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Qatar Chamber recently participated in the ‘First Gulf Forum for Building the Capacities and Skills of Home-Based Business Owners’, hosted by Kuwait.The two-day forum was organised by the Executive Office of the Council of Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs of the GCC States, in partnership with the Federation of GCC Chambers. The event brought together representatives of government entities, the private sector, and entrepreneurs from across the Gulf region.Fatima Issa al-Kuwari, Training Department head, represented the chamber at the forum and participated in a panel discussion on the role of GCC federations and chambers of commerce in supporting emerging projects.In her remarks, she emphasised the importance of home-based and emerging projects, which are among the promising engines of economic and social growth in GCC countries, calling for a supportive ecosystem that enables training, development, and access to opportunities for this category.She also highlighted the pivotal role played by Qatar Chamber in empowering home-business owners by designing high-quality training programmes, organising specialised events, and connecting them with numerous supporting entities through the training workshops it hosts.These workshops, she noted, focus on developing entrepreneurship skills and presenting inspiring success stories, contributing to enhancing the capabilities of project owners and improving their readiness to enter the market and transition toward sustainable business models.Al-Kuwari said the chamber also enables home-based projects to promote their products, and adopts initiatives that raise awareness about commercial transformation, while offering opportunities that strengthen the role of entrepreneurs in the national economy.She added that the shared vision of GCC chambers today is to build an integrated Gulf environment that supports innovation and enables home-based and emerging projects to evolve from simple initiatives into commercial ventures capable of competing and generating significant economic and social value. 

Qatar Development Bank (QDB) has concluded the 11th edition of the ‘Rowad Entrepreneurship Conference 2025’, which was held under the theme ‘Beyond Boundaries: Scaling, Sustaining, and Succeeding’. The event attracted more than 5,200 visitors who attended a wide range of specialised activities designed to support startups and strengthen innovation across Qatar’s national entrepreneurship ecosystem.This year’s edition was organised in collaboration with the Young Entrepreneurs Club, which hosted within the conference the second edition of the Young Entrepreneurs Media Forum. The forum witnessed strong engagement and notable participation from leading entities, entrepreneurs, and media-focused companies. QDB CEO Abdulrahman bin Hesham al-Sowaidi said, “Rowad exceeded expectations this year, delivering one of the most impactful entrepreneurship support platforms both locally and regionally.The event fulfilled its purpose of opening new horizons filled with opportunities that empower entrepreneurs in Qatar to scale their businesses and compete in new markets. “This year’s conference provided a strong platform to reinforce the role of the private sector in driving national economic diversification in line with the objectives of the Third National Development Strategy.” He added: “By bringing together all components of the entrepreneurship ecosystem under one dynamic umbrella, Rowad enabled deeper collaboration and knowledge exchange.The success of this year’s edition is owed to the support of our partners and sponsors, and to the active participation of investors and companies who chose to showcase their innovative products and services at Rowad.” With the conclusion of this year’s edition, QDB reaffirms its commitment to advancing innovation, driving sustainable growth, and strengthening the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Qatar.QDB stated that it will continue enabling local founders to expand into new markets through innovative partnerships and programs that support the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.

Qatar Development Bank (QDB) kicked off Monday the 11th edition of the ‘Rowad Entrepreneurship Conference’, which will run until November 19 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).Organised in collaboration with the Young Entrepreneurs Club, the three-day event will also host the second ‘Young Entrepreneurs Media Forum’, featuring participation from government and private organisations, media professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs.His Excellency the Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal al-Thani led the opening ceremony of the conference, which carries the theme ‘Beyond Boundaries: Scaling, Sustaining, and Succeeding’.The event is held under the patronage of His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani.QDB CEO Abdulrahman bin Hesham al-Sowaidi said, “Today’s opening clearly demonstrates Rowad’s pivotal role in supporting entrepreneurship and fostering innovation and creative thinking at the national and regional levels.“The direct connections we've seen between companies and investors, and the knowledge sharing among experts and entrepreneurs, showcase this platform’s unique ability to forge new pathways for collaboration across Qatar's business ecosystem.”He added: “Rowad’s core mission is to create an environment where companies can access the knowledge, relationships, and opportunities they need to thrive. We want every innovator to gain valuable insights into market dynamics, enabling them to plan strategically and grow with confidence.”According to QDB, this year’s theme charts a strategic course for entrepreneurship, emphasising excellence in business model development, market expansion, and leveraging sustainability and innovation as competitive differentiators that attract investment.The 2025 edition offers a rich and diverse programme, including a startup exhibition that features innovative solutions from 120 local and international companies. The conference hosts over 100 speakers and experts, more than 30 specialised workshops, and 15 panel discussions organised across four thematic tracks.The sessions tackle critical topics for Qatar’s entrepreneurial ecosystem: strategies for scaling operations and entering new markets, leveraging global demand to refine products and services, prioritising sustainability, and embracing innovative solutions.An interactive pitch platform allows entrepreneurs to present their ventures to investors and explore funding opportunities, while dedicated meetings between startups and investors facilitate partnership building and investment discussions.The conference enjoys strong institutional support, with strategic partners including the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, alongside strategic sponsor QNB Group.The 11th edition of Rowad builds on the conference’s established track record, strengthening Doha’s position as a dynamic innovation hub and premier entrepreneurship destination. Rowad is held as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW).

