From immersive fashion shows to a springboard for tech startups, Qatar 365 explores how the country is embracing the future by diversifying its economy. We speak to Invest Qatar’s Fahad Al-Kuwari on how the investment promotion agency is driving innovation and entrepreneurship.
In this episode, Qatar 365 continues to explore the important role technology plays in our daily lives. Aadel Haleem discovered how technology is revolutionizing the world of business and fashion by attending the second edition of the Technology, Education, Finance, Fashion and Art conference at M7 in Doha’s Msheireb district. Artistic freedom was a major theme of the three-day TEFFA conference hosted by the Doha Design District. Aadel met with local and international pioneers who converged on Qatar to share their ideas on this year’s theme, “AI R Evolution.” Immersive experiences include an augmented reality fashion show and the Middle East’s first-ever Fashathon, a fashion hackathon.
Qatar has long had a goal of attracting new and emerging talent. The country has made this a reality by announcing a $1 billion investment to support entrepreneurs and startups in the region. The investment is supported by Invest Qatar’s Startup Qatar initiative, an online platform that provides information to help international startups launch or expand their businesses in the country. Aadel met with Fahad Al-Kuwari, Invest Qatar’s Senior Director of Investor Relations, who explained how he believes the investment promotion agency’s initiatives will spearhead innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.
2024 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for Qatar’s startup scene, with a surge in venture capital players. Laila Humairah visited Qatar Science and Technology Park, a launchpad for startups looking to take their product from idea to reality. She met with the founder of EMMA Systems, who explained how his team’s AI-powered platform uses algorithms and real-time data to optimize airport ground efficiency and improve security. Laila also met with Michael Lints, Partner at Golden Gate Ventures, and Qatari venture capital firm Rasmal Ventures unveiled its first $100 million local fund. As Qatar’s startup industry continues to grow, it’s clear that the country is prioritizing investment and embracing its future by diversifying its economy.