Qatar Development Bank (QDB), in partnership with the Global Entrepreneurship Network, has announced that Qatar will host the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) Doha 2026, a major international gathering of entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and innovation leaders. The four-day event is scheduled to take place from 21-24 September 2026 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre.
The announcement was made following the signing of a cooperation agreement between QDB and GEN on the sidelines of the 65th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, underscoring global confidence in Qatar’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and strategic positioning as a hub for innovation and business growth.
Global platform to bring together entrepreneurial ecosystems
GEC is a flagship initiative of GEN, a global network operating in more than 200 countries that seeks to connect and support entrepreneurial ecosystems by facilitating collaboration, investment and knowledge exchange. The Congress is expected to attract more than 3,000 participants, including founders, investors, experts, representatives of financial institutions and government decision-makers from around the world.
Participants will engage in focused dialogue on key issues shaping the future of entrepreneurship, including investment strategies, cross-border collaboration, sectoral innovation, startup growth pathways and public policies that support sustainable economic development.
Partnership with QDB’s Rowad Conference
The event will be held in partnership with QDB’s flagship Rowad Entrepreneurship Conference, a platform that has become central to supporting Qatar’s evolving entrepreneurship ecosystem and showcasing local startups, investors and industry stakeholders. This partnership is expected to reinforce the country’s position as a destination for entrepreneurial exchange and investment.
Strategic significance for Qatar
In remarks on the announcement, Mr Abdulrahman bin Hesham Al-Sowaidi, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Development Bank, said the decision to host GEC reflects Qatar’s growing role in fostering global entrepreneurship and stimulating economic development through sustained collaboration and partnerships. He described the event as an opportunity for Doha to serve as a launchpad for innovative ideas and cross-border entrepreneurial initiatives.
Mr Jonathan Ortmans, Founder and President of the Global Entrepreneurship Network, highlighted Qatar’s strategic advantages, noting that the country offers a clear strategic vision, recognised execution capabilities and strong international positioning that fosters dialogue and cooperation. He said GEC Doha 2026 will continue to enhance the Congress’s role as a global reference point for structured collaboration and tangible outcomes for entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Building on national ecosystem progress
Hosting one of the world’s largest entrepreneurship events reflects the progress Qatar has made in strengthening its private-sector innovation landscape. It aligns with national strategic frameworks, including the Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030, which emphasise diversification, innovation and global economic integration. Experts see GEC Doha 2026 as an opportunity to attract international investment, elevate local startups onto global stages and deepen cross-border partnerships in technology, finance and sustainable sectors.
The choice of Doha as host follows years of focused efforts to build impactful platforms in the country, including Rowad and other ecosystem-enabling initiatives. By bringing GEC to Qatar, analysts say the nation positions itself more prominently as a hub where global entrepreneurship communities can engage, collaborate and scale new ventures across regions.
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Last Updated on January 28, 2026 by Safiya K