Over the past decade, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become one of the most attractive destinations for entrepreneurs and investors from around the world. Thanks to its thriving economy, investor-friendly policies, and unmatched access to global markets, the UAE offers the perfect environment for ambitious business owners seeking to grow internationally. Whether you’re a startup founder, SME owner, or established enterprise, expanding to the UAE can open doors to limitless opportunities. For many entrepreneurs exploring business setup in Dubai, the country’s progressive reforms, tax incentives, and world-class infrastructure make it an obvious next step for scaling up operations and entering new markets. In this article, we’ll explore the main reasons why entrepreneurs are expanding their business to the UAE — from economic advantages and access to global trade routes to lifestyle benefits and government support. A strategic global location One of the most compelling reasons to expand to the UAE is its prime geographical position. Located between Europe, Asia, and Africa, the country acts as a natural bridge connecting global markets. Entrepreneurs benefit from: Access to 2 billion consumers within a four-hour flight radiusWorld-class logistics hubs, including Dubai International Airport and Jebel Ali Port—two of the busiest in the worldTime zone advantage, allowing businesses to operate efficiently across both eastern and western markets For e-commerce companies, manufacturers, and service providers, this strategic positioning enables faster trade, lower transportation costs, and smoother global coordination. The UAE’s connectivity through air, sea, and digital infrastructure makes it the ultimate gateway for international expansion. Investor-friendly business environment The UAE government continues to implement reforms that make doing business simpler, faster, and more transparent. Over the years, the country has built a reputation as one of the most business-friendly destinations in the world — reflected in its consistently high ranking on global ease-of-doing-business indexes. Some of the standout features include: 100% foreign ownership in most business sectorsNo personal income tax and highly competitive corporate tax ratesEase of company formation through digital and paperless systemsStable and reliable legal framework based on international standards Free zones across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah further simplify the process by offering entrepreneurs attractive benefits such as zero customs duties, full profit repatriation, and streamlined licensing procedures. These factors combine to create a stable, transparent, and investor-friendly environment that nurtures business growth. Access to a diversified and resilient economy While the UAE’s economy was once largely dependent on oil, today it is one of the most diversified in the region. Non-oil sectors such as tourism, logistics, finance, technology, healthcare, and renewable energy now contribute significantly to the country’s GDP. This diversification offers entrepreneurs a range of opportunities to invest and expand: Technology and innovation: Dubai and Abu Dhabi are developing into regional innovation hubs, home to incubators, accelerators, and fintech companies.Tourism and hospitality: Millions of visitors travel to the UAE every year, creating demand for unique experiences, services, and products.Green energy and sustainability: The UAE’s Vision 2031 and Net Zero 2050 strategies open the door to investors in clean technology and sustainability. By operating in a diversified economy, entrepreneurs reduce risk exposure to single-sector fluctuations and position themselves within an ecosystem built for long-term growth. Advanced infrastructure and digital transformation Another reason why global entrepreneurs are drawn to the UAE is its state-of-the-art infrastructure and commitment to digital innovation. The country consistently ranks among the top globally in infrastructure quality, telecommunications, and smart city initiatives. Key infrastructure advantages: High-speed connectivity and widespread 5G coverageWorld-leading ports and logistics facilities for seamless imports and exportsFree zone and business parks designed specifically for startups and international companiesSmart government services that allow entrepreneurs to handle business registration, licensing, and visa applications online Dubai’s and Abu Dhabi’s ongoing push toward becoming fully digital economies means that entrepreneurs can easily manage operations remotely, leverage e-government platforms, and integrate new technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain into their business models. This focus on innovation creates a competitive edge for businesses that rely on automation, data analytics, and digital tools to scale efficiently. Quality of life and talent attraction Beyond its business advantages, the UAE offers one of the highest standards of living in the world, making it an appealing destination for entrepreneurs and employees alike. Safe cities, modern healthcare, world-class education, and a vibrant multicultural community attract top talent from across the globe. Lifestyle and workforce benefits include:A cosmopolitan environment with residents from over 200 nationalitiesTax-free personal income, allowing professionals to maximize earningsAccess to skilled labor, particularly in finance, technology, and creative industriesResidency and long-term visa options for investors, business owners, and highly skilled workers Entrepreneurs who establish their companies in the UAE can also benefit from programs such as the Golden Visa and the Green Visa, which offer long-term residency and stability for business owners and their families. This combination of professional opportunity and exceptional lifestyle makes the UAE not only a place to do business but also a place to build a future. **media[372572]** The UAE continues to attract entrepreneurs and investors from every corner of the world — and for good reason. Its strategic location, pro-business policies, diverse economy, world-class infrastructure, and exceptional quality of life make it one of the best places globally to expand operations and achieve long-term growth. For entrepreneurs exploring business setup in Dubai, the country provides everything needed for success: stability, innovation, access to global markets, and an environment designed for entrepreneurship. Expanding your business to the UAE isn’t just a smart move — it’s a step toward building a brand that thrives on the global stage.

