Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 44 | Page 14

NEWS Ooredoo Group jumps up the world’s top 50 telecoms brands list O oredoo Group has been listed in the Telecoms 300 2019 report as one of the top 50 telecommunications brands in the world, with a brand value of some US$3.779 billion. brand value since the company began its global brand roll-out in 2013, with the telecommunications operator now active in 10 markets across the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia. The Qatar-based telecommunications provider jumped to 41st in the Top 50 rankings, from 43rd last year, reporting a growth of 12% in brand value. Sheikh Saud Bin Nasser Al Thani – Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are delighted to confirm that, yet again, we are among the Top 50 telecommunications brands in the world, recognising our significant achievements in the world of telecommunications. We have a phenomenal leadership team, backed by the visionary support of our board of governors and our leaders in Qatar, and we are proud our efforts are acknowledged by industry analysts in this way.” Ooredoo Group also maintained its brand rating status of AA+, with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) of 77.4, up from 74.7 the previous year. Industry valuation and strategy consultancy Brand Finance produces the rankings list each year according to valuations of telecommunications companies worldwide. Brand Finance has previously noted the consistent increase in Ooredoo Group’s ////////////////// Munich Security Conference Core Group to be hosted in Doha D oha is to host the Munich Security Conference (MSC) Core Group Meeting later this year. The event, organised under the patronage of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, will accompany the Qatar IT Conference and Exhibition (QITCOM) from October 29 to November 1 at the Qatar National Convention Center. The MSC Core Group Meeting will bring together high-profile representatives of governments, international organisations, business, military bodies and academic groups to discuss regional and global security issues. The four-day Qatar IT Conference and Exhibition represents a unique platform for policymakers, technology providers and major companies specialising in Digital Transformation solutions to discuss Smart City security challenges and related regional initiatives. 14 INTELLIGENTCIO A multitude of global firms will also present creative ideas and strategies on universal cybersecurity. Under the theme ‘Safe, Smart Cities’, the event is now in its fifth edition and has emerged as one of the top tech events regionally. It will host over 90 international, regional and local speakers to discuss several key topics and trends in the ICT industry such as creativity, entrepreneurship and the deployment of technology solutions in building Smart Cities with cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies. www.intelligentcio.com