Qatar has accomplished yet another feat in making it the most accessible tourist destination for people with disabilities in the region. It has become the first country in the Middle-East region to feature in list of ‘Wheel The World’ – a travel company that promotes tourism for those with disabilities and certifies countries and tourist experiences, said a senior Ooredoo official.
Ooredoo, in press conference held yesterday, launched 5G enabled and Google Assistant ready digital wheelchair which allows its users to get information about Qatar and its tourist attractions on the go. The telco leader also introduced a Qatar specific Google Assistant ‘Sarah’ which not only answers queries regarding Qatar but also helps the users to plan their travel.
Ooreedoo announced its partnership with Wheel The World which is aimed at opening up the many tourist attractions in Qatar to everybody.
“We are delighted to be working with Wheel The World and using Google Assistant API technology to make Qatar accessible to all, and this initiative is an ideal opportunity for us to live our Ooredoo brand pillars,” said Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Thani, CEO of Ooredoo Kuwait.
“In making a difference to those with disabilities we are caring; we are challenging the current status that some activities in Qatar – such as dune bashing – are off-limits to those with disabilities; and we are connecting people with disabilities all over the world to enable them to book unique experiences in Qatar via the Ooredoo and Wheel The World branded booking portal,” he added.
“We want to make the incredible experiences our wonderful country has to offer available to all, and we look forward to welcoming visitors of all abilities to enjoy them,” said Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Thani, CEO, Ooredoo Kuwait; and Fatima Sultan Al Kuwari, Chief Consumer Officer, Ooredoo Qatar; with other officials and special invitees at the event to announce Ooredoo’s partnership with ‘Wheel the World’ held at the Marsa Katara in Doha yesterday. Pic: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula
Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the event, Fatima Sultan Al Kuwari Chief Consumer Officer, Ooredoo Qatar said that a team of Wheel The World visited several places in Qatar. They met many tourism companies and discussed about accessibility of such places for people with disabilities. Many attractions and activities in Qatar are now certified by Wheel The World, she added.
“Qatar is the first country in the Middle East that is added on the list of Wheel The World. Qatar is always pioneering and we are happy that we are enabling this through Ooredoo,” said Fatima Sultan Al Kuwari.
Via the new partnership, Ooredoo will create unique experiences in Qatar for visitors with additional needs, leveraging its 5G network and technology. Using Google Assistant API, the company will offer a booking portal and a pre-trip virtual assistant so visitors can use it to plan their trip in advance. The digital wheelchairs can be booked in advance before or on reaching Qatar.
The collaboration between Ooredoo and Wheel the World is accomplished together with strategic partners Qatar National Tourism Council, Accessible Qatar, Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy and Plug & Play and supported by Qatar Airways, Katara Hospitality, Sharq Village & Spa, Embrace Doha, Qatar International Adventures, and 365 Adventures.
Wheel The World promotes tourism for those with disabilities, raising awareness of the challenges they face when choosing travel options and working to make experiences possible. The collaboration has many high-profile backers including celebrities and influencers such as Samanta Bullock, Ghanim Al Muftah, and Ahmed Al Shahrani.
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