Ahmad Mohammed Al-Kuwari

QNBN is working on develop Qatar’s infrastructure in fiber optics systems, while achieving significant business growth through strategic planning and innovative, customer-focused initiatives.

As the new CEO of QNBN, what is your vision for the future growth of the company?

QNBN has established itself as the leading national passive fiber service provider. Over the past few years, QNBN has successfully managed and delivered thousands of connections through the Unified Government Network (UGN), which remains the foundation of QNBN’s future growth. QNBN has also expanded its customer base among technically advanced entities in the private sector who recognize the benefits of an unrestricted and unthrottled network, providing them with a secure and seamless experience. Today, QNBN plays a pivotal role as a critical infrastructure provider in the State of Qatar, facilitating the communication needs of nearly all government entities. In essence, QNBN has become an important asset for the State of Qatar in the of telecom infrastructure sector. My vision is to leverage our robust foundation to further enhance the company, offering our services to a more diverse clientele. Another goal is to strengthen QNBN’s position by investing in the expansion of a future-ready, cutting-edge fiber-optic network. This endeavor aims to provide our customers with unmatched connectivity, speed, and reliability. Additionally, the security and integrity of our clients’ data are of utmost importance to us. We are dedicated to implementing top-tier cybersecurity measures and collaborating with both local and national cybersecurity authorities to maintain the highest industry standards in data protection and integrity. We are also committed to a customer-focused approach in our planning and development efforts. This involves staying receptive to potential value-added services that could enhance our current offerings. Lastly, I envision QNBN playing a significant role in giving back to the community. By emphasizing sustainability, I am optimistic that QNBN can minimize its environmental impact while continuing to be a pivotal supporter of digitalization in Qatar.

QNBN and Ooredoo are developing the Doha Port project. How will this project shape the future of Qatar’s digital landscape?

The collaboration between QNBN and Ooredoo in developing the Doha Port project comes as a step towards enhancing the digital experience in Qatar. The project aimed to transform Doha Port into a state-of-the-art touristic landmark, offering an exceptional experience for visitors. A key focus of this collaboration was to provide high-speed data connectivity, ensuring that visitors to Doha Port would have access to fast and reliable internet services. The agreement between QNBN and Ooredoo is the product of a strong partnership based on the complementarity of services between two leading telecom companies in Qatar. It aims to boost the digital infrastructure in Qatar. This model is not just limited to the Doha Port but is envisioned to be replicated in other projects. The aim is to develop a comprehensive digital landscape throughout the nation, enhancing Qatar’s position as a leading business and touristic destination with advanced technological capabilities. This partnership is also a reflection of Qatar’s broader vision of digitization and technological advancement, aligning with the country’s national vision to transform into a knowledge-based economy. By focusing on developing its digital infrastructure in key tourist locations, Qatar is not only improving the visitor experience but is also setting a benchmark for digital innovation in the region. The collaboration between QNBN and Ooredoo is a testament to the country’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance its tourism sector and business environment, contributing to its overall economic growth and diversification.

With the increasing reliance on digital infrastructure, how does QNBN prioritize and address cybersecurity concerns?

One of our core objectives at Qatar National Broadband Network is to uphold the national security of Qatar by offering a highly secure telecommunications network, fortified against cybercrimes. As such, QNBN actively cooperates with the National Cyber Security Agency and other key agencies in the country to implement comprehensive cybersecurity measures across our network. Our network is uniquely designed with limited active electronic components. This choice is strategic, as fiber optics are crucial in bolstering cybersecurity due to their inherent properties that safeguard data transmission. They are impervious to electromagnetic interference, which is often used in eavesdropping or data hijacking attempts. Additionally, any physical tampering attempts are easily detectable, making our network secure against such intrusions. Our network’s design ensures that active electronic devices are only present at specific premises, thereby significantly diminishing the risk of unauthorized access or interception of data in transit. Customers can be confident in the robust security of their data with QNBN.

What steps has QNBN taken to ensure that its broadband infrastructure is environmentally sustainable?

