Al Jazeera signs MOU with Cisco

Al Jazeera Media Network signed on Wednesday, February 15 a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Cisco Systems Incorporation (Cisco). The MOU aims at professional training and exchanging expertise through launching first-of-its-kind specialised academy in the region. The signing ceremony took place in the Al Jazeera Training Center’s Auditorium.

It was attended by Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer Al Thani, Chairman of the Board of Al Jazeera Media Network, and Cisco Executive Chairman John Chambers, who is visiting Qatar especially for this reason. The MOU was signed by Abdullah Al-Najjar, Al Jazeera Executive Director of Global Brand and Communications and Mike Weston, Vice President for Cisco Middle East.

The two organisations collaborated to launch the non-profit “Cisco Academy” in order to elevate and foster the technological and communicational skills of the Qataris and the expats living in Qatar. The MOU will also allow for a better exchange of expertise between the two organisations; and initiating new innovations, digitalisation, and distributing the content to a wider audience.

The visiting delegation was introduced to the new technologies employed by Al Jazeera in all aspects of its operations including the training, and broadcasting. The delegation was offered a tour in the various channels of the network.

After signing the MOU, John Chambers, Cisco Executive Chairman, addressed the Al Jazeera officials, managers, and employees who attended the ceremony, and expressed his pleasure to sign such significant MOU with a pioneer and leading media organisation such as Al Jazeera. He commended Al Jazeera’s keenness to employ the latest and fast-paced technologies that would serve its media activities.

Chambers pointed out that the academy will provide the novice and professionals with opportunities to learn about the latest in the communication technology and to acquire the technical skills needed in the media industry.

The partnership with Cisco is in line with the Al Jazeera’s strategy to collaborate with leading technological organisations throughout its digitalisation journey.

It is noteworthy that Al Jazeera has achieved a number of successes in its digital transformation experience and successfully launched a number of digital platforms which attracted a tremendous number of fans, followers and audiences.