For the airline go to Wataniya Airways
| Type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Telecommunications |
| Founded | 12 October 1997 |
| Headquarters | Kuwait |
| Products | Communication services |
| Employees | 1000+ |
| Website | http://www.wataniya.com/ |
Wataniya Telecom was commercially launched in 1999 as the first privately owned telecommunications operator in Kuwait. In March 2007, Qatar Telecom (Qtel) acquired 51% of Wataniya Telecom shares from Kuwait Projects Company Holding KSC (KIPCO) group.
Wataniya has been a driving force in increasing the mobile market penetration in Kuwait (over 80%). Wataniya Telecom has grown rapidly through acquisitions in Kuwait, Maldives, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Algeria and the Palestinian territories.
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Qtel is the exclusive telecommunications provider in Qatar. Its principal activities include local and international fixed telephone, mobile, Internet, data and cable television services. Qtel is now active in 16 countries, including Qatar, Oman, Iraq, Singapore and Indonesia. In November 2006, Qtel acquired a strategic 38% equity stake with AT&T in NavLink, a leading provider of Managed Data Services to businesses in the Middle East. Qtel is a winner of the 2006 GCC Economic Award, and is listed on the Doha Securities Market, in addition to the exchanges in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and also has a listed GDR in London.
Wataniya owned by Qtel (Qatar Telecom) operates in the different countries with different brand names[1]:
| Country | Brand |
|---|---|
| Algeria | Nedjma |
| Qatar | Qtel |
| Kuwait | Wataniya |
| Oman | Nawras |
| Saudi Arabia | Bravo |
| Tunisia | Tunisiana |
| Palestinian territories | Wataniya Mobile |
| Maldives | Wataniya |
In November 2009, Wataniya Palestine launched its mobile phone service in the West Bank. [2]