VODAFONE QATAR & QITCOM ANNOUNCE INDIE FIKRA: APPATHON 2012 Doha, 18 February 2012: In partnership with QITCOM-Qatar’s only ICT industry focused conference and exhibition, Vodafone Qatar will hold the first ever “Appathon” event in Qatar during the tradeshow at the newly opened Qatar National Convention Center in early March. “Indie Fikra: Appathon 2012” brings together talent from all over Qatar to compete for prizes and inclusion in ictQATAR’s coveted Dajtala startup incubation program. During the competition, teams are challenged to code and create working demos for new mobile apps using Android, Blackberry, or iOS platforms. The competing teams will have to create one of the following types of apps: Apps in Arabic, Apps for Women, Apps for Games, or Apps for Al Sadd Fan Club. At the Qatar National Convention Center, teams will have 48 hours – from 12:00 noon on Monday 5 March until 11:59 am on Wednesday 7 March – to complete a working demo of their app. Following the 48 hour coding marathon, teams then present their apps to a team of experts, made up of representatives from Vodafone Group and Vodafone Qatar. Winners will be announced at a press conference in the QITCOM Innovation Center later in the day on 7 March. "We are excited to be partnering with QITCOM on this very special and very unique first for Qatar," stated Khalifa Saleh Haroon, Head of Interactive & Innovation for Vodafone Qatar. "We've created 'Indie Fikra: Appathon 2012' to develop and encourage the entrepreneurial spirit that exists today in Qatar. And, importantly, to create an environment where people are encouraged to innovate. We’re also excited that the teams will have the opportunity to test drive alpha versions of the apps on Vodafone’s fast 3G data network, " continued Khalifa Saleh Haroon. “Qatar’s ICT industry is experiencing rapid growth and development. At the core of this growth are the many entrepreneurs in the country who inspire us regularly with their new ideas and forward-looking business models. ‘Indie Fikra: Appathon 2012’ is an excellent opportunity for Qatar’s best developers to showcase their talents and create mobile applications that may very well change the world. We are grateful to Vodafone Qatar for partnering with us to truly drive innovation in Qatar,” said Ali Al-Khulaifi, Chairman of QITCOM organizing committee. To participate in “Indie Fikra: Appathon 2012,” the participants will have to meet the following Terms and Conditions: - Be a resident of Qatar and at least 18 years of age - Have a great new idea for a mobile app in one of the provided categories - Have the capability—with your Team—to build a smartphone app of your idea in 48 hours for either the BlackBerry, Android or iOS operating systems - Have a laptop with all the software, accessories, and equipment needed to code your app including any tools provided by BlackBerry, Android or Apple through their developer portals. - Understand that Appathon 2012 will be filmed and that by participating in the competition you agree to have your developer story recorded and image used. We will be webcasting the event live to Vodafone Qatar’s booth at QITCOM. The teams must register on the Vodafone Qatar website at www.vodafone.com.qa/appathon no later than 25 February. No walk-ins will be allowed to participate. For complete details, including Terms and Conditions for the competition, please visit the Vodafone Qatar website at www.vodafone.com.qa/appathon. - ILQ news -

Follow us on our social media channels: @ILQlive @ILQlive @ILoveQtr ILoveQatar