the point of care. The result will be better patient
safety and healthcare quality.
This is just the beginning. ictQATAR is collaborating with its healthcare
partners to create advanced primary care clinical and emergency depart-
ment systems. Both will improve the quality of patient care and increase
clinician productivity.
The Power of Job Creation: Small and Medium-sized
Enterprises
As part of our promise to help drive economic development and inspire
confidence in the future, ictQATAR works to foster a technology-friendly
environment for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). These
important enterprises, employing from one to 99 people, operate across
all sectors and contribute to productivity at every income level. In today’s
global economy, the ability of SMEs to leverage technology is crucial.
ictQATAR is helping these businesses adopt the technologies that will
contribute to success—ultimately translating into new jobs, increased
regional competitiveness, and deeper economic diversity.
Technology allows business leaders to find new markets for goods and
services and discover the most efficient suppliers wherever they are.
Technology helps managers make informed decisions based on substan-
tive facts and figures. However large or small a business, technology
enhances performance, competitiveness, and revenue.
ictQATAR16
Students in Zaher Al Askar’s classroom at the Muhammed Bin Abdul Wahab Secondary
School for Boys learn English so they are prepared to thrive in a global economy. But
thanks to Global Gateway, the boys discover much more than spelling and vocabulary.
ictQATAR, in partnership with the Supreme Education Council, introduced Global
Gateway to independent schools. An online teaching tool that connects classrooms
around the world, Global Gateway makes it possible for teachers to share ideas and
best practices. Global Gateway connects students, too, allowing them to virtually
cross thousands of miles to debate issues, help one another understand different
worldviews, and as Zaher says, “see that knowledge has no end.”
For example, Zaher is likely to write the English word for “poverty” on the blackboard
and ask his boys to come up with English words for the results of poverty. Then, his
students can use Global Gateway to talk virtually to boys their age in Africa about the
pain of disease and war. Global Gateway also allows Zaher’s students to see photos
of African families and even hear bird and animal sounds that are very different
from what they know in Qatar.
Zaher says these personal glimpses across the world develop his students’ characters
as well as their minds. He watches them become more empathetic and compassionate
as they learn. And that transformation is what knowledge is all about. “Part of being
human is exploring human relationships with many different people. There is no such
thing as one subject, or even many. There is only the freedom to learn, to grow.”
192007 Annual Report
Zaher shows his students the world
ictQATAR18
212007 Annual Report
One of the great loves in Marah Al-Bustami’s life is the mind. Passionate about
knowledge, how people gain it, and what they do with it, she graduated from Qatar
University with a degree in information and library sciences.
The other great love in Marah’s life is her family—her husband and her nearly
two-year-old daughter, as well as her extended family who span the globe. Marah’s
aunts, uncles, and cousins live in Jordan, London, Palestine, and Canada.
Marah keeps everything close to her at the same time at iPark, one of three cost-free
wireless parks in Doha created by ictQATAR and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and
Agriculture. While at University, Marah used Sheraton Park to sit by the sea while
studying online, sending emails to family members, and watching her daughter chase
birds and play. Marah says, “With iPark, you don’t have to be cut off from the world,
trapped inside at a desk, studying or working.”
That’s why Marah wishes more people knew about iPark. “Businessmen are always
busy. They are apart from their wives and children. People need to understand this is
a way to be together.”
As for Marah’s family, they will likely be spending more mornings at iPark. She intends
to work for a time at a foundation or university, then return to school for an advanced
degree. She knows iPark will be there to help her balance all the loves of her life.
ictQATAR20
Marah enjoys more time with her family
Mohammed Al Saee is deputy general manager at Doha Petroleum
Construction Co. Ltd. (DOPET), one of the country’s leading oil and gas services
providers. DOPET’s work supporting operations for the world’s most important
oil companies is vital to Qatar’s economy. And Mohammed’s job is critical to
DOPET. Working 10–11 hours every day, he oversees administration and a host
of other areas important to DOPET. With little notice, DOPET must typically
recruit 500–1,600 foreign workers for a refinery maintenance project, arrange for
their entry to Qatar, and then feed and house them when they arrive. Once
the project is completed, the foreign workers all have to go home. And this
means hundreds of forms that must be prepared, signed, and submitted.
