Orange Business Services sets up Qatar JV

With its sights set on capitalising on the growth across the Middle East, Orange Business Services, has announced the launch of an enterprise-focused joint venture in Qatar.

The JV will trade under the Orange Business Services brand in Qatar, and local business owner Sheikh Fahad Bin Ghanem [Al Abdul Rahman] Al Thani will be the majority shareholder. The firm will be dedicated to large systems integration programs and operations.

The move follows the launch of a similar new company set up in Saudi Arabia in 2012, as Orange Business Services up its focus on the Middle East and African regions. The operator already supports more than 500 multinational companies in Middle East and Africa, which it helps implement large projects globally. The firm said that it has a strategic focus on emerging markets, where it seeks to generate €1bn in revenue by 2015.

The JV will support the development of ICT infrastructure in Qatar as well as the broader economy, according to Al Thani.

“Qatar has already developed leading ICT systems in the areas of e-government and border security, and through this new joint venture company, Orange Business Services will bring the global experience and capabilities of France Telecom-Orange to Qatar,” he said.

Philippe Koebel, senior VP for emerging markets and indirect channels at Orange Business Services added that Orange is accelerating its growth strategy in the Middle East, following another strong performance in 2012.

“This new local company is a clear sign of our commitment to the Qatari market and to developing the ICT infrastructure of Qatar by offering and supporting new and advanced ICT services and solutions to the public and private sectors,” he said.