Qatar Development Bank (QDB), in collaboration with the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), kicked off on Monday the Rowad Entrepreneurship Conference and the Arab SMEs Summit 2024 under the theme ‘Navigating Digital Horizons’.
The 10th edition of the Rowad Conference and the 3rd Arab SMEs Summit, which brought together leading entrepreneurs, innovators, policymakers and experts from various Arab countries, serves as a platform to exchange knowledge and discuss practices that foster entrepreneurship and sustainable development across the region.
HE the Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohammed bin Ali bin Mohammed al-Mannai inaugurated the event at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).
The occasion was graced by Dr Rola Dashti, undersecretary-general and executive secretary of ESCWA, who delivered a keynote address, alongside Abdul Aziz bin Talal al-Saud, chairman of the Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND).
The event also brought together Arab ministers of commerce, industry, and finance, alongside senior officials and representatives from key strategic partners and sponsors, including QNB Group, Qatar Investment Authority, and the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation, among other esteemed contributors whose support has been pivotal to the success of this flagship gathering. The conference will conclude tomorrow (November 20).
QDB CEO Abdulrahman Hesham al-Sowaidi said the event reflects the bank’s commitment to cementing Qatar’s position as a pioneering and innovative regional hub in line with the Third National Development Strategy. He said: “This year, we celebrate the largest and most comprehensive version of the ‘Rowad’ conference, hosting leading Arab entrepreneurs to promote a culture of digital innovation and lay the foundations of a sustainable economy in the region.”
“Over the next two days, the conference will feature investment opportunities, training sessions, and discussions with policymakers, with the participation of the most prominent Arab startups. The event will also feature site visits, which we hope will be of great benefit to all participants from Qatar and the Arab region,” al-Sowaidi added.
Dr Dashti, on the other hand, said: “It is the embodiment of a shared vision that empowers entrepreneurs and SMEs to achieve success. Entrepreneurs’ and SMEs’ success is essential to the prosperity of our societies, and to stimulating our economies to be more resilient, dynamic, and inclusive. In our interconnected digital world, it is essential for companies to constantly adapt and innovate to remain competitive.”
The conference’s first day featured a host of activities and sessions, with attendees participating in workshops and discussions that brought together over 50 experts and speakers from across the region to cover vital topics in the field of digital transformation. The startup exhibition was also opened, with over 120 innovative companies showcasing their creative solutions to an audience of investors and potential partners.
The second day of the three-day conference will feature the Sixth Investment Forum, an important platform to showcase investment opportunities, introduce promising startups, and connect entrepreneurs with experts and investors. The second day of the conference will also include site visits to leading hubs in Qatar’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.
For more information about the event and the agenda, visit https://asmesrowad2024.com
HE the Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohammed bin Ali bin Mohammed al-Mannai leading the inauguration ceremony.
