Qatar to Host Largest Rowad Conference and Arab SMEs Summit 2024

Doha, Qatar - More than 120 startups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from across the Arab world are set to gather in Doha for the region’s largest entrepreneurship event, the Rowad Entrepreneurship Conference, now in its 10th edition, and the Arab SMEs Summit 2024. The event will take place from November 18-20 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC).

Organized by Qatar Development Bank (QDB) in collaboration with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), this year’s summit will center around the theme “Navigating Digital Horizons,” highlighting the pivotal role of digital innovation in today’s global business landscape.

The event will bring together a dynamic mix of entrepreneurs, innovators, policymakers, and experts from the Arab world, fostering an exchange of ideas and promoting collaboration in digital entrepreneurship.

A Decade of Growth and Impact

Dr. Hamad Salem Mejegheer, Executive Director of Advisory and Incubation at QDB, emphasized the growth of Rowad over the past decade. Rowad initially began as a platform to support startups and SMEs in Qatar, focusing on nurturing collaboration and growth within the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. After ten years of continuous effort and significant achievements, this year’s event has expanded to its largest edition yet, bringing together entrepreneurs from across the Arab world.

Dr. Kareem Hassan, Executive Director of the UN-ESCWA Technology Centre for Development and Coordinator of the Arab SMEs Summit, expressed his enthusiasm for this year’s event. In collaboration with QDB, the event aims to create a unique platform in Doha that offers startups new opportunities to access markets, achieve excellence, and promote sustainability. 

Showcasing Innovation and Expertise

The three-day event will showcase a diverse range of activities, including an expo featuring over 120 startups and SMEs from various Arab countries. These businesses will present their innovative solutions and share insights from their entrepreneurial journeys, providing a snapshot of the region’s thriving digital economy.

A total of 20 workshops across five main tracks will offer hands-on training for more than 300 startups and SMEs, while over 50 speakers and industry experts will lead sessions on topics related to digital entrepreneurship. Participants will benefit from actionable insights designed to nurture collaboration and drive business growth.

Additionally, more than 23 partner organizations will host various activities, including training sessions, mentoring programs, networking events, B2B matchmaking, and field visits to major entrepreneurship hubs in Qatar. These initiatives aim to deliver comprehensive support to the participating startups, ensuring they leave with a wealth of knowledge and opportunities.

A Growing Platform for Regional Collaboration

This year’s Rowad conference, which builds on the success of previous editions, marks a significant expansion beyond last year’s Gulf-focused event to include participants from across the broader Arab region. This growth reflects Qatar’s continued commitment to supporting entrepreneurship, both locally and regionally, while reinforcing Doha’s status as a leading hub for innovation and entrepreneurial excellence in the Arab world.

With the largest edition of Rowad to date, Qatar is positioning itself at the forefront of digital innovation and sustainable economic development, providing a vital platform for the next generation of Arab entrepreneurs.