Ibtikar, the Qatari corporate innovation and capacity-building consultancy, played a pivotal role at the Rowad 2025 conference, reinforcing its commitment to nurturing Qatar’s innovation ecosystem. The national platform for innovation and entrepreneurship took place from November 17-19 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center under the theme “Entrepreneurship Across Borders: Growth, Sustainability, Excellence.”
Through leadership panel discussions, interactive youth workshops, and an innovative pavilion, Ibtikar demonstrated its dedication to empowering individuals and institutions to transform ideas into tangible, sustainable outcomes, aligning with the Qatar National Vision 2030.
Fostering a National Innovation Dialogue
Engineer Nayef Al-Ibrahim, Co-founder and CEO of Ibtikar, emphasized the significance of their participation. “Our involvement in Rowad this year reflects our commitment to supporting Qatar’s innovation ecosystem and enhancing its national capabilities by providing practical, customized solutions,” he stated. “Rowad is a pivotal platform for networking and knowledge exchange, and we are proud to be part of this national effort.”
Al-Ibrahim added, “Through our panel session, youth workshops, and interactive pavilion, we were able to connect directly with students, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers. This allowed us to understand real-world challenges, offer precise expertise, and support institutions in turning innovative ideas into scalable solutions, thereby promoting a sustainable growth path for Qatar.”
Driving Global Entrepreneurship Through Education And Culture
Al-Ibrahim was a featured speaker on a high-profile panel titled “Education, Culture, and Innovation in Global Leadership.” He was joined by distinguished speakers from prominent local and regional institutions, including Qatar Development Bank (QDB), the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), the Queen Rania Foundation’s Edraak platform, and regional EdTech startup ElGooru.
The discussion highlighted education, culture, and innovation as fundamental pillars for global entrepreneurship, stressing their role in empowering visionary entrepreneurs and building sustainable startup ecosystems in the Arab world.
Empowering The Next Generation With AI And Design Thinking
In a focused effort to develop youth capabilities, Ibtikar organized two interactive workshops aimed at enhancing AI and entrepreneurial thinking skills among school and university students.
The first workshop, “From Problem to Prototype: An Introduction to Design Thinking,” drew over 80 students who learned to analyze real-world problems, generate creative ideas, and develop viable prototypes through an interactive challenge.
In a strategic partnership with The Crafters, an AI technology specialist, a second workshop was held for over 100 students titled “The AI-Enhanced Entrepreneur: Using AI to Launch and Manage a Venture.” Led by AI expert and serial entrepreneur Karima Rehal-Sebti, the session provided hands-on experience with AI tools for idea generation, prototype development, marketing, and customer management, equipping participants with practical skills to integrate modern technology into future ventures.
“At Ibtikar, we are committed to empowering youth to become the innovators and entrepreneurs of tomorrow,” said Al-Ibrahim. “Through our strategic partnership with The Crafters and our participation in platforms like Rowad, we are proud to build the capacities of young people to harness the full potential of AI.”
Mourad Mziani, Co-founder and CEO of The Crafters, commented, “Qatar’s commitment to innovation and AI makes it an ideal environment for creativity and growth. This workshop is a testament to the strategic partnership between Ibtikar and The Crafters to support the national innovation ecosystem.”
About Ibtikar
Ibtikar is a leading Qatari consultancy specializing in corporate innovation and capacity building. The firm is responsible for designing and managing over 70% of the innovation spaces in Qatar and plays a pivotal role in translating strategic visions into actionable steps for both public and private sector organizations. Through initiatives like its “Majlis Ibtikar” series, the company fosters dialogue and knowledge exchange to support Qatar’s transition towards a diversified, knowledge-based economy.
Source: Al-Sharq