The complexity of DOPET’s assignments is why Mohammed relies on Hukoomi.
Before government services became available online, Mohammed had to
send his staff to government offices to stand in long queues, sometimes just
to ask a question. That process cost the company time and money.
Now Hukoomi provides 24-hour access to government information and
services. The government-wide portal makes it fast and easy for Mohammed
to download and complete necessary visas and permits. Mohammed notes
that Hukoomi does more than save companies time and money. Now drivers
don’t contribute to traffic jams and air pollution. And, he says, “We conserve fuel
and trees that don’t have to be cut down for paper.” In the end, Mohammed
says, “The most important aspect of success in any company is people.
Because of Hukoomi, DOPET can focus on people instead of paperwork.”
232007 Annual Report
Mohammed’s work is done easier, faster
ictQATAR22
252007 Annual Report
Dr. Khan makes technology work for patients
From the time he was a boy, Dr. Yasir Khan has been motivated by the desire to help
others and relieve suffering. Part of a family of doctors and medical professionals, he
grew up in Saudi Arabia and ultimately became a pediatrician. He has worked all over the
world, treating people of many races and religions. After spending the last eight years in
the UK, he is back in the Middle East, currently calling Qatar home.
And Dr. Kahn is part of the ictQATAR family now— as a clinical advisor for the e-Health
program. He is eager to help institute change through ICT that fits his lifelong passion for
making people healthier. “ictQATAR will revolutionize the way clinical care is provided in
Qatar,” he says. “There will be huge benefits to patients and physicians.”
Advancements in technology have revolutionized the field of medicine. It is now possible
to detect diseases earlier, provide more effective and less invasive treatments, share
medical records digitally, and consult with physicians thousands of miles away. “I believe
what we have seen is just the tip of the iceberg. New technologies and advances will
reform and modernize medicine beyond recognition in the near future,” says Dr. Kahn.
With a master’s degree in software engineering, Dr. Kahn is committed to combining the
best technology with the best patient care. “ICT has the power to help doctors be even
more responsive to patients and bring the patients a new level of understanding and
comfort.” Dr. Kahn knows firsthand that even the most noble goals— such as treating
devastating diseases and helping people live longer—are achieved step by step. “The
scale of human suffering around the globe was eye-opening for me, but it is amazing how
a real difference can be made by small, sustained efforts.”
ictQATAR24
272007 Annual Report
Regulatory Authority Government Information Management Office
ICT Development Programs
Market Development & Knowledge Management
Policy & ProgramPolicy & Economic Education Market Development
Legal Government IT Operations
Health Knowledge Management
Technical Affairs Government IT Platforms
Enterprise Development
Infrastructure Development
Cyber Safety & Security
E-Inclusion
Competition & Market Strategy Tariff Policy Licensing Policy
Dispute Resolution & Litigation Consumer Protection e-Commerce/e-Transaction Competition Law
Spectrum Management Interconnection Management/
Numbering & Internet Domain Name Administration
Type Approval Quality of Service/Spectrum
Monitoring
Policy i-Gov Program Office
Service Delivery Technical Operations
Government Data Centre Government Network Contact Centre
Qcert Government Information
Security (Vacant)
Policy Coordination Program Coordination Technical Team
Policy Coordination Program Coordination Technical Team
Program Coordination
Program Coordination
Finance
Strategic Planning
Human Capital & Administration
Communication Office
Strategy and Policy Corporate Performance
& Organization Development Institutional Relations
Budgeting & Financial Reporting Procurement & Contracts Billing & Invoicing General Accounting Internal IT Support
Outreach Publications
General Services Training & Development HR
Secretary General
Internal AuditLegal Advisor
ictQATAR26
ictQATAR organization
ictQATAR is structured to reflect its key functions, enabling it
to best realize Qatar’s ICT vision, strategy, and master plan.
The Secretary General leads ictQATAR, with a Board of
Directors responsible for overseeing policy, performance,
and compliance with laws and regulations.