Doha: Under the auspices of HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, Qatar Development Bank, in collaboration with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), kicked off today the Rowad Entrepreneurship Conference and the Arab SMEs Summit 2024 under the theme "Navigating Digital Horizons". According to Qatar News Agency, more than 120 startups and 600 SMEs are participating in the three-day conference, which is expected to draw over 5,000 visitors. The 10th edition of the Rowad Conference and the 3rd Arab SMEs Summit has attracted leading entrepreneurs, innovators, policymakers, and experts from various Arab countries, serving as a platform to exchange knowledge and discuss practices fostering entrepreneurship and sustainable development across the region. HE Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Mohammed bin Ali bin Mohammed Al Mannai, inaugurated the event at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Ce nter. The occasion was graced by the presence of Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCWA, Dr. Rola Dashti, who delivered a keynote address, alongside HRH Abdulaziz bin Talal Al-Saud, Chairman of the Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND). The event also brought together Arab ministers of commerce, industry, and finance, along with senior officials and representatives from key strategic partners. In his opening remarks, QDB CEO Abdulrahman Hesham Al Sowaidi emphasized the event's reflection on the bank's commitment to cementing Qatar's position as a pioneering and innovative regional hub in line with the Third National Development Strategy. He highlighted that the conference would feature investment opportunities, training sessions, and discussions with prominent Arab startups. Al Sowaidi also mentioned that site visits would be conducted to benefit participants from Qatar and the Arab region. Dr. Dashti articulated that the summit embodies a shared vision empowering entrepreneurs and SMEs to achieve success. She emphasized the importance of SMEs and entrepreneurs' success for the prosperity of societies and the stimulation of resilient, dynamic, and inclusive economies. She explained that the theme "Navigating Digital Horizons" underscores the urgency for companies to adapt and innovate in a digital world. Dr. Dashti stressed the importance of harnessing technology to create an environment enabling SMEs to succeed. The conference's first day featured numerous activities and sessions, including workshops and discussions with over 50 experts and speakers covering vital topics in digital transformation. The startup exhibition also opened, showcasing over 120 innovative companies to investors and potential partners. The second day will feature the Sixth Investment Forum, providing a platform to showcase investment opportunities and connect entrepreneurs with experts and investors. Site visits to leading hubs in Qatar's entrepreneurship ecosystem are also scheduled.