QDB Unveils 11th Rowad Conference Slated for November 17–19

The 11th edition of the Rowad Conference is expected to tackle issues vital to Qatar’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, including the best strategies for scaling businesses and how to leverage global market needs to develop products and services, a Qatar Development Bank (QDB) official has said.

Dr Hamad Salem Mejegheer, QDB executive director of SME Development, made the statement in a press conference yesterday, underscoring the significance of this year’s edition to be held in collaboration with the Young Entrepreneurs Club (YEC) at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).

Under the theme ‘Beyond Boundaries: Scaling, Sustaining, and Succeeding’, the conference will also feature the second edition of the ‘Young Entrepreneurs Media Forum’, adding further momentum and offering a vibrant platform for emerging business leaders.

Mejegheer said: “This year’s edition of the Rowad Conference will stand out through its broad participation, bringing together officials, experts, entrepreneurs, and investors. Participants will have the opportunity to exchange ideas and explore the latest developments in entrepreneurship, locally, regionally, and globally.”

He also said: “The conference will also highlight the importance of sustainability as a strategic choice that inspires investors to engage in ventures, alongside innovation and the adoption of creative solutions. We are confident that this year’s Rowad Conference will continue to build on its remarkable legacy of success as a pioneering platform that reflects Qatar’s standing as a regional leader and a global connector in the field of entrepreneurship.”

YEC vice-president Abdulrahman Tareq al-Emadi expressed confidence in the event's impact, stating that the Rowad Conference and the Young Entrepreneurs Media Forum share a unified mission to empower youth and enhance their contributions to the national economy by showcasing their stories, aspirations, and successes. “This edition is more than just an event; it is a dynamic platform reflecting Qatar’s youth entrepreneurial energy that transcends borders,” he noted.

Ismail Mohamed al-Emadi, executive vice-president of SME Banking at QNB Group, the conference’s Strategic Sponsor, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting national development, stating: “Our participation reflects our belief in sharing knowledge and fostering innovation to advance Qatar’s sustainable development.”

The 11th Rowad Conference will offer a comprehensive programme featuring an exhibition of more than 120 local and international companies presenting their latest products and innovative solutions.

 The agenda includes over 30 specialised workshops and 15 panel discussions across four tracks, with the participation of more than 100 speakers and experts.

A major new feature this year is the introduction of a dedicated ‘Pitching Arena’, where companies will have the opportunity to pitch their projects directly to investors in a competitive environment.

The event will also include a series of networking sessions and meetings to discuss growth opportunities and potential investment partnerships.

Rowad 2025 is supported by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) as strategic partners, while the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority (Monsha’at) serves as the regional partner and QNB Group as the conference’s strategic sponsor.

Ooredoo is the telecom sponsor, alongside Invest Qatar, Qatar Stock Exchange, and Elan Media as platinum sponsors. 

Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council (QRDI) participates as the innovation sponsor, with Qatar Financial Centre as the gold sponsor, Snoonu as the technology sponsor, and Qatar Media Corporation as the official media partner.

The latest edition of the conference builds on its success since its inception as an innovation and entrepreneurship hub. Rowad is held as an integral part of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW).