The Qatar Investment & Innovation Conference, held recently at Barahat Msheireb in Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD), provided an in-depth exploration of the future of economic zones within the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries.
The conference, hosted by Msheireb Properties, in partnership with The Business Year (TBY), brought together industry experts, government officials, and thought leaders to discuss regional economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development.
One of the event’s highlights was a pre-conference workshop at HEC Paris in Qatar, focusing on sustainable innovation and leadership challenges in a rapidly evolving world. During the opening session, Dr Hafiz Ali Abdullah, senior director of Corporate Communication at Msheireb Properties, emphasised the importance of cultivating proactive, challenge-seeking cultures within organisations to drive sustainable innovation.
“Msheireb Downtown Doha stands as a testament to our nation’s visionary leadership and commitment to advancing Qatar National Vision 2030,” stated Ali al-Kuwari, CEO of Msheireb Properties, who highlighted the significance of sustainable urban development and innovation in shaping the region’s future.
Al-Kuwari said: “This conference exemplifies our dedication to promoting regional co-operation and innovation, creating a platform where policymakers, thought leaders, and innovators can collaborate to unlock immense potential for growth.”
Hamad al-Nasr, director of Trade Development and Investment Promotion at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, shared insights on Qatar’s economic diversification efforts and investment opportunities.
For his part, Dr Khalid bin Klefeekh al-Hajri, Qatar Chamber board member, emphasised the private sector’s role in driving innovation and sustainable development across the region.
“There is no doubt that this conference reflects Qatar’s commitment to enhancing the innovation environment as an effective means of achieving economic diversification and building a knowledge-based economy, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030,” al-Hajri said.
The conference showcased two panel discussions on ‘The Future of Economic Zones - Innovation and Opportunities’ and ‘The Role of Technology in Infrastructure and Private Investment’s Impact on Regional Connectivity in the GCC’.
The first panel, which highlighted the evolution of free zones in the GCC region, featured Mohamed Juma al-Musharrkh, CEO, Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah); Hamed Ahli, head of Meydan Free Zone; Ali Shehab, global director of Special Projects and Services, DNV; and Bader al-Madhadi, senior associate, Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA). The discussion was moderated by Silvia Lambiase, senior country editor, TBY.
Al-Musharrkh said: “It’s not about real estate anymore, it’s about the ecosystem. The whole region is booming.”
The sentiment was echoed by al-Madhadhi, who emphasised that free zones are aligned with the region’s vision for economic diversification, digital transformation, and sustainability.
The discussions highlighted the GCC’s strategic advantages, with Shehab emphasising the region’s unique position connecting East and West. Ahli, on the other hand, shared statistics about Meydan Free Zone’s operations, noting that “more than 95% of investors are FDI, with over 180 nationalities represented.”
The second panel discussion, moderated by Alex Krunic, senior adviser to the chairman, Commercial Bank of Kuwait, featured the following industry experts: Sami Zaitoon, managing partner, Moore Qatar; Fahad al-Sharekh, vice-chairman, Kamco Invest Saudi; Irene Vidal, CEO, FMM; and Julien Hawari, CEO, Million and Sirius Lab.
The discussions resonated strongly with MDD’s position as the world’s first sustainable downtown regeneration project, which has become a vibrant hub for innovation and sustainable urban living. The district’s recent attraction of major institutions, including Media City Qatar and Qatar Airways’ global headquarters, demonstrates its success in creating an ecosystem that supports the type of innovation and economic diversification highlighted throughout the conference.
Both panels were complemented by special sessions, including an innovation speech by Aysha al-Mudahka, programme director of Innovation Programme at QRDI Council, and a special report launch by Doha Bank, providing attendees with comprehensive insights into Qatar’s evolving innovation and investment landscape. The conference’s discussions about technology-driven infrastructure and sustainable development.
The conference concluded with a strong emphasis on regional co-operation, with speakers highlighting how collaboration and knowledge transfer can strengthen the region’s ability to attract major institutions and drive innovation.

The second panel discussion, moderated by Alex Krunic, senior adviser to the chairman, Commercial Bank of Kuwait, featured the following industry experts: Sami Zaitoon, managing partner, Moore Qatar; Fahad al-Sharekh, vice-chairman, Kamco Invest Saudi; Irene Vidal, CEO, FMM; and Julien Hawari, CEO, Million and Sirius Lab.

Aysha al-Mudahka, programme director of Innovation Programme at QRDI Council, delivering her remarks at the conference. PICTURE: Shaji Kayamkulam

The first panel, which highlighted the evolution of free zones in the GCC region, featured Mohamed Juma al-Musharrkh, CEO, Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah); Hamed Ahli, head of Meydan Free Zone; Ali Shehab, global director of Special Projects and Services, DNV; and Bader al-Madhadi, senior associate, Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA). The discussion was moderated by Silvia Lambiase, senior country editor, TBY. PICTURE: Shaji Kayamkulam

Qatar Chamber board member Dr Khalid bin Klefeekh al-Hajri.