Hamad Al Hajri and Fadi Ghandour to Headline Doha Downtown Tech Summit as Awards Receive 180 Nominations
Snoonu founder and CEO Hamad Al Hajri and Wamda Group Executive Chairman Fadi Ghandour will headline the second edition of the Downtown Tech Summit in Doha, as organisers announce an expanded speaker line-up and agenda for the event.
Msheireb Properties, Qatar's sustainable real estate developer, and Inc. Arabia, the Middle East edition of the global media brand Inc., announced the programme ahead of the summit, scheduled for November 17 at Barahat Msheireb in Msheireb Downtown Doha.
The announcement comes as the inaugural Doha edition of the Best in Business Awards surpasses 180 nominations. Organisers have extended the deadline for submissions to November 4, 2026, giving more businesses and leaders an opportunity to participate.
Downtown Tech Summit to Bring Regional Founders and Investors Together
Running from 4pm to 8.30pm, the summit will bring together venture capitalists, technology innovators and business leaders to discuss the growth of the region's technology ecosystem and the opportunities emerging from technological change.
The event is organised with the strategic participation and support of several entities, including Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) and Siemens.
The announced speakers include:
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Hamad Al Hajri, Founder and CEO of Snoonu, Qatar
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Fadi Ghandour, Executive Chairman of Wamda Capital, UAE
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Khaled Talhouni, Managing Partner of Nuwa Capital, UAE
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Soumaya Ben Beya Dridje, Partner at Rasmal Ventures, Qatar
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Dr Ammar Alali, Founder and CEO of Strataphy, Saudi Arabia
The programme will combine keynote presentations, panel discussions and fireside chats. Discussions will focus on how regional technology companies can scale internationally, how businesses can turn market disruption into growth opportunities, and how emerging technologies can deliver practical commercial results.
Azal Innovation Programme to Host Live Pitch Finale
The summit will also feature the live pitch finale of the Azal Innovation Programme, an initiative launched by Doha Design District, part of Msheireb Properties.
Shortlisted innovators and entrepreneurs will present their ideas directly to investors and industry experts, providing an opportunity to showcase emerging ventures and engage with potential supporters.
The initiative forms part of the wider event's focus on connecting entrepreneurs, investors and established businesses within Qatar's innovation ecosystem.
Best in Business Awards Qatar Extends Deadline
The summit will be followed by the inaugural Qatar edition of the Best in Business Awards, with a gala ceremony scheduled for November 18 at Barahat Msheireb.
The awards will recognise standout enterprises and business leaders. Having received more than 180 nominations, the inaugural edition has prompted organisers to extend the submission deadline to November 4.
Companies, founders and business leaders can submit their nominations through the official submission link provided by the organisers.
Msheireb Properties and Inc. Arabia Highlight Business Ecosystem Growth
Noora Al Qubaisi, Acting Director of Corporate Communication at Msheireb Properties, said the summit would give Qatar's business and technology community direct access to regional founders and investors who have built and scaled major companies.
She said the strong response to the Best in Business Awards reflected confidence and expansion within the private sector, adding that Msheireb was designed to provide a platform for innovation and meaningful dialogue.
Anas Abbar, co-founder and Group CEO of 7awi Media Group, the media company behind Inc. Arabia, said the 180-plus nominations demonstrated the ambition and maturity of Qatar's business ecosystem.
He added that extending the deadline would allow more companies, founders and leaders to put forward their achievements, while the summit would offer opportunities to learn from experienced regional business figures.
The two-day programme will bring together technology discussions, investor engagement and business recognition at Barahat Msheireb, placing regional entrepreneurship and innovation at the centre of the November events.