QNBN deploys a holistic approach to creating a sustainable telecom infrastructure that encompasses several key strategies. Firstly, the emphasis on energy efficiency is achieved through the sourcing and deployment of a passive optical network. This network design significantly reduces the need for active equipment both in the field and during transit, making it a highly energy-efficient telecom infrastructure. Another cornerstone of QNBN’s strategy is responsible material sourcing, particularly through the use of fiber optic cables. These cables represent a more sustainable choice, as their production is designed to conserve resources, minimize waste, and protect the environment. Additionally, the manufacturing process of fiber optic cables generates lower carbon emissions compared to other traditional network materials. QNBN is committed to minimizing resource use through the implementation of intelligent network management systems. These systems are designed to dynamically adjust capacity and allocate resources based on real-time demand. This approach not only conserves energy but also enhances network efficiency and reliability. Furthermore, QNBN is also committed to proactively deploy energy management practices across its operations. This includes turning off unused equipment, utilizing power-saving features, and optimizing cooling systems within its facilities. As such, at QNBN we are serious about reducing our environmental footprint and promoting sustainability within the telecommunications sector in Qatar.

In what ways is QNBN integrated into Qatar’s vision for smart cities?

The Qatar National Vision (QNV) 2030 emphasizes the development of a vibrant economy as a cornerstone for achieving sustained economic prosperity and continuous improvement in living standards. A key component of this vision is the strategic management of resources and significant investment in infrastructure, particularly in cutting-edge telecommunications. Central to QNV 2030 is the commitment to establish a world-class infrastructure, which includes efficient public service delivery systems, a skilled and productive workforce, and the fostering of entrepreneurial and innovative capabilities. Critical to these goals is the establishment of a robust fiber optic network, essential for connecting individuals and organizations. This is where the QNBN plays a vital role in diversifying Qatar’s economy and reinforcing its position as a regional knowledge and high-value industrial and service hub. QNBN’s secure, reliable, and high-speed network is instrumental in the digital transformation of Doha and other major Qatari cities into smart cities. This transformation encompasses the development of digital citizenry and culture, the deployment of advanced digital public transportation systems, and the enhancement of service delivery in crucial sectors such as health, education, and national security – all of which are integral to QNV 2030. Furthermore, the move towards smart cities involves various applications, ranging from intelligent traffic management and surveillance systems to other innovative solutions. These applications rely on a dependable network for transmitting data from Internet of Things (IoT) devices and sensors to central systems and data centers for analysis, further underpinning the broader objectives of QNV 2030.

How is QNBN involved in promoting digital literacy and educational initiatives in Qatar?

QNBN’s high-speed broadband infrastructure plays a pivotal role in the educational ecosystem, offering robust support to various educational institutions and platforms. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this infrastructure proved to be vital. The reliability and speed of QNBN’s network were essential in delivering educational content seamlessly to a diverse audience that included students, educators, schools, and universities. This seamless delivery was crucial in maintaining educational continuity during a period when physical classrooms were largely inaccessible. Furthermore, QNBN’s infrastructure is not just limited to supporting conventional educational needs. It also holds significant potential in advancing research and development in the academic sector. By facilitating high-speed and reliable internet connectivity, QNBN enables research institutions and universities to engage in more effective research collaborations. This connectivity is essential for sharing large datasets, utilizing cloud computing resources, and engaging in virtual collaborations that span across geographical boundaries. Moreover, QNBN’s infrastructure is instrumental in the development and implementation of innovative educational technologies. In an era where education is increasingly leveraging digital tools and platforms, from virtual classrooms to AI-powered learning assistants, a robust broadband network is crucial. Such a network supports the high bandwidth demands of these technologies and ensures a smooth, uninterrupted learning experience. In line with the Qatar 2030 National Vision, which focuses on human, social, economic, and environmental development, QNBN is actively working on multiple initiatives related to the educational sector. These initiatives, planned for the short and mid-term, aim to further integrate advanced digital solutions into the education sector. This aligns with Qatar’s goal of transforming into a knowledge-based economy, where education, research, and technology play key roles.