Al-Futtaim enters into partner agreement with Nokia

Al-Futtaim Computer Software Products Company LLC (AFCOMP), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Al-Futtaim group, today announced it has entered into apartner agreement with Nokia to supply mobile phones to key domestic retailers in the UAE.

The Finnish company is the world's leading mobile phone supplier while Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) is a leading supplier of mobile and fixed telecom networks including related customer services.

The agreement with Nokiawhich came into effect earlier this monthwas signed by Vishesh Bhatia, President – New Strategic Growth Group, Al-Futtaim Group and Chris Braam, Vice President at Nokia MEA. Anil Sharma will head the business unit for Al-Futtaim.

Mr. Bhatiasaid Nokia continues to be the people’s choice in the mobile phone category and with smartphone penetration expected to grow by a healthy 11 percent over the next three years in the UAE, Nokia’s latest feature-rich smartphones are expected to dominate this segment.

“The Al-Futtaim group, already partner to some of the finest retail and automotive brands in the world,is honoured to partner with the world leader in the mobile phone segment,” he said.

“As a world leader in mobility, Nokia’s latest smartphones offer enormous consumer benefits and localized services for the UAE market which is expected to grow 11 percent over the next three years. I firmly believe Nokia is driving transformation and growth of the converging Internet and communications industriesgiving customers especially in the UAE, an opportunity to be part of more than 1.3 billion people who connect to one another with a Nokia device – frommobile phones to advanced smartphones,” added Mr. Bhatia.

Industry estimates put the demand for mobile handsets at 5 million annually in the UAE and mobile phone sales are expected to grow at a CAGR of five percent through to 2015.

Anil Sharma, Business Head, AFCOMP said: “Our companyhas strong business fundamentals, efficient processes and a professional team with established credentials.We are confident AFCOMP will be able to deliver tangible value to the key domestic retailers and drive the Nokia business forward in the UAE.”

Chris Braam – Vice President at Nokia MEA said: “Nokia’s mission is simple – We connect people to what matters most to them and the agreement with AFCOMP demonstrates our strong commitment to our UAE customers through that mission statement.The core principles of the Al-Futtaim group of quality, reliability and integrity are values which are also reflected in Nokia. We are confident of AFCOMP’s ability to deliver value to our customers in the UAE and look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship.”

AFCOMP will supply the full range of mobiles phones including the latest feature-rich smartphones such as the Nokia E7, C7 and N8.

Today’s announcement follows the earlier partnership agreement between Techserve, an Al-Futtaim group company, and Nokia to act as its Care Centre partner in the UAE.

The Care Centre offers holistic solutions to consumers providing not only repair assistance, but also support for Nokia services including the Nokia Ovi Store, Nokia Music Store and, Nokia Mail for Exchange, as also Nokia Messaging.