- The 10th Rowad Entrepreneurship Conference and the 3rd Arab SMEs Summit attracted over 5000 participants from 22 Arab countries, making it the largest regional event of its kind in 2024.
- The event emphasized digital transformation, green projects, and regional startup expansion, featuring 100 sessions and 35 workshops with over 50 industry experts and 1400 attendees.
- An exhibition showcased over 120 innovative startups, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among entrepreneurs and investors.
- Commitments announced included building e-commerce platforms for 200 companies, with ESCWA emphasizing SMEs’ role in innovation and economic transformation.
Qatar Development Bank (QDB) successfully concluded the 10th edition of the Rowad Entrepreneurship Conference and the third Arab SMEs Summit 2024 on November 20, 2024.
The three-day event, held under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, marked a significant milestone in advancing entrepreneurship and innovation across the Arab world.
This year’s summit, themed “Navigating Digital Horizons,” attracted over 5,000 participants from 22 Arab countries, making it the largest event of its kind in the region. Entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and industry experts gathered to explore digital transformation, sustainable growth, and regional expansion opportunities for startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Focus on Digital Transformation
The conference emphasized the importance of digital transformation as a cornerstone for driving entrepreneurship in the Arab world. Participants engaged in discussions on leveraging digital tools to enhance business operations, explore green initiatives, and promote regional expansion for startups. This theme resonated throughout the event, shaping the agenda for various activities, sessions, and workshops.
One of the highlights of the conference was the 6th edition of the Investment Forum, held on the second day. This forum provided a platform for startups to connect with prominent investors and industry experts.
The discussions focused on creating quality investment opportunities and fostering collaborations that could accelerate the growth and scalability of innovative businesses across the region.
Key Achievements and Commitments
QDB’s CEO, Abdulrahman Hesham Al-Sowaidi, expressed pride in the event’s success during his closing remarks. He highlighted the creative collaborations and the potential to invest in the region’s development plans.
“We are very much proud to provide this essential platform to hundreds of Arab entrepreneurs,” Al-Sowaidi stated, reaffirming QDB’s commitment to fostering growth and innovation in line with the Arab world’s ambitions.
Dr. Rola Dashti, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), also made impactful announcements during the event. She revealed plans to build e-commerce platforms for 200 companies, aimed at enhancing their access to new markets.
Dr. Dashti emphasized that SMEs represent the backbone of Arab economies, praising their ability to innovate and transform challenges into opportunities. She encouraged entrepreneurs to believe in themselves, stressing their pivotal role in creating a prosperous and inclusive future for the region.
Showcasing Innovation
The event included an exhibition featuring over 120 innovative startups that showcased cutting-edge solutions and modern technologies. This platform allowed startups to engage with investors, partners, and industry leaders, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. The exhibition underscored the significant role of technology-driven businesses in advancing the economic landscape of the Arab world.
Throughout the event, attendees had the opportunity to visit key innovation hubs in Qatar, such as the Qatar Free Zones Authority, the Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council, and the Qatar Science and Technology Park. These site visits offered entrepreneurs a deeper understanding of the resources and opportunities available to support their ventures.
Comprehensive Sessions and Workshops
The conference featured 100 sessions and 35 workshops led by over 50 industry experts and speakers. These sessions covered a wide range of topics, including agricultural technology, renewable energy, green transformation, and strategies for international business expansion. The interactive format allowed participants to gain valuable insights, exchange ideas, and explore practical solutions to drive their businesses forward.
With an audience of 1,400 attendees, the workshops provided actionable knowledge and fostered networking opportunities among participants. Experts shared insights on tackling challenges faced by SMEs and highlighted the importance of adopting sustainable practices in business operations.
A Platform for Regional Growth
The 10th Rowad Entrepreneurship Conference and Arab SMEs Summit successfully reinforced Qatar’s role as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in the Arab world. By promoting digital transformation, sustainable growth, and regional collaboration, the event paved the way for startups and SMEs to thrive in an increasingly competitive global market.
Through its diverse programs and initiatives, QDB reaffirmed its dedication to supporting entrepreneurs and fostering a culture of innovation. The conference not only celebrated the achievements of Arab SMEs but also inspired a shared vision of growth and prosperity for the region’s future.