Startup Grind Doha Chapter announced yesterday a strategic partnership with Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), a member of Qatar Foundation, aimed at strengthening the nation’s startup ecosystem. As part of the collaboration, QSTP will join as a ‘Strategic Partner’, supporting Startup Grind Doha’s activities and initiatives throughout the year.The partnership combines QSTP’s world-class support systems and expertise in deep tech and innovation with Startup Grind Doha’s strength in community-building, global networks, and founder-focused programmes. Together, the two organisations will co-organise initiatives designed to accelerate startup growth, foster knowledge exchange, and provide entrepreneurs in Qatar with the resources and connections they need to succeed locally and expand globally.Through the collaboration, Startup Grind Doha will serve as a platform to amplify QSTP’s innovation programmes and provide visibility for startups incubated or accelerated within QSTP. In turn, QSTP will provide valuable resources, mentorship opportunities, and access to its state-of-the-art facilities, enabling startups to scale and realise financial returns.The partnership also emphasises creating engaging events, fireside chats, panel discussions, and networking opportunities that bridge community-driven energy with structured innovation infrastructure. Hayfa al-Abdulla, QSTP Innovation and Entrepreneurship director, said: “At QSTP, our role is to connect ambitious founders with the programmes, funding, and expertise that can take their ideas from concepts to global scale. Partnering with Startup Grind Doha brings us closer to the vibrant energy of the startup community, allowing us to ignite opportunities that push the boundaries of technology and position Qatar as a launchpad for world-changing innovation.” Startup Grind Doha director Indica Amarasinghe said: “We are delighted to partner with QSTP as a Strategic Partner.This collaboration unites the community-driven reach of Startup Grind with the innovation infrastructure of QSTP. Together, we will amplify opportunities for founders, accelerate innovation, and contribute to the growth of Qatar’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.” The partnership represents a significant step in uniting institutional support with grassroots community engagement, reflecting Qatar’s ambition to become a regional and global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship with real-world impact.

