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The Qtel Group to Host Debate on Future Investment and Innovation in the Telecom Industry at TMT Finance 2010

Doha, Qatar, 04, March 2010: For the second consecutive year, The Qtel Group, will be a patron sponsor of the forthcoming TMT Finance and Investment Middle East 2010
(www.tmtfinance.com/me), one of the region’s most significant forums for the telecommunications industry.

The annual event, which is designed to bring together leading representatives from international telecommunications, investment and content provision organizations, takes place at a vital time for the industry, as the global economic climate is driving more companies to seek strategic alliances and new partnerships.

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Globally, the Middle East remains one of the most dynamic regions for telecommunications investment, with mobile phone market penetration surpassing 100% in countries like the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain, supported by highly-developed network infrastructure.
Industry observers suggest that the TMT event could be one of the most significant so far, as companies look to better understand how to balance risk and capture opportunities.

The choice of Qatar as the host nation for the event again in 2010 is built on the success of the previous year. In particular it also reflects the nation’s growing stature within the industry, as the Qatari market enjoys greater liberalization and the national telecommunications provider, The Qtel Group moves towards its target of becoming one of the top 20 companies in the world by 2020.

Dr. Nasser Marafih, CEO of The Qtel Group, said:  “The Qtel Group has quickly grown into a regional and global player, which is why it is fundamental to our business strategy that we understand the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. We are happy to support this event to address some of these challenges and opportunities. The Middle East telecommunications industry is in a period of rapid transition and this forum also provides an ideal platform for business leaders to share best practices, as well as drive innovation and expand investment opportunities.”

Future investment strategies for the sector will feature prominently at the event, as the majority of markets in the region continue to open to competition and increasing levels of convergence is sustained between telecommunication services.

Companies in developing markets may also be able to exploit their strong cash flows and relatively low debt levels to increase merger and acquisition activity, according to Booz & Co., conference partner for the event.

“With the background of a more challenging yet opportunistic environment, this year’s TMT Finance and Investment Middle East event represents a tremendous networking platform for senior executives and professional intermediaries, and we anticipate a very high standard of debate,” said Dominic Lowndes, managing director of BroadGroup TMT Ventures.

The TMT Finance and Investment Middle East 2010 event takes place at the Sharq Village Hotel Doha, April 26-27, 2010 (www.tmtfinance.com/me).