Zain Group honored with “Outstanding Contribution to the Mobile Industry Award” at MWC
• Al Kharafi: “We are committed to helping those in need and will always look to sustainable solutions”
• Award is in recognition of company’s efforts in supporting refugees fleeing the conflict in around the region and further afield
• Touch’s Tawasol Line was highlighted as one of the key initiatives supporting Syrian refugees
Beirut, Lebanon - 1 March, 2017: touch, the leading mobile telecommunications and data operator in Lebanon, managed by Zain Group, announced that it was awarded the “Outstanding Contribution to the Mobile Industry Award” at GSMA’s Mobile World Congress 2017 in Barcelona. This was in recognition of Zain Group’s efforts and initiatives towards sustainability in the Middle East and Africa.
The award was presented to Zain Group at the GSMA’s annual Welcome Dinner at the Palau de la Música Catalana in Barcelona, in the presence of His Majesty, King Felipe VI of Spain along with a number of leaders and experts in the world of ICT.
Touch’s Tawasol Line was recognized amongst several other initiatives and commercial packages offered by Zain Group, which were considered important facilitators of connectivity in the Middle East. This line is especially important as it provides discounted rates for Syrian refugees for voice, SMS and data, as well as discounts for calls and messages to Syria. Tawasol Line which was launched in May 2015 as a response to the influx of Syrian refugees in Lebanon is in high demand with over 50,000 subscribers by end of 2016. The Tawasol line delivers the humanitarian aims of touch’s Corporate Sustainability program “Positive touch” and is in line with Zain Group’s philosophy and initiatives towards regional development.
Tawasol has been a success both in commercial and sustainability terms, and touch plans to keep developing the product and increasing penetration, supporting and reaching more refugees.
Commenting on the recognition from the GSMA, Bader Al Kharafi, Zain Group Vice Chairman and Chairman of Touch, said, “We would like to express our sincere appreciation to His Majesty King Felipe V1 of Spain and the GSMA for this honor, which is a great endorsement to adding dignity to the lives of so many who face challenging circumstances in our region.”
Mr Al-Kharafi continued, “ We are committed to helping those in need and will always look to provide ways in which sustainable solutions may be found and fostered to alleviate the difficult circumstances afflicting so many. This honorary award represents a significant incentive for all of us to work harder and extend a helping hand whenever and wherever possible.”
Zain Group has launched a series of initiatives in Jordan, Kuwait and Lebanon, in partnership with a large number of international institutions, civil society organizations and global social media platforms, in order to improve the conditions of displaced persons and refugees in the region. These partnerships touched on several areas including telecommunications, communication as well as enhancing living conditions, offering medical consultancy and psychological care.