For many entrepreneurs, building a company is one of the greatest achievements of their lives. But there comes a moment that is often overlooked in the glamorous world of startups and venture capital—the exit.When founders think about selling their business or stepping away, they are often hit with a reality they never prepared for: How do I exit the right way?This is what entrepreneur and business strategist Martin Martinez calls “The Founder’s Exit Dilemma.” It’s the point where passion collides with pragmatism, where years of sweat and sacrifice meet the hard reality of valuation tables, negotiations, and deal structures. And according to Martin, most founders are woefully unprepared.A Founder Who Has Been There BeforeUnlike many advisors who approach exits from purely a financial or legal perspective, Martin has lived the journey from both sides of the table.Over the course of his career, he has built and exited three businesses and acquired several companies of his own. This dual perspective gives him an unusually holistic understanding of what it means to exit—not just as a transaction, but as a deeply personal and strategic decision.“Most private equity firms, venture capitalists, and family offices focus only on the numbers. Their world revolves around ROI, multiples, and deal structures,” Martin explains. “What they often lack is operational experience. They haven’t been in the founder’s shoes. They don’t know the sacrifices made to keep the company alive, the employees who became like family, or the emotional weight that comes with letting go. That’s why so many founders feel misunderstood during an exit.”Why Founders Struggle with ExitsAccording to Martin, the Founder’s Exit Dilemma stems from three main challenges:1. Lack of Knowledge – Most entrepreneurs are experts at building businesses, but few ever study the mechanics of selling one. They underestimate how complex exits can be—from due diligence to negotiations to tax implications.2. Emotional Attachment – Founders often see their company as an extension of themselves. This emotional connection can cloud judgment, leading to undervaluing or overvaluing the business—or walking away from a fair deal.3. Poor Timing – Many exits are either rushed during financial stress or delayed until the founder is burned out. In both cases, the founder loses leverage, and the business sells for less than it’s worth.“An exit is not just a financial event—it’s a life event,” Martin emphasizes. “Founders pour years of their life into building something extraordinary, and then one day, they’re expected to just hand it over. Without the right preparation and mindset, that moment can feel like a loss instead of a win.”A Growing Need in the Middle EastMartin’s insights arrive at a pivotal time for the region. The UAE and wider Middle East are experiencing an unprecedented surge in entrepreneurship. Dubai has positioned itself as a global hub for startups, with government-backed accelerators, access to international capital, and a thriving ecosystem of founders building regional and global businesses.But with this growth comes a looming question: What happens when it’s time to exit?“Every founder thinks about building, scaling, and raising investment. Very few think about how it will all end,” Martin says. “But in reality, the exit is where the true financial freedom happens. It’s the defining moment of the entrepreneurial journey.”As the ecosystem matures, more founders in the Middle East will face this exact dilemma. Whether selling to private equity, merging with a larger competitor, or handing over to international investors, the stakes will only grow higher.Redefining the Exit ConversationMartin Martinez’s mission is to redefine how founders approach exits—not as an afterthought, but as a strategic process that begins long before a deal is on the table.His upcoming talks and personal brand will focus on empowering founders with three key strategies:Planning Early – Preparing for an exit years in advance to maximize valuation and leverage.Thinking Like a Buyer – Understanding how acquirers evaluate businesses, so founders can position themselves for stronger outcomes.Balancing Emotion with Strategy – Navigating the psychological side of exits while making decisions that serve both financial and personal goals.“What makes my perspective unique is that I’m not just an advisor,” Martin says. “I’ve lived through the late nights, the payroll struggles, the investor pressures. I know what it feels like to be a founder faced with an exit—and I also know what buyers look for when they’re making decisions. My goal is to bridge that gap, so founders can walk away not just with money in the bank, but with peace of mind.”Looking AheadAs the Middle East continues to rise as a global hub for innovation, Martin believes that preparing founders for exits will be critical to sustaining long-term success.“Great businesses aren’t just built—they’re exited,” he concludes. “And the founders who understand this will not only create wealth for themselves but will also pave the way for the next generation of entrepreneurs.”For Martin Martinez, The Founder’s Exit Dilemma is more than a theory. It’s a personal mission to help entrepreneurs turn one of the most stressful moments of their careers into their most rewarding.

Qatar Chamber, in co-operation with the Young Entrepreneurs Club, has organised a training workshop on international partnerships. The workshop, which saw the participation of 75 attendees, focused on international partnership management skills, the challenges facing entrepreneurs, and strategies for ensuring partnership sustainability.It provided participants with the knowledge and skills to build and manage international partnerships, covering all stages from identifying suitable partners to negotiation, contract drafting, and long-term evaluation to ensure sustainability and shared success.Abdulaziz al-Qahtani, an expert in entrepreneurship and international project management and general manager of the S CITY Platform for new ventures, highlighted the most pressing challenges entrepreneurs and startups face in forming global partnerships.Drawing on his experience with international startups through the S CITY Platform, he shared practical solutions and strategies. He noted that international partnerships are key to business growth in today’s fast-changing economy and stressed the importance for entrepreneurs to sharpen negotiation skills and manage shared resources effectively to stay competitive and enter new markets.Fatima Issa al-Kuwari, Head of Training and Development at Qatar Chamber, underlined the chamber’s commitment to developing the capabilities of young people and entrepreneurs by organising high-quality programs that strengthen their competitiveness.She noted that managing international partnerships is a key pillar of business expansion and access to new markets. Through such workshops, the chamber seeks to provide an integrated platform for training and knowledge that helps participants turn their ideas and projects into viable opportunities supported by strategic partnerships, thereby contributing to economic development and reinforcing Qatar’s position as a regional business and investment hub, according to her.