Doha, Qatar 27 November 2019: Vodafone Qatar, the Official Telecommunications Sponsor of the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup, has upped the fan experience with a high-tech Fan Zone at Khalifa International Stadium, where thousands of football fans attending the opening match between Qatar and Iraq enjoyed the very latest technology in real-time gaming.
The Fan Zone gives visitors the chance to experience an Augmented Reality (AR) game powered by Vodafone’s 5G GigaNet network as well as a Virtual Reality (VR) football game. 5G technology provides gamers with ultra-fast speed, a more reliable connection and ultra-low latency to enjoy an enhanced gaming experience. The Fan Zone is open at Khalifa International Stadium until the final match is played on 8 December.
The AR game has been specially customized to incorporate elements of the Arabian Gulf Cup, while the mascot Sodeifi guides participants through their games. Participants also have the opportunity to play on 5G handsets powered by Vodafone’s high-speed 5G network. Integrating game visual and audio content with the user's environment in real time, AR gaming showcased how Vodafone’s 5G GigaNet network transforms real-time gaming. In turn, fans can get into the action in the VR Game that transports each participant right into the arena where they can show off their football skills.
Vodafone Qatar Chief Executive Officer, Sheikh Hamad Abdulla Al-Thani, said: “It has been an exciting start to the highly anticipated Arabian Gulf Cup, making us even more delighted to have extended the fan experience well beyond the pitch and into our Fan Zone. Vodafone Qatar demonstrates how cutting-edge technology can transform the way people stay entertained and we hope that fans will truly enjoy our virtual reality gaming experiences as part of an unforgettable Arabian Gulf Cup 2019.”
Organised by the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation (AGCFF), the tournament kicked off with the participation of all eight nations - Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Qatar. As part of its sponsorship of the Gulf Cup, Vodafone Qatar is covering the two tournament venues - Khalifa International Stadium and Abdulla Bin Khalifa Stadium - with free Wi-Fi powered by its GigaNet network that will keep thousands of fans connected during the games.
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About Vodafone Qatar P.Q.S.C
Vodafone Qatar P.Q.S.C. ("Vodafone Qatar") provides a comprehensive range of services including voice, messaging, data, fixed communications, IoT and ICT managed services in the State of Qatar, for both consumers and businesses alike. The Company commenced commercial operations in 2009 and has 1.7 million customers as of 30 September 2019. Its state-of-the-art network infrastructure is expanding to cover key locations in the country with fibre connectivity and 5G, along with an extensive digital ecosystem, which will contribute to Qatar's continued growth and prosperity. Vodafone Qatar’s vision is deeply rooted in its mission to connect today’s ideas with the technologies of tomorrow by pioneering digital innovation and becoming people’s first choice in telecom and digital services. Please visit www.vodafone.qa for more details.
For press enquiries, please contact:
Lana Khachan
Head of Communications
Vodafone Qatar
E-mail: lana.khachan@vodafone.com