Doha, Qatar: Chairwoman of Qatari Businesswomen Association (QBWA), H E Sheikha Al Anood bint Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani highlighted the association’s journey within Qatar's business ecosystem on the occasion of 25th anniversary of the establishment of QBWA.
Sheikha Al Anood said, celebrating this 25-year milestone is an incredible moment of pride and reflection for everyone at QBWA. What began as a visionary initiative has transformed into a powerful force within Qatar's dynamic business ecosystem, driven by our collective commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs, leaders, and professionals.
Looking back over this quarter-century, what moves me most is seeing how generations of remarkable women have shaped our story. From the pioneering business leaders who laid our foundation to the ambitious young entrepreneurs bringing fresh perspectives today, each has contributed to building this extraordinary legacy. Their stories of determination, innovation, and success give deeper meaning to QBWA's mission and fuel our optimism for the future.
“As we mark this milestone, we celebrate not just our achievements but the collaborative spirit that has defined our journey. We look ahead with renewed commitment to expanding opportunities and driving meaningful change for women in Qatar's business landscape,” QBWA Chairwoman said.
Describing QBWA's journey within Qatar's business ecosystem over the past 25 years, Sheikha Al Anood said, QBWA's 25-year journey reflects Qatar's remarkable transformation into a dynamic and diverse economy that actively prioritizes women's participation across all sectors. In alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030's human development pillar, “we have emerged as a cornerstone of our nation's business landscape, dedicated to providing women entrepreneurs and professionals with the resources, networks, and opportunities they need to thrive in a competitive environment.”
This journey has been marked by significant achievements - from hosting influential global forums to launching targeted initiatives and building strong partnerships both locally and internationally - all capitalizing on Qatar's economic advancement. These milestones showcase how we've leveraged the nation's progressive business environment to create opportunities for women leaders across all sectors.
Today, QBWA is not just a platform for empowerment but also a voice for progress, advocating for women's role in driving Qatar's economic growth. This journey reflects resilience, innovation, and a shared vision of creating a future where women leaders are integral to the success of every industry.
Commenting on QBWA’s role in shaping the business landscape for women in Qatar, she said, QBWA has been instrumental in shaping an environment where women are recognized as key contributors to Qatar's economic development. “We've established comprehensive support systems that address both immediate needs and long-term aspirations of women in business. From providing platforms for networking and collaboration to delivering specialized training programs, we ensure our members have the tools they need to succeed.”
“Our initiatives span crucial areas - from entrepreneurship development and leadership training to mentorship programs that connect emerging businesswomen with experienced leaders. We've also focused on creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and building strategic partnerships that open new doors for women-led businesses,” she added.
The evolution has been remarkable and reflects the changing dynamics of Qatar's economy itself. In our early years, we focused primarily on creating basic networking opportunities and providing fundamental support for women entering the business world.
QBWA Chairwoman further pointed out “Today, our role has expanded significantly to meet the sophisticated needs of modern businesswomen in an increasingly digital and global economy. We have consistently adapted by focusing on emerging areas such as digital transformation, sustainability, and global networking. We’ve also expanded our initiatives to include younger women, encouraging the next generation to step into leadership and entrepreneurial roles. By staying agile and responsive to these changes, we ensure that QBWA remains relevant and impactful.”
Highlighting QBWA’s most significant achievements over the past 25 years, she said there are so many moments of pride, but a few stand out. Our most significant impact has been building a powerful community of women leaders who actively support and elevate each other, creating a multiplier effect for women's economic participation in Qatar.
“Our flagship initiatives, such as ‘100 Qatari Women’ and strategic partnerships with global organizations, have elevated the profile of Qatari women on the international stage. These efforts have highlighted the vital contributions of women to Qatar’s development and strengthened our reputation as leaders in women’s advancement.”
Lastly, our focus on mentorship, education, and digital transformation has been crucial. By equipping women with the skills and tools to succeed in a rapidly changing world, we’ve ensured that their contributions to business and leadership will continue to grow for generations to come.
“Our international engagement strategy has always been guided by a clear vision: to create impactful opportunities for Qatari women to excel on the global stage. Through strategic partnerships with international business associations, participation in prestigious forums like the WTO Public Forum, and hosting international delegations, we showcase the exceptional capabilities of Qatari businesswomen while opening doors to new markets and partnerships,” QBWA Chairwoman said.
