Building better telecoms: How Ooredoo helps advance standards and policies

'We have been able to shape the industry’s future, and drive beneficial outcomes for our customers,' says Hilal Al-Khulaifi

July 22, 2025
Transcript

After finding out about Ooredoo Group’s updated corporate governance framework and its commitment to sustainability, we ask Group Chief Legal, Regulatory and Corporate Governance Officer Hilal Al-Khulaifi about how Ooredoo’s membership of the International Telecommunications Union, the GSMA, and its partnership with the United Nations Development Programme, have benefitted the group.

World Finance: I want to talk to you about the way that Ooredoo collaborates with international bodies, and how they benefit the group or the telecoms industry as a whole. Starting with the International Telecommunications Union.

Hilal Al-Khulaifi: Well, our membership in the ITU began in 2023 as a Sector Member. It underscores our commitment to actively engage in international telecommunications policy-making.

By participating in ITU conferences, workshops, and working groups, we contribute to shaping global standards and policies.

Furthermore, our ITU membership enables our operating companies to directly address telecommunications issues relevant to their local contexts through targeted working groups.

We firmly believe in the vital role of ITU in advancing global telecom infrastructure and standards, and this partnership enhances our capacity to innovate and remain at the forefront of industry developments.

World Finance: You’re also a member of the GSMA; how significant is this?

Hilal Al-Khulaifi: GSMA membership is extremely important to Ooredoo, given its influential role in the global telecommunications industry.

GSMA provides essential platforms for policy advocacy, collaboration on innovation, and industry standard-setting. It also enables us to stay at the forefront of technological advancements, such as 5G and IoT, and ensures we remain competitive and responsive to market changes.

Through our active participation in GSMA initiatives, we have been able to shape the industry’s future and drive beneficial outcomes for our customers and stakeholders.

World Finance: Finally, Ooredoo Group has partnered with the United Nations Development Programme on a number of initiatives over the years – what’s been the impact of this collaboration?

Hilal Al-Khulaifi: Ooredoo’s collaboration with the UNDP has been impactful in several key areas.

We have expanded connectivity to underserved regions and supported digital literacy programmes, focusing particularly on empowering women and youth.

In crisis response, our partnership has enabled effective use of mobile networks for emergency alerts, public health messaging, and digital cash transfers, benefiting refugee communities and crisis-affected populations.

And you know: Ooredoo does operate in Palestine, and our team is playing a very positive role to keep the people in Gaza connected.

That’s why at Ooredoo, we say to our subscribers with confidence: Upgrade your World.

World Finance: Hilal Al-Khulaifi, thank you very much.

Hilal Al-Khulaifi: Thank you.