Qatar Development Bank (QDB) yesterday announced winners of the second edition of Qatar Entrepreneurship Award ‘Rowad Award 2019’, held under the patronage of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.
The four winners of the competition were announced at the launch of the fifth edition Qatar Entrepreneurship Conference, which is now being held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center.
The ceremony was attended by HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari and QDB CEO Abdulaziz bin Nasser al-Khalifa, besides senior officials and entrepreneurs among others.
The Qatar Entrepreneurship Award aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurial culture in Qatar. The Rowad Award received numerous applications, the best of which were qualified for the final evaluation stages.
In addition to the Self Sufficiency Award, the Best Exporting SME and the Best SME Business categories, this year’s edition also featured the Innovation Award category for the first time to attract creative entrepreneurs, and emphasise on the importance of innovation as one of the essential elements of entrepreneurship, which in turn ensures sustainability of the business and to keep abreast of the latest developments in the global market.
Al-Kuwari said, “The State of Qatar has for several years established the principle of self-reliance and economic openness. This trend has contributed to strengthening national industries as well enhancing the position of Qatar as a major trade hub in the region.”
“The private sector plays a pivotal role in this context, as establishing a competitive local economy depends heavily on the growth of small and medium enterprises and major national industrial companies. QDB’s initiative aims to develop the entrepreneurial sector and support innovative entrepreneurs through honing their skills,” al-Kuwari added.
Al-Khalifa said, “QDB launched this year’s Qatar Entrepreneurship Award, under the patronage of Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani with the main aim of fostering the spirit of innovation, spread the culture of entrepreneurship in Qatar and support the development of the private sector, whilst propelling entrepreneurs to compete.
“I am proud of the significant role that QDB plays in empowering entrepreneurs and encouraging them to expand their businesses, which in turn will contribute to the development and diversification of the local economy.”
The announcement of the winners of Rowad Awards 2019 was followed by the official launch of the 5th Qatar Entrepreneurship Conference, which will be held until November 14.
The conference, which occurs as part of the Global Entrepreneurship Week, is a national initiative bringing together Qatari entrepreneurs and industry key players in Qatar to exchange knowledge and discuss possible opportunities to support entrepreneurs across different sectors. This year’s conference will provide a series of some 49 workshops attended by representatives from various start-ups throughout three days. The conference also welcomes the general public interested in entrepreneurship to attend all of its sessions and workshops.
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