It has been incredibly rewarding to witness how our members have leveraged these connections to build and expand their global networks. These connections go far beyond transactional business relationships, they are transformative bridges that position Qatari women as influential leaders and respected contributors to the global economy.
QBWA continues to play an important role in supporting Qatari women’s participation in economic transformation. Our focus on digital literacy, innovation, and sustainable business practices aligns perfectly with Qatar National Vision 2030's goals for a knowledge-based economy. What excites me most is how our members are embracing this transition, whether through adopting new technologies, exploring sustainable business models, or investing in innovation.
“We're also expanding our partnerships with technology leaders and educational institutions to ensure our members stay ahead of global trends. Our recent initiatives in artificial intelligence and digital transformation are just the beginning of what we aim to achieve,” she added.
Commenting on opportunities for the next generation of Qatari businesswomen, Sheikha Al Anood said opportunities ahead are truly limitless. With Qatar's growing focus on innovation, sustainability, and economic diversification, there has never been a better time for women to pursue their business ambitions. What particularly excites me is seeing young women enter emerging sectors like clean technology, digital innovation, and creative industries.
To all women considering a business career or entrepreneurship journey, I say: QBWA's doors are open to you. Our network, resources, and quarter-century of experience are here to support your ambitions. When you join QBWA, you're becoming part of a legacy of excellence and a future of unlimited possibilities.
“We aspire to continue leading with purpose and making a meaningful impact. We want to ensure that our programs and initiatives reach more Qatari women across the country, amplifying their opportunities and empowering them to lead in their communities and industries.”
Locally, “we aim to deepen our presence and make a more significant impact by engaging with diverse sectors and providing more tailored support to our members. Internationally, we’re equally committed to expanding our reach, and to increasing our cross-border collaborations that bring new ideas, global best practices, and innovative strategies to QBWA, enriching our community with global insights,” she said.
Innovation and digital transformation are at the heart of our strategy. As the world evolves, we see these tools as essential in helping our members adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing landscape. By encouraging the adoption of new technologies and integrating digital solutions into our programs, we aim to position QBWA as a forward-thinking leader in economic progress.
Sheikha Al Anood noted to celebrate this remarkable anniversary, “We have a year-long lineup of activities and initiatives planned to mark this special occasion, with a series of events focused on empowering women in technology, sustainability, and leadership. We will also host a global roadshow to showcase the achievements of Qatari women internationally. It will be a celebration of our journey and an invitation for everyone to join us in shaping the future.”
This anniversary is not just about QBWA; it’s about the collective journey of women in Qatar and beyond. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when we support each other and believe in the power of women to transform communities and economies. I look forward to the next chapter of QBWA’s story, and I invite everyone to be a part of it.
“The remarkable progress we've witnessed in women's economic participation is a testament to the collaborative spirit within Qatar's business ecosystem. Over the past 25 years, the support from Qatar's business community and leadership has been instrumental in creating opportunities for women to thrive and contribute to our nation's development,” she said.
Looking ahead, “we see tremendous potential in strengthening these partnerships. QBWA's corporate membership program offers organizations an opportunity to be part of this transformative journey while accessing valuable networking and growth opportunities. We welcome organizations to explore how they can join us in this mission. The evidence is clear - organizations that embrace diversity demonstrate greater innovation and resilience.”
“We are particularly encouraged by the growing alignment between public and private sector initiatives in supporting women's economic participation. By working together, we can enhance Qatar's competitive advantage and contribute to our shared vision of prosperity. We invite all stakeholders to join us in shaping this future,” she added.
As we reflect on the incredible journey of Qatari women and the progress we have achieved, we owe a profound debt of gratitude to the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser for their unwavering support and visionary leadership.
Their steadfast commitment to empowering women has been the cornerstone of our nation’s progress. Through their guidance and encouragement, Qatari women have been able to thrive, excel, and contribute meaningfully to the economic, social, and cultural development of our country.
Sheikha Al Anood said, “On behalf of the Qatari Businesswomen Association and all the women of Qatar, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for their continued belief in the power and potential of Qatari women. We remain inspired by their vision and are committed to honoring their legacy by striving for excellence and contributing to the prosperity of our beloved nation.”
