In partnership with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), Qatar Development Bank (QDB) held a press conference to announce the details of the region’s largest entrepreneurship event: ROWAD Entrepreneurship Conference & The Arab SMEs Summit 2024. The event, set to take place in Doha, will be held under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar.
The theme for this year’s edition is “Navigating Digital Horizons” reflecting the growing role of digital innovation in the global business landscape. The 10th edition of the conference, which will run from November 18 to 20, 2024, at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), will also host the third edition of the Arab SMEs Summit, organized by ESCWA. The event is expected to bring together prominent entrepreneurs, innovators, policymakers, and experts from across the Arab world, making it a focal point for knowledge sharing and collaboration on digital entrepreneurship.
Dr. Hamad Salem Mejegheer, Executive Director of Advisory and Incubation at QDB, “Rowad started as a platform to support startups and SMEs in Qatar, encouraging collaboration and growth. Today, after ten years of continuous effort and notable achievements, we are hosting the largest edition yet, welcoming entrepreneurs from across the Arab world. We are thrilled to host them in Doha and hope that this conference will benefit all participants and contribute to the region's economic development and digital innovation.”
Adding to this, Kareem Hassan, Executive Director of the UN-ESCWA Technology Centre for Development and Coordinator of the Arab SMEs Summit, said: “We are proud of the success the Arab SMEs Summit has seen in its previous editions in Amman, The kingdom of Jordan (2022) and Marrakech, The kingdom of Morocco (2023). These events attracted thousands of participants and strengthened cooperation among entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers. This year, in partnership with QDB, we look forward to creating a unique platform in Doha that opens new horizons for startups to enter new markets and achieve excellence and sustainability. The summit aims to create real networking and collaboration opportunities, strengthening entrepreneurship as a key pillar for sustainable economic development in the Arab region.”
This year’s Rowad Conference will feature a diverse range of activities, including an exhibition showcasing over 120 startups and SMEs from various Arab countries. These companies will present their innovative solutions and share insights into their entrepreneurial journeys. The three-day event will also host 18 workshops across five main tracks, offering training opportunities for over 300 startups and SMEs. More than 50 speakers and industry experts will contribute to the sessions, delivering actionable insights into the digital economy and fostering collaboration between participants.
Over 23 partner organizations will be involved in organizing a range of activities throughout the conference, including training sessions, mentoring, networking events, B2B matchmaking, and field visits to major entrepreneurship hubs in Qatar. These efforts aim to provide the participating startups with comprehensive, diverse support filled with knowledge and opportunities.
This 10th edition of the Rowad Conference will be the most comprehensive since its inception, builds upon the success of previous editions and the expanded focus on the broader Arab region following last year’s Gulf-focused event. This growth highlights Qatar’s ongoing commitment to supporting entrepreneurship, both locally and regionally, and further solidifies Doha’s position as a leading hub for innovation and entrepreneurial excellence in the Arab world.
For more information and to view the full agenda, please visit the conference website at https://asmesrowad2024.com.