Doha, 29 October 2019: A memorandum of understanding signed by Vodafone Qatar and Hamad International Airport (HIA) today sets HIA on course to become one of the smartest connected airports in the world. The agreement will see Vodafone Qatar become the first operator to deploy its world class GigaNet 5G in-building network in the airport.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of QITCOM 2019, the largest information and communications showcase in Qatar, by Vodafone Qatar’s CEO, Sheikh Hamad Abdulla Jassim Al-Thani and the Chief Operating Officer of HIA Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer.
As part of its digital strategy, the state of the art airport is already investing in cutting edge smart technologies to transform customer experience with an end-to-end self-service passenger journey enabled by biometric facial recognition. Innovative technologies are also being deployed to enhance operational excellence. The availability of Vodafone Qatar’s 5G network will help to support this by improving network response times and capacity.
Commenting on the agreement, Sheikh Hamad Abdulla Al-Thani said: “Vodafone Qatar is proud to support HIA’s digital strategy through our 5G network. For airports, an intelligent 5G enabled wireless network that can power advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence and Big Data will be at the heart of transforming the passenger experience, enhancing safety, boosting operational efficiencies and generating revenue.”
Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, Chief Operating Officer at HIA stated: “Hamad International Airport has been a pioneer in adopting emerging technology trends that deliver tangible business outcomes. HIA’s partnership with Vodafone Qatar will be pivotal in delivering ubiquitous ultra-high-speed communication, providing our passengers with connectivity like never before.”
Vodafone Qatar has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to building a world-class infrastructure in support of the realisation of the Qatar National Vision 2030. Last month, the Company’s leading role in the deployment of 5G was unveiled with the announcement that the extensive reach of its 5G network covers key locations across the country. In parallel, Vodafone Qatar also launched the country’s first ‘Unlimited 5G Plans’ to give mobile users the full 5G experience, and allow them to take advantage of its unprecedented speed.
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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 1.8 million customers as of 30 June 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
About Hamad International Airport
HIA, the gateway to Qatar and to the World. Positioned at the edge of the Arabian Gulf, Hamad International Airport’s tranquil waterside setting provides a perfect backdrop for its stylish architectural elements, underpinned by advanced airport systems in line with its ‘Smart Airport’ vision. The airport features two runways, a state-of-the-art air traffic control tower and currently processes more than 35 million passengers and 360,000 aircraft per year. With over 40,000 square meters of combined retail, food and beverage facilities, unmatched spa facilities and a collection of unique art pieces from internationally acclaimed artists, HIA is a destination on its own, designed for the global traveler.
HIA is undertaking an expansion to meet the growing demand for air travel and enhance its position as the preferred gateway for travel. It will deliver on the promise of the ‘airport-of-the-future’ by enhancing the multi-dimensional offerings by integrating a refreshing environment of lush greenery with contemporary retail and dining concepts among other leisure attractions and facilities under one expansive terminal.
Enhancing the five-star airport’s capacity to more than 53 million passengers annually by 2022 to more than 60 million passengers annually once fully completed, the expansion will feature a lush indoor tropical garden and water feature and 9,000m² of world class Al Mourjan lounge and more than 11,000 m2 of contemporary retail and dining space.
Qatar Airways, Qatar Duty-Free, and Hamad International Airport will jointly host the world's most influential airport commercial revenues conference, The Trinity Forum. The conference, organised by The Moodie Davitt Report, ACI World and ACI Asia-Pacific, will take place in Doha from 30-31 October 2019.
HIA is a five-star airport by Skytrax and ranked Fourth Best Airport in the World by the 2019 Skytrax World Airport Awards.
For more information, visit HIA’s website www.dohahamadairport.com.
Further contact details:
Hamad International Airport,
Marketing and Corporate Communications Department
Tel: +974 4010 2523
Fax: +974 4010 4010
E-mail: hiamedia@hamadairport.com.qa