KUWAIT: COVID-19 has become a part of the equation of our lives, but not the entire equation. In fact, it is merely a signpost that unexpected events happen, but also such crises prove the human's ability to adapt and the corporates' capability to sustain. Sustainability requires struggle, and fulfillment is earned only by taking the right real-time decisions and managing the struggles. Ooredoo Telecom, the first to introduce innovative digital services in Kuwait, has been again an extraordinary performer during the tough times the world went through, and achieved greatness.

Ooredoo Kuwait's Chief Executive Officer, Abdulaziz Yaqoub Al-Babtain said: "Being "an average" is the standard of failure, while being "an extraordinary" is our culture's standard of success. Today, we mark this year by celebrating everything we have accomplished - from bringing new innovative digital solutions to our customers, to supporting the government and community during the crisis, partnering with well-established companies, and more."

Ooredoo Kuwait has reaffirmed its full support of the government and its entities in light of the Coronavirus outbreak in the country beginning of March 2020 and to ensure that customers are staying home as per Government directives. The company reaffirmed its support during a meeting held with Salem Al-Uthainah - Director General of Communication and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA) and the top management of Ooredoo Kuwait.

In March 2020 which was the beginning of the outbreak, the company reaffirmed its support by collaborating with the Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA) by providing customers with free 5GB internet and free calls for one month. Ooredoo Kuwait also launched its 'Be Safe. Be Home. Be Online' campaign which featured an array of digital offers and services designed to support customers and to ensure they are well connected and informed during the Coronavirus outbreak in the country.

Ooredoo Kuwait also took a serious role in helping businesses thrive through launching exciting offers targeting companies in the country with the aim of helping them run their business smoothly and to stay connected; especially as the country is preparing for Phase 3 of the 'gradual return to normal life'.

Milestones
Ooredoo Kuwait celebrated 1000 days of launching its state of the art data center with zero downtime since its launch in 2017. This comes to further reiterate the company's commitment to being one of the leading companies in information technology solutions, and the company of choice for prospective clients searching for ICT solutions, catering especially for the needs of corporates and businesses. The data center provides a suite of managed hosting services tailor-made to fit corporate and business needs. These services are ideal for corporates and businesses looking to better manage their data, platforms and applications.

More and above, Ooredoo Kuwait launched its all-new "Shamel Pro" on Monday, 19 October 2020, which was a big step that added to the company's portfolio. The hard work of Ooredoo's team has paid off as they have proudly stated that they gained more than 1,000 new "Shamel Pro" customers in the first two days of its launching. Ooredoo Kuwait never ceases to amaze its customers with its constant captivating products and services, and "Shamel Pro" takes Ooredoo's digital customer experience to the next level through its three different plans that were designed and built around the needs and passions of the local consumer market be it travelling, gaming or entertainment.

The company's headquarters opened its doors on Friday, 20 November, 2020 at mid-night amid with adherence to social distancing and safety measures to welcome customers who were keen on the two-day exclusive offer by Ooredoo, iPhone 12 launch offer on Shamel starting from KWD 25 per month. The hard work of the team has paid off, and the successful event was the talk of the town.

Ooredoo Kuwait also launched its Edunation Learning Platform, the provider of a new-age, learning environment. Ooredoo is the first telecommunications company in Kuwait to launch such a platform. Edunation is a provider of a new-age, learning environment. It strives to help students capitalize on teachable moments by giving them instant access to knowledge at all times. The platform resembles the full classroom experience, with online conferencing and the ability to conduct exams and complete assignments virtually. The Platform also allows educators, students, and parents to communicate easily online.

An undeniable fact, the Coronavirus crisis has imposed unforeseen global challenges and left a lot of human damage. One of the priorities of Ooredoo Kuwait was to provide and preserve jobs for all. Hence, Ooredoo was one of the companies that did not dismiss its employees during the VOVID-19, rather, they made distinct efforts to employ young talents, and in December 2020 specifically, the company opened its doors for Kuwaiti youth to join the Ooredoo family.

Partnerships
Ooredoo Telecom, the first to introduce innovative digital services in Kuwait, is reshaping the age of information and insight through innovative partnerships. The company is launching state-of-the-art IPv6 and be 5G/IoT ready for faster mobile data customer experience and evolution of smarter network. The partnership between Ooredoo and Wipro Limited enables the services on Ooredoo's mobile network in Kuwait. Wipro leveraged a dual-stack solution through network devices that translate Internet Protocol (IPv4) and (IPv6) to provide futuristic, reliable, secure, and faster mobile data experience.

