Qtel has received the “Recognized for Excellence” Three-Star Award from the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM), becoming the first telecom operator in the Middle East and the first organisation in Qatar to receive the prestigious recognition.

The EFQM provides an Excellence Model as a practical tool to help organisations measure where they are on the path to excellence and what they need to do to improve. In receiving the Three-Star Award, Qtel has demonstrated that it has delivered excellent and sustainable results across all areas of the Excellence Model.

A team of assessors visited Qtel at the end of 2009, conducting a range of interviews and studying the company’s work processes. They also hosted focus groups, made field visits to Communication Centres and the Call Centre, and paid informal visits to Qtel’s operations across Qatar.

Following their final assessment report and recommendation, the Foundation awarded Qtel the Three-Star distinction.

“This award reflects Qtel’s commitment to achieve the highest level of business excellence, in line with our vision to be among the top 20 telecommunications companies by 2020. Our leadership, strategic focus, people, operational effectiveness and strict adherence to the highest service standards have earned Qtel this international distinction,” said Dr. Nasser Marafih, CEO of Qtel.

The EFQM recognition aims to encourage businesses to conduct performance assessments and measure progress in areas such as strategic planning, leadership, people, customers, key results and others.