MCIT initiative celebrates innovation, excellence, and entrepreneurship in Qatar’s digital economy
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has officially opened nominations for the Qatar Digital Business Awards (QDBA) 2025, marking the start of the ninth edition of one of the country’s most prestigious digital industry recognitions. The awards honour companies, entrepreneurs, and innovators whose work has significantly contributed to advancing Qatar’s digital transformation and strengthening its position as a leader in technology and innovation in the Middle East.
Designed to showcase excellence across the spectrum of digital services, innovation, and entrepreneurship, the QDBA 2025 provides a platform for recognising achievements that align with the nation’s long-term vision for a competitive, knowledge-based economy.
Recognising the Best in Qatar’s Digital Ecosystem
Celebrate Excellence in Qatar’s Digital Economy
Nominations are open for the Qatar Digital Business Awards 2025. The programme honours companies, startups, and individuals that deliver outstanding digital experiences, adopt transformative technologies, and drive innovation across the State of Qatar.
9th Edition
Organised by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.
Recognises excellence in innovation, service delivery, and entrepreneurship.
12 Award Categories
From Best Digital Transformation to Best Cybersecurity Solution.
Includes Startup of the Year and Entrepreneur of the Year.
Application Open
Apply online and upload supporting documents in PDF format.
Top five finalists per category will be invited to interviews.
Have questions? Email QDBA@mcit.gov.qa or read the evaluation guidelines.
The Qatar Digital Business Awards were created to acknowledge outstanding performance across a diverse range of digital activities — from pioneering artificial intelligence solutions and delivering exceptional digital experiences to ensuring world-class cybersecurity and driving large-scale digital transformations.
By honouring both established enterprises and emerging startups, MCIT aims to encourage the adoption of cutting-edge solutions, foster creativity, and enhance service quality standards. The awards also serve as an incentive for local businesses to strengthen their capabilities and compete successfully at regional and global levels.
Categories for 2025
The 2025 edition of QDBA will present awards in four main segments, covering corporate enterprises, SMEs and startups, all-company categories, and individual achievements. The categories are:
Corporate
SMEs & Startups
All Companies
Individuals
This wide range of categories ensures that businesses of all sizes and focus areas — from agile startups to large-scale corporations — have an opportunity to showcase their innovations and contributions.
Nomination Process and Timeline
Nominations for QDBA 2025 opened on 10 August 2025 through the official awards website. Applicants are required to select the most relevant category, complete the online submission form, and attach supporting documentation in PDF format.
The application deadline will be announced in the coming weeks. Once submissions close, a panel of expert judges will evaluate entries based on a range of criteria, including:
- Strategy and Research: the background of the innovation and the problem or opportunity it addresses.
- Execution: how effectively the idea was implemented to achieve its objectives.
- Innovation and Originality: how the solution breaks new ground or delivers significant advances.
- Performance and Effectiveness: measurable results compared to industry benchmarks.
- Functionality and Ease of Use: user-friendliness and alignment with design goals.
- Value and Impact: the economic, social, or environmental benefits to Qatar’s market.
- Business Growth Potential: the ability to scale and address wider industry challenges.
The top five finalists in each category will be invited to present their entries during an interview stage. Winners will be announced during a high-profile award ceremony later this year.
A Legacy of Recognition
Over the years, the Qatar Digital Business Awards have become a trusted benchmark for recognising innovation in the nation’s technology sector. The 2024 edition saw 303 applications from 132 companies, with 164 finalists competing across all categories and 23 winners taking home awards.
Previous winners highlight the breadth and depth of Qatar’s digital capabilities. In 2024, corporate category awards went to companies such as MEEZA QSTP L.L.C. for Best ICT Service Provider, Mannai Trading Company W.L.L. for Best Smart Solution, and Qatar National Bank for Best Digital Experience. In the SME segment, Sponix Tech LLC earned Best AI Solution, Skipcash won Best Smart Solution, and Adeer Solutions LLC was named Best Mobile App. Individual recognition went to Hamad Mubarak Al Hajri as Entrepreneur of the Year.
Such examples demonstrate how the QDBA not only honours established leaders but also elevates emerging innovators to national and regional prominence.
Supporting Qatar’s Digital Vision
The QDBA aligns closely with Qatar National Vision 2030, which places innovation, knowledge-sharing, and sustainable economic growth at the heart of national development. By recognising outstanding achievements, the awards help to drive a culture of excellence in the digital economy and encourage collaboration between the public and private sectors.
Beyond recognition, the awards are a call to action for businesses to invest in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, smart solutions, and advanced e-commerce platforms. They also aim to cultivate home-grown talent, promote digital education, and support the localisation of technology to benefit Qatar’s long-term prosperity.
Why Businesses Should Participate
For participants, the Qatar Digital Business Awards offer more than a trophy. Winners and finalists gain increased visibility, industry credibility, and opportunities for networking and collaboration. The award acts as a seal of quality that can strengthen client confidence, attract investment, and open doors to new markets.
Furthermore, participation provides a structured opportunity for organisations to evaluate their own digital strategies and performance, benchmark against industry leaders, and identify areas for further growth.
How to Apply
Organisations and individuals interested in competing for the QDBA 2025 should visit the official website at https://qdba.mcit.gov.qa/en to review eligibility criteria, terms and conditions, and application guidelines.
Key points to note:
- Only one winner will be selected per category.
- A company may apply for multiple categories, but can only win in one.
- All submissions are treated as confidential.
- Contacting judges directly will result in disqualification.
Applicants are encouraged to prepare their entries early to ensure all requirements are met before the deadline.