Ooredoo represented by Fast Telco has also been recognized as a Gold Partner in the Aruba Partner Ready for Networking Program with Hewlett Packard Enterprise. It has also signed up to be Aruba's first Managed Service Provider (MSP) in Kuwait. Gold Certified Partners are recognized for having some of the industry's best-trained network engineers and demonstrating the highest level of expertise in planning, designing, implementing, and supporting complex networking, security, and wireless solutions.

Ooredoo have fulfilled Gold level competencies and completed noteworthy projects in the country which has enabled them to reach this level. Ooredoo has also signed a partnership with Nutanix, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTNX), a leader in enterprise cloud computing, to offer Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)-as-a-Service to businesses in Kuwait. The telecom service provider has implemented Nutanix Enterprise Cloud Platform combined with Citrix Virtual Desktops software in its data center with a view to provide a fully supported solution for desktop virtualization to small and medium businesses (SMBs) and enterprise customers.

Moreover, Ooredoo and Batelco, the leading digital solutions provider in Bahrain, partnered to launch "Global Zone" in Kuwait which will offer an ecosystem platform to further support the enablement of digital transformation in the region. The company has also partnered with Warba Bank, Kuwait's leading Islamic Bank with the aim of providing innovative digital services, solutions, and products to their customers. This partnership is also the first of its kind in Kuwait which will provide mutual cooperation in providing innovative and smart digital solutions that will satisfy customer needs and provide them with the best and most innovative digital experience.

Lastly, Ooredoo Kuwait announced its 5-year partnership agreement with Tamdeen Pearl, a subsidiary of Tamdeen Group, Kuwait's leading mixed-use property developer. As per this agreement, Ooredoo will provide innovative services and integrated digital communication solutions supported by the high-speed 5G technology for phase one of Al Khiran project, the ''Hybrid Outlet Mall'', located in the heart of Sabah Al Ahmad Sea City, and the region's first hybrid outlet, leisure and lifestyle destination. Ooredoo will also support the project with state-of-the-art cyber security technical services with its highest international standards and specifications.

Supporting Community and CSR
Ooredoo's social responsibility strategy is based on many values including communicating with all segments of the society, caring for them and enriching their digital lives, as well as manage all the challenges that might hinder the progress of the societies

Mijbil Alayoub, Senior Director, Corporate Communications, said: "It is our responsibility to contribute to the stability of the society, therefore, we adopt an inspirational vision that supports individuals of all groups and harness our efforts and capabilities to have a prominent role in elevating our country to the ranks of the advanced countries at all levels."

He added: "Thus, Ooredoo Kuwait collaborated with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), a related organization of the United Nations (UN), that plays a leading role in the field of migration governance globally. The collaboration allows Nojoom members who are also Ooredoo customers to donate their points to IOM on MyOoredoo Application." The company also announced its strategic partnership of the Global Biking Initiative at a press conference held 10th of February 2020 at its headquarters in Kuwait City as a testament to its support of Kuwaiti youth and athletes.

In response to COVID-19
The crisis the world went and still going through, planted in us a growing appreciation for life's simple experiences. As a fact, Life after the COVID-19 outbreak will never be the same, we are only waiting for a new beginning. Supporting the society at all times has always been Ooredoo Kuwait's corporate social responsibility strategy.

Ooredoo Kuwait affirmed its full support of the Government in cooperation with Al Rahma International Charity by gifting SIM cards which included free internet and calls to citizens who returned to Kuwait on repatriation flights to use during the medical quarantine period. The free SIM cards were distributed at Kuwait International Airport by members of Ooredoo Kuwait's team and Head of the Volunteer Unit at Al-Rahma International Charity.

The company also gifted its customers in Ministries and Governmental Organizations which include the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Interior, Civil Defense, Kuwait Police, Kuwait Airways and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation free internet valid throughout the month of March in appreciation for their great efforts during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation in the country.

These initiatives stem from the company's Corporate Social Responsibility and a continuation of its efforts during the COVID-19 situation and its commitment to supporting the Government and its entities. 2020 was tough enough on those who were not prepared, and challenging enough for those who think strategically, anticipate the future, have the ability to efficiently manage crises, and take real-time actions. Without a doubt, 2020 was the year of milestones, achievements, and greatness for Ooredoo Kuwait.