Doha, Under the high patronage of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Qatar Development Bank (QDB) announced the names of the Qatari companies winning this year's entrepreneurship awards at the conclusion of the 9th edition of the ROWAD Entrepreneurship Award and Conference at the Qatar National Convention Centre. The three-day event was held under the slogan "Together, We Excel and Innovate", with the participation of Gulf entrepreneurs.

HE Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al-Thani attended the awards ceremony, during which the QDB celebrates the achievements of Qatari entrepreneurs and their innovation to enhance local economic growth.

The competing companies were evaluated according to precise criteria. In the field of technology and innovation, the award was won by Applab, while the national agricultural and livestock industrialization group "Mazzraty" received the best company award in the field of sustainability. As for the best work environment, the award was given to Snoonu Trading and Services. Qatar Aluminium Extrusion won the best exporting company award, while the Best Company in Qatar award for 2023 went to Seashore Steel.

On this occasion, QDB CEO Abdulrahman Hesham Al Sowaidi said that they worked over the past three days to present a distinctive edition of the conference and to be a unique GCC event, adding that they were pleased to receive counterparts from members of the GCC entrepreneurship ecosystems at the annual GCC Entrepreneurship Forum, thus opening the way for building cooperative bridges. He noted that they were pleased to identify innovative entrepreneurial talents from the GCC countries and honor them through the GCC ROWAD Hackathon competitions.

Regarding the awards, Al Sowaidi said that the celebration of the best distinguished Qatari companies in 5 fields in light of this regional conference confirms the pride in their achievements and performance, and pushes them towards more hard work to achieve greater successes and move towards new horizons.

CEO of Qatar Investment Authority Mansour bin Ibrahim Al Mahmoud said the Authority plays a major role in driving the growth of the Qatari economy by attracting international companies to contribute to the diversification of the Qatari economy, adding the Authority is proud to be a supporter of this initiative that strengthens the Qatari economy by nurturing entrepreneurs in the region.

CEO of Qatar Financial Center Yousuf Mohammed Al Jaida congratulated QDB on the success of this edition of the Qatar ROWAD Conference. He noted that entrepreneurship contributes to providing a wave of innovation, job opportunities, and wealth production which are essential drivers of economic development and growth, adding that are honored to be part of the annual event which has become one of the most important platforms for empowering young entrepreneurs in Qatar.

Acting CEO of Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) Abdulaziz Nasser Al Emadi expressed his happiness with the QSE's sponsorship of the conference that highlights the achievements and innovations of Qatari entrepreneurs and encourages them to innovate, pioneer, and enhance quality levels.

Al Emadi said that the participation of the QSE confirms its role in supporting small and medium enterprises and promoting a sustainable business environment since supporting entrepreneurs contributes to stimulating innovation and enhancing economic growth in support of efforts aimed at achieving the four pillars of the Qatar National Vision 2030. In support of these companies, the QSE launched a special market to enable them to list and support their growth and financing, in addition to the efforts made by the QSE in supporting the environmental, social and governance sustainability efforts of all listed companies.

The conference included 30 workshops and training sessions with the participation of industry experts, male and female entrepreneurs, field visits to partners of the Qatari entrepreneurship ecosystem, and discussion dialogues that addressed the most important topics of the Gulf and global business environment and a review of GCC and Qatari success stories in the areas of digital transformation and sustainable economy.

It was organized in partnership with Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Global Entrepreneurship Network, Qatar Investment Authority, Qatar National Bank, Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council, Qatar Financial Center, Qatar Stock Exchange, Investment Holding Group, Ooredoo, and Qatar Airways.

Source: Qatar News Agency