Qtel one of the winners of the Arab e-Content Award 2009

Qtel was named as one of the winners of the Arab e-Content Award 2009 in a major ceremony in Bahrain last night.

The Arab e-Content Awards are part of the World Summit Awards (WSA), with results being judged according to an internationally-recognized system developed by experts in e-Content.

The Qtel Portal was named as the Best e-Business website in the Arab World, with the judges praising the site for the range of resources made available through the site, as well as its easy navigability and clear architecture.

In particular, the panel praised Qtel’s effective market segmentation through its strategic positioning of content and its effective use of the latest generation of cutting-edge communication tools.

As the range of products and services offered by Qatar’s leading communications provider has grown, its website has expanded to include e-payment, online bill checks, and help and support services, as well as linking through to specialist sites for Qtel’s popular Mozaic MyTones service and Mozaic TV+ premium television.

It also provides one of most up-to-date and transparent investor relations (IR) areas of any listed company in Qatar. Qtel’s IR initiatives are largely communicated via its designated IR section on the website, helping to earn the company the top position for corporate governance in Qatar, based on the evaluation by the Hawkamah Institute of Corporate Governance. Qtel is one of the few companies in the GCC that posts not only quarterly analyst presentations, but also audio for investor conference calls.

In addition, customers can check their email and apply for virtual domain names via the Qatar Internet Services offered through the portal, as well as being able to access specialist sections on corporate social responsibility, recruitment and job opportunities, and business solutions

“Qtel supports the whole community of Qatar, from customers at home through to the largest enterprises, and our portal has to reflect this diversity at the same time as providing one-touch access for people looking for information and e-services,” said Adel Al Mutawa, Executive Director, Group Communications, Qtel, whose business unit is responsible for the overall portal.

“As well as matching accessibility with a vast library of content, Qtel has also looked to be pioneers in the provision of e-Services, enabling people to manage their accounts with the click of a mouse,” he added. 

Qtel’s Customer Care site enables customers to pay bills by credit card, order services and review their status online. It has proven extremely useful for many people in Qatar, particularly those in outlying areas.

Qtel has also developed e-procurement processes through the portal, which enabled the company to increase its efficiency when sourcing new suppliers. All information has always been consistently provided in both Arabic and English.

“Winning the Arab e-Content Award is very gratifying for Qtel, because we have put a great deal of thought into the growth of our website, and a great deal of care in ensuring the navigation structures remain simple and easy-to-understand. Our website is constantly improving and developing, reflecting the ongoing evolution of Qtel as the preferred choice for world-class telecommunications services in Qatar,” said Al Mutawa.

Other winners in the competition included the e-Government Portal of Bahrain, Egypt’s ICT for Illiteracy Eradication (ICT for IE) initiative, and Qatar’s own Doha Debates website.

The Award Ceremony was held under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed Bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, Kingdom of Bahrain Deputy Prime Minister and the Chairman for the Supreme Committee for ICT. The awards were presented during the official opening ceremony of the Bahrain international eGovernment Forum 2009.

26/5/2009