Doha, Qatar: As International Women’s Day follows on the heels of Web Summit Qatar 2025, the Government Communications Office (GCO) released a report shedding light on the influential women actively shaping Qatar’s future through their expertise, vision and determination, building on Qatar’s commitment to women’s empowerment across sectors.
Leading discussions on Qatar’s tech sector was Eman Al Kuwari, Director of Digital Innovation at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, who offered valuable insights during the session ‘From the Caucasus to the Gulf: A new digital excellence hub.’ Al Kuwari highlighted Qatar’s approach to building digital partnerships that extend beyond traditional boundaries, emphasising the nation’s strategic position in connecting diverse tech ecosystems and the various opportunities it provides to startups.
“Qatar has a rich story to tell, and it’s not just about digital transformation, but how innovation is driving our social and economic development,” said Al Kuwari.
Speaking about her role, Al Kuwari said: “This journey for me is a personal passion, not only to innovate but to serve my country. This is what continues to inspire me each and every day. Technology isn’t just about innovation for the sake of innovation, but it’s about solving real challenges and unlocking opportunities for the next generations.” On the occasion of Women’s Day, Al Kuwari highlighted the unique perspective Qatari women bring to tech and innovation, stating: “We understand the needs of our communities while also having global exposure. This allows us to design solutions that are locally relevant yet globally competitive.”
Speaking on the critical elements of success, Hessa Al Thani, Head of Qatar & MENA’s Professional Service Sector at the Qatar Financial Centre, emphasised the importance of having a holistic approach.
“Success in tech requires passion and a comprehensive understanding that goes beyond technology itself,” said Al Thani. “You have to focus not just on tech, but also on environmental and social aspects as they all play significant roles in the industry.” Al Thani, who took part in a session on unlocking startups’ potential, also credits her success to significant exposure and collaborations with ecosystem partners. “It’s always about passed-on knowledge, learning from others, and connecting with the right people from each sector to understand their expectations.
“My advice to Qatari women is to broaden your knowledge about what’s happening globally and listen to diverse perspectives, both locally and internationally,” she added.
Representing Qatar’s fintech ecosystem was Thuraya Al Mulla, CEO of Receipts, a retail technology company delivering digital receipts to customers’ wallets or banking apps.
Al Mulla described representing Qatar at the Paris Fintech Forum as one of her proudest achievements. “Being the only technology company from Qatar and the region allowed us to practice technology diplomacy and showcase Qatar’s innovations on a global stage,” she noted.
“While many regions are still fighting for women’s empowerment, in Qatar, women have long been supported by their families and country,” Al Mulla stated. “Women are leading in all sectors, including technology and financial technology. We’re innovating and taking on leadership roles across industries. I think the world should look to Qatar when it comes to women in power.”
Shaikha Al Shaibi, founder of ByShelves, shared insights about her pioneering application that connects users with bookstores, stationery stores and educational resources.
Reflecting on International Women’s Day, Al Shaibi offered advice to aspiring women entrepreneurs: “Never give up and don’t start big. Start small because baby steps always lead to bigger impact. Choose the right people, plan ahead, and have a concrete timeline for your business.”
