Tribune News Network
Doha
Qatar Development Bank in collaboration with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) kicked off today 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.
Qatar’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology HE Mohammed bin Ali bin Mohammed Al Mannai inaugurated the event at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center.
The occasion was graced by the presence of Dr. Rola Dashti, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCWA, who delivered a keynote address, alongside H.R.H 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 continue its activities from 18 to 20 November.
In his opening remarks, 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.
“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 the summit represents more than just another conference. “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,” she told attendees, explaining that the theme of this year’s summit, ‘Navigating Digital Horizons’, embodies this urgent need.
“Every company, large or small, must harness the power of technology,” Dr. Dashti said, stressing that “when resources, ideas, and support systems come together, an environment can be created that enables every SME to succeed.”
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.
