In the quest for economic diversification and sustainable growth, Qatar Development Bank (QDB) stands at the forefront, spearheading initiatives to foster a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. Guided by its Chief Executive Officer, Abdulrahman Hesham al-Sowaidi, QDB is committed to nurturing innovation, fostering strategic collaborations, and leveraging cutting-edge technologies to propel Qatar towards becoming a global hub of entrepreneurship.
Building Sustainable Foundations
At the heart of QDB’s mission lies the endeavor to build robust foundations for sustainable entrepreneurship. Al-Sowaidi emphasizes the importance of strategic collaborations, both locally and internationally, as catalysts for growth. By forging partnerships with esteemed entities such as Microsoft, QDB aims to bolster Qatar’s technological infrastructure, positioning it as a beacon of innovation on the global stage.
Furthermore, QDB’s commitment to supporting startups extends beyond mere rhetoric. Through initiatives like the Digital & Beyond incubator, developed in partnership with Ooredoo and Qatar Business Incubation Centre (QBIC), aspiring entrepreneurs are provided with the necessary resources and guidance to thrive in the digital landscape. The establishment of innovative hubs like Scale7 and Qatar FinTech Hub (QFTH) further underscores QDB’s dedication to nurturing diverse entrepreneurial ventures across various sectors.
Moreover, QDB’s strategic alliances with international bodies such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the World Economic Forum (WEF) underscore its global outlook and commitment to fostering a conducive environment for SME growth. Initiatives like the Advanced Manufacturing Hub (AMHUB), launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) and WEF, demonstrate QDB’s proactive approach towards driving Qatar’s economic diversification agenda forward.
Empowering Entrepreneurs
QDB’s initiatives go beyond mere infrastructure development; they are designed to empower entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. Through a myriad of programs and initiatives, QDB facilitates access to finance, capability building, and international markets for budding entrepreneurs.
Platforms like QBIC, QFTH, Scale7 Fashion & Design Incubator, and Qatar SportsTech provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the necessary mentorship and support to transform their ideas into viable businesses. Additionally, QDB’s Export Development and Promotion Agency (Tasdeer) equips local SMEs with the skills and knowledge required to tap into international markets through initiatives like the Go-Global program.
Furthermore, QDB’s collaboration with esteemed educational institutions like Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) and Qatar University underscores its commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. Through initiatives like The Education City Innovative Entrepreneurship Programme and partnerships with leading universities, QDB ensures that aspiring entrepreneurs have access to cutting-edge education and training in emerging fields such as digitization, AI, and supply chain management.
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