Rowad Conference 2025, Qatar’s national entrepreneurship platform and a flagship event of Global Entrepreneurship Week, is set to take place from November 17-19 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC). While registration for attendees is now open, the application deadline for its centerpiece Pitching Arena is fast approaching on this Saturday, October 18, creating an urgent opportunity for Qatar-based startups seeking investment.
Event Details
- What: Qatar’s national entrepreneurship conference and a flagship Global Entrepreneurship Week event.
- When: November 17 – 19, 2025.
- Where: Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), Doha, Qatar.
- Focus Areas: Scaling, Sustainability, Fundraising, and Ecosystem Building.
About The Event
Under the theme Beyond Boundaries: Scaling, Sustaining, and Succeeding, Rowad 2025 is designed to reinforce Qatar’s role as a regional innovation hub. The three-day event, organized by Qatar Development Bank (QDB), connects startups, SMEs, and ecosystem leaders through a rich program of workshops, advisory sessions, B2B meetings, and a high-stakes pitching competition designed to accelerate growth and foster collaboration.
Spotlight: The Pitching Arena
The highlight of Rowad 2025 is The Pitching Arena, a two-day dealmaking showcase connecting Qatar-based startups with local and international investors.
- Structure: Day 1 (Nov 17) is dedicated to Seed Stage startups, while Day 2 (Nov 18) is for Beyond Seed (Series A+) scaleups.
- Format: The event features a unique “Pitching Ring” central stage for an immersive feel, followed by “Speed Pitching” sessions, allowing direct interaction between founders and investors.
- Urgent Deadline: The deadline for Qatar-based startups to apply to pitch in front of angel investors and VCs is this Saturday, October 18, 2025. Selected startups will also receive access to an Investment Readiness Bootcamp.
How to Attend & Participate
Rowad 2025 offers several ways to get involved:
- For Startups (to Pitch): Qatar-based startups raising a Seed or Series A round must apply for the Pitching Arena before the October 18 deadline. Apply to Pitch Here
- For Investors: Angel investors, VCs, and family offices can register for exclusive access to meet curated, investment-ready startups at the Pitching Arena. Register as an Investor Here
- For General Attendees: Professionals, entrepreneurs, and ecosystem players can register to attend the full three-day conference, including workshops and panel discussions. Register as a Visitor Here
About The Organizers
Rowad Conference is organized by Qatar Development Bank (QDB), the main government entity responsible for developing and empowering the private sector and a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Qatar.
Learn More: Rowad Conference 2025
