Qatar to host the largest edition of Rowad conference and 2024 Arab SMEs Summit

From left: Kareem Hassan, executive director of the UN-ESCWA Technology Centre for Development and Co-ordinator of the Arab SMEs Summit; Dr Hamad Salem Mejegheer, executive director (Advisory and Incubation) at QDB; and Ismail Mohamed al-Emadi of QNB announce the details of Qatar’s largest entrepreneurship conference. PICTURE: Thajudheen

More than 120 startups and SMEs (small and medium enterprises) from various Arab countries will be in Doha for the region’s largest entrepreneurship event: ROWAD Entrepreneurship conference, in its 10th edition, and The Arab SMEs Summit 2024, which is scheduled to be held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) from November 18-20.

Qatar Development Bank (QDB), in partnership with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), on Monday announced the theme for this year’s edition, which is “Navigating Digital Horizons” reflecting the growing role of digital innovation in the global business landscape.

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.

“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,” said Dr Hamad Salem Mejegheer, executive director (Advisory and Incubation) at QDB.

Kareem Hassan, executive director of the UN-ESCWA Technology Centre for Development and Co-ordinator of the Arab SMEs Summit, said this year, in partnership with QDB, it is looking 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,” he added.

This year’s Rowad conference will feature a diverse range of activities, including an expo 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.

More than 23 partner organisations will be involved in organising several 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 year’s 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.