Ooredoo and Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail) yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a collaboration framework to provide next-generation ICT solutions for the design, construction and operation of the Qatar Rail Development Programme (QRDP).
The MoU was signed by Ooredoo Qatar CEO Waleed al-Sayed  and Qatar Rail CEO  Dr Saad al-Muhannadi at a ceremony attended by senior executives from both companies.
Qatar Rail is currently driving the development of one of the largest rail projects in the world, and the technology agreement is one of the most far-reaching and comprehensive ever agreed by a leading ICT provider and a rail infrastructure developer.
The agreement positions Ooredoo as the primary ICT solutions supplier for the QRDP. It will support the provision of next-generation ICT services and infrastructure across the Qatar Rail network.
Upon completion, citizens, residents and visitors to Qatar will all benefit from a range of communication services provided both on-board and at stations.
In addition, the ICT services will provide vital connectivity during the development phase of each of the essential national projects.
Al-Sayed pointed out that Qatar Rail is leading one of Qatar’s “foremost projects”, creating a national railway network that will support the National Vision 2030 and deliver incredible benefits to the people and future generations.
“By integrating a full collaboration framework into the development plan, we will ensure that Ooredoo provides world-class technology and networks at every stage of the roll-out and deploy smart technology that enabled significant environmental and financial benefits,” he said.
Dr al-Muhannadi said the agreement would bring the full benefit of world-class technology and cutting-edge networks to Qatar Rail projects and ultimately to the customers who travel on the national rail system.
Under the terms of the agreement, Ooredoo will provide Qatar Rail with the latest infrastructure and solutions, including fixed and wireless connectivity services.
In addition, the agreement will support the development of dedicated smart solutions for managing rail transportation, including full control centre functionality and data centre services.
The agreement is designed to support Qatar Rail’s vision to provide customer-centric integrated railway services that are accessible, efficient, safe and reliable while maximising social, economic, and environment benefits.
Ooredoo has demonstrated its experience and expertise in connecting Qatar with world-class ICT infrastructure on major national projects, including Lusail City, Hamad International Airport, Katara and Souq Waqif.