We believe that the true value of a business lies in how it creates economic, environmental and social value. We incorporate our core competencies to engage with communities where we live and work. We hope to deepen personal links, enhance the quality of life in our surroundings and create opportunities for a better future for all people in Qatar.
In 2017, we focused our investments in four key areas:
AmanTECH
Aimed at promoting digital literacy amongst parents and improving digital safety for children, we launched AmanTECH in 2014 (which stands for “Safe Technology” in Arabic). We are especially proud of the results we achieved this year with our partners.
We held over 20 educational events and workshops at schools, malls and high-profile events such as QITCOM and the Doha International Book Fair. With the Ministry of Transport and Communications, we delivered workshops to 1,000 children who learned to identify fake news, safely game online and protect their personal data. Learn more @ vodafone.qa/Amantech .
Aman Watches
We partnered with the Protection and Social Rehabilitation Centre (AMAN), to power Aman watches for children with our sim cards and network. These innovative devices use GPS technology to track a child’s location during travel, helping to keep them safe and give parents more peace of mind.
We supported the distribution of more than 1,000 watches to child travellers at Hamad International Airport. We also presented the watches to children at the Shaffalah Centre for children with special needs and the Renad Academy for students with autism spectrum disorder.
The Giving Challenge
The 2017 edition of the Vodafone #GivingChallenge raised QR 364,810 with over 36,000 votes received. Launched on the first day of Ramadan, the challenge reached new heights with the support of three Qatari social media influencers.
Aqeel Al-Janahi, Ahmed Abdallah and Ahmed Khalil selected charities and encouraged their followers on social media to vote for the charity of their choice using the My Vodafone app. With each vote, Vodafone donated QR 10 to the selected charity.
“I’d like to thank Vodafone for giving me the opportunity to be charitable in this innovative way. I’m proud that the money raised will make the wishes of so many orphans come true through Qatar Charity’s Omnyaati programme.” - Writer and actor, Ahmed Abdullaa
With Vodafone For All, we are realising our strong belief that connectivity is a right for all. We seek to overcome accessibility challenges whether technological or economic, especially for disadvantaged people such as the disabled, elderly and retired.
In 2017, we advanced this cause by launching permanent offers for retired customers in partnership with the National Retirement Authority. Retired customers with a valid military, civil or employee card from the General Retirement and Social Insurance Authority, are now eligible for a 50 per cent discount on our Red Postpaid Plans. Benefits include unlimited local calls and SMS, unlimited local and global data, Vodafone Points and much more.
In July 2017, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding with The Ministry of Transport and Communications to jointly raise ICT awareness and connectivity amongst migrant workers.
Through the Better Connections Programme, we are providing internet connectivity services and devices in 1,500 labs that will benefit 1.5 million workers in Qatar.
“Vodafone globally has long championed internet access for all members of society. We are delighted that millions of workers in Qatar can benefit from the Better Connections Programme using our world-class network.” - Ian Gray, CEO Vodafone Qatar
As part of Vodafone Red, customers can now make automatic monthly contributions of QR 100 to 300 to charities of their choice. One hundred per cent of the donation is given to the organisation, which in 2017 amounted to over QR 50,000.
Since May 2017, customers can also make charitable gifts using the Vodafone Easy Donations feature on the My Vodafone app.
Vodafone marked Qatar’s National Sports Day in 2017 by engaging employees and the public in community activities across the country. Visitors to the Qatar Foundation’s Al Shaqab indoor arena, for instance, used virtual reality powered by Vodafone to “cycle” and explore other sports.
The Filipino community especially enjoyed the celebrations sponsored by Vodafone. With “Be fit with Kulinarya Qatar”, many Filipinos visited a health and fitness bazaar featuring fitness activities, healthy food and medical checks.
Global Goals Week
In 2015 at the United Nations, world leaders committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, fight inequality and injustice and tackle climate change by 2030.
We leveraged our social media influence in Qatar to raise awareness about the SDGs and their importance for Qatar’s future. Social media engagement took place during the Global Goals Week in September 2017.
Qatar Sustainability Week
During Qatar Sustainability Week, Vodafone served as the official communication partner for the organiser: the Green Building Council (QGBC). The initiative enabled stakeholders from the public and private sectors to discuss breakthroughs in sustainability and the latest environmental trends.
We focused on promoting the revolutionary power of the Internet of Things (IoT) to enhance sustainability. From smart metres to smart homes, Vodafone enables technology with incredible potential to reduce Qatar’s environmental footprint.