In a significant development for the MENA startup ecosystem, Qatar Development Bank (QDB) has announced it will host the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) in Doha in 2026. The prestigious four-day event is scheduled to run from September 21-24, 2026, at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center, in partnership with the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN).
A Global Stage for MENA’s Innovators
The GEC is expected to draw over 3,000 participants, including entrepreneurs, investors, policy makers, and ecosystem leaders from more than 200 countries. The congress will serve as a pivotal platform for comprehensive dialogues on entrepreneurship, cross-border investment, sector-specific innovation, and public policies that foster sustainable growth. For Qatar and the wider MENA region, it represents a unique opportunity to showcase local innovation and forge powerful international partnerships.
A Strategic Partnership Forged in Davos
The agreement to bring GEC to Doha was formalized between QDB and GEN during the 65th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The collaboration underscores Qatar’s rising prominence as a global hub for business and innovation.
“We are delighted to host the next edition of the Global Entrepreneurship Congress in Doha,” said Mr. Abdulrahman Hesham Al-Sowaidi, CEO of Qatar Development Bank. “We welcome the global entrepreneurial community to engage in a high-level international dialogue that translates into collaboration and partnerships, stimulating economic development in the region and the world, and enhancing Qatar’s position as a hub for economic cooperation and innovation.”
Jonathan Ortmans, founder and president of the Global Entrepreneurship Network, added, “Qatar has a unique set of assets, including its clear strategic vision and ability to turn visions into tangible reality, alongside a unique international presence that encourages dialogue and collaboration. This year’s edition of the Global Entrepreneurship Congress in Doha continues to strengthen the conference’s role as a key global platform, stimulating meaningful cooperation to support entrepreneurship ecosystems around the world.”
Building on National Success
Hosting the GEC reflects the substantial progress Qatar has made in developing its entrepreneurial ecosystem, aligning with the objectives of its Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030. The event will build upon the success of QDB’s own flagship event, the “Rowad” Entrepreneurship Conference, which will be integrated as a partner event. The award-winning Rowad conference has been a cornerstone in supporting the national startup landscape for years, and its integration into GEC 2026 signifies a strategic step to scale its impact from a local to a global stage.
About Qatar Development Bank
Qatar Development Bank is a fully government-owned financial entity established to support and develop local industries by empowering small and medium-sized enterprises in Qatar. The bank plays a pivotal role in diversifying the nation’s economy by providing financing, support services, and guidance to entrepreneurs and startups across various sectors.
About The Global Entrepreneurship Network
The Global Entrepreneurship Network operates a platform of projects and programs in 200 countries aimed at making it easier for anyone, anywhere to start and scale a business. By fostering deeper cross-border collaboration and initiatives between entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, policymakers, and entrepreneurial support organizations, GEN works to fuel healthier start and scale ecosystems that create more jobs, educate individuals, and strengthen economic stability.
Source: QNA
