Doha, Qatar - June 21, 2017: Ooredoo Group companies have reached out to their communities this month, with a series of special initiatives designed to share the spirit of the Holy Month.

While the activities varied significantly across Ooredoo Group’s markets in the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia, they shared a common spirit of community engagement and were made possible by the support of volunteers from throughout the company.

Sheikh Saud Bin Nasser Al Thani, Group CEO, Ooredoo, said: “During the Holy Month, our employees always come together to support charitable activities, community programmes and sporting events. This year has seen the highest number of volunteers step forward to take part in community initiatives, reflecting the spirit of Ooredoo during Ramadan.”

At a group-level, Ooredoo is promoting a regional campaign for Ramadan that offers customers a host of digital options to connect with friends and family. This core campaign, which covers the company’s regional footprint, is being support by local initiatives in each of its operations.

In Qatar, Ooredoo has conducted a host of community initiatives during the Holy Month, as part of its “Hand-in-Hand” campaign, using the hashtag #ShareAMoment. Volunteers have distributed Iftar boxes to workers to help them break their fasts, visited patients in the kidney centre in Hamad Medical Corporation, and brought joy to child patients at the Hamad General Hospital.

In addition, volunteers have shared Iftar with elderly residents at the Qatar Foundation for Elderly Care and hosted a special Garangao celebration at Souq Waqif in Doha, which drew large and appreciative crowds. Ooredoo was also the Official Sponsor of Aspire's Ramadan Sports Festival 2017, which ran throughout June at the Aspire Dome in Doha.

Ooredoo Oman has continued with the 13th Ooredoo Goodwill Journey, which travels across the country supporting the development of communities. At each stage of the journey, Ooredoo volunteers provided tailored support for specially-select community projects in 12 neighbourhoods. This has included work with the Oman Women’s Association in Al Awabi and Shinas, supplying office equipment for the Oman Women’s Association Administration Office in Al Buraimi, and setting up a computer lab for IT training in Ibri.

As well as contributing to the community projects, the volunteers also visited homes in under-privileged areas and presented the resident families with home appliances and other useful items.

In Kuwait, Ooredoo has relaunched its Volunteer Programme, in cooperation with “Spread the Passion”, a local non-profit organisation which aims to encourage young people to be more engaged in community initiatives. The accompanying training programme is running throughout the Holy Month and includes workshops and training camp.

Ooredoo is distributing Iftar meals during Ramadan through a distribution centre at its head office and at its Iftar tent. Ooredoo Kuwait has also organised a special truck that is taking meals to underserved communities across the country. The meal distribution drive is organised by members of the volunteer programme.

Ooredoo Algeria has open special Iftar canteens across the country for needy people, in partnership with the Algerian Red Crescent. Ooredoo Algeria is also sponsoring a number of cultural programmes being broadcast during the Holy Month, as well as events across the country.

In Indonesia, Indosat Ooredoo and PKPU Human Initiative offered free health services in Depok City, West Java, including general medical screening, childcare services, and examinations. The event offered tips and advice for people who are fasting, and nutrition support for toddlers and the very young.

Sheikh Saud Bin Nasser Al Thani, concluded: “Around the world and in every market, our employees work hard to enhance people’s lives. The compassionate urge to volunteer helps make a real difference in the lives of our communities, and we are very pleased to see so many people step up this year and take part.”