The activities of the “Ruwad” Entrepreneurship Conference and the Arab Summit for Small and Medium Enterprises 2024 were launched yesterday, under the slogan “Prospects of the Digital Age,” organized by Qatar Development Bank in cooperation with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). The tenth edition of the “Ruwad” Conference and the Third Arab Summit for Small and Medium Enterprises brings together an elite group of entrepreneurs, innovators, policy makers and experts from various Arab countries, to be a leading platform for exchanging ideas and practices that enhance entrepreneurship and sustainable development in the region.
The opening ceremony was held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center in the presence of His Excellency Mr. Mohammed bin Ali bin Mohammed Al-Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, and Dr. Rula Dashti, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCWA. In addition to a group of senior officials and representatives of strategic partners and sponsors, including QNB Group, the Qatar Investment Authority, and the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation, in addition to other sponsors and partners who contributed to the success of this annual event, the conference will last for three days from 18 to 20 November.
The first day included many activities and topics, as attendees participated in workshops and discussion sessions that included vital topics in the areas of digital transformation, with the participation of more than 50 experts and speakers from countries in the region. The Start-up Exhibition was also opened, which includes more than 120 innovative companies to showcase their creative solutions to an audience of potential investors and partners, in addition to 600 small and medium-sized companies, while the conference is expected to attract 5,000 visitors from entrepreneurs and those interested in the sector.
Mr. Abdul Rahman bin Hisham Al Suwaidi, CEO of Qatar Development Bank, said: “Through this event, we confirm our commitment to strengthening the position of the State of Qatar as a pioneering and innovative center in the region, in line with the third national development strategy. Therefore, this year we celebrate the largest and most comprehensive edition of the “Ruwad” conference by hosting an elite group. From Arab pioneers and entrepreneurs with the aim of promoting a culture of digital innovation and developing the foundations of a sustainable economy in the region.”
He added: “Over the next two days, the conference will provide investment opportunities, training sessions, and dialogues with policy makers with the participation of the most prominent Arab startup companies, in addition to field visits. We hope that this will bring great benefit to all participants from Qatar and the Arab region.”
For her part, Dr. Rula Dashti said: “This summit is not just an event, but rather the embodiment of a common vision in which entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises can achieve success. Your success is essential for the prosperity of our societies, and for 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.” Dr. Dashti explained that the theme of the summit this year, “Prospects of the Digital Age,” embodies the urgent need to keep pace with digital developments. She pointed out that every company, whether large or small, must harness the power of technology to serve it, stressing that when resources, ideas, and supporting systems come together, it is possible to create An environment that enables every small and medium enterprise to succeed.”
Al-Buainain: Attracting more investors to the Qatari market
Khaled Al-Buainain, Director of Marketing and Partnerships at Qatar Development Bank, said that the tenth edition of the Rowad Conference is distinguished and combines the bank’s annual event with the third Arab Summit organized by ESCWA, which constitutes a distinguished Arab union between Qatar Development Bank and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, which chose Doha. To hold this forum. He added that choosing Doha to host the third Arab Summit confirms the great confidence in the Qatari business environment, noting that the main goal of the conference is to enhance the culture of entrepreneurship in Qatar and enable the display of goods and services provided by small investors.
Al-Buainain pointed out that participation in the tenth edition of Rowad included the presence of representatives from various sectors and government agencies, in addition to entrepreneurs and owners of small and medium-sized companies, and possible parties in the form of Qatar Development Bank, which supports novice investors.
He also explained that the accompanying exhibition, which witnesses the presence of more than 120 companies from all over the Arab world, makes the conference a unique opportunity for greater interaction between entrepreneurs. He revealed that many partnerships were concluded over the three days of the conference, with the announcement of many new initiatives to support… Entrepreneurs, in the context of supporting local projects, and attracting more investors to the Qatari market, which presents many opportunities, in an endless array of fields.
Hassan: Great opportunities for cooperation and cross-border partnerships
Mr. Karim Hassan, Executive Director of the ESCWA Technology Center and General Coordinator of the Arab Summit for Small and Medium Enterprises, said that the tenth edition of the “Ruwad” conference is exceptional, and is held in cooperation with the United Nations, ESCWA, and the Arab Summit for Small and Medium Enterprises, and this partnership has culminated in the largest gathering of entrepreneurs and project owners. Small and medium. He added that the conference witnesses the attendance of participants from 22 Arab countries and 84 countries from around the world, and contributes to opening new horizons and providing the opportunity for Qatari companies to spread globally, in addition to facilitating the movement of leading companies around the world to Qatar. Karim Hassan pointed out that there is joint cooperation in the field of technology to support entrepreneurship, explaining that the discussion sessions and lectures at the Rowad Conference will witness the presence of 100 speakers, and the conference also includes workshops and many bilateral meetings and side events. The Executive Director of the ESCWA Technology Center and General Coordinator of the Arab Summit for Small and Medium Enterprises stressed that the conference provides great opportunities for cooperation and cross-border partnerships. He said: “We are trying to collect hundreds of millions of dollars from partners to support small and medium-sized companies in the Arab world.”