ictQATAR and Yahoo! Alliance to Develop Arabic Content

Doha, February 10 (QNA) - The Supreme Council of Information and Communications Technology (ictQATAR) and Yahoo! have entered into a partnership to collaborate on the development of digital media and content ecosystem in Qatar. Yahoo! will work with ictQATAR to cultivate innovation, stimulate online growth and nurture entrepreneurship in line with Qatar's ICT2015 Strategy. According to the terms of agreement, Yahoo! will collaborate with ictQATAR's incubation centre as a strategic digital media knowledge partner. Yahoo! will contribute its know-how and global scale in the areas of digital content, multi platform applications, and digital advertising, thus participating in demand stimulation and development by working with local entrepreneurs and start-ups to develop digital content in Qatar. ictQATAR ICT Market Development Manager Ali Al Khulaifi, said, "We look forward to working with Yahoo! as a strategic partner to make Qatar a hub for leading digital content in the region, and creating an entrepreneurial spirit among our local talent in the industry. "ictQATAR is committed to developing a vibrant digital content ecosystem in Qatar, with a specific focus on quality Arabic content. Qatar and the Arab world have much to share and the best way to share our thoughts, ideas and innovations is digitally." Yahoo! Europe Middle East and Africa Senior Vice President and Managing Director Rich Riley, said, "We are very excited to enter into this strategic partnership with ictQATAR. "This is a joint project with common objectives. Qatar has incredible ambitions for growing the ICT sector and Yahoo!, as the premier digital media company, is well placed to make those plans a reality to the benefit of Qatar's business, brands and consumers." Yahoo! Maktoob, Middle East Vice President and Managing Director Ahmed Nassef said, "With 70 million people online today in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and 50 million more expected to come in the next two to three years makes this one of the fastest growing markets in the world. "With all this growth, there is still much to be done to develop the digital ecosystem in MENA and we are keen to be collaborating with the region s leading initiatives to fuel this development." (QNA)