From Dream to Reality: Qatar’s Entrepreneurs Journey

On Tuesday, September 2, 2025, QatarDebate — founded by Qatar Foundation — hosted the second session of its Qatar Connects series, titled From Dream to Reality: Qatar’s Entrepreneurs Journey. The session drew a wide audience of individuals passionate about entrepreneurship and innovation.

Moderated by Dana AlNaama, the discussion featured rich insights and inspiring stories. Her thoughtful approach helped highlight the challenges faced by the speakers and the impact of their contributions to shaping a future-ready national economy.

The panel featured a group of distinguished Qatari entrepreneurs:

• Mariam AlKhalaf, founder of GEMA Jewelry, emphasized that jewelry is more than adornment — it’s a reflection of identity, culture, and craftsmanship.
• Hamda AlHitmi, founder of “Ahlie Al-Tawahod,” spoke about the importance of social ventures in raising awareness and creating inclusive spaces.
• Ahmed AlSumaiti, co-founder of Alfitri and founder of “Mechanic,” shared how combining engineering with entrepreneurship leads to practical innovation.
• Mohammed AlDelaimi, founder of SkipCash and PayLater, discussed how digital transformation is essential for scaling businesses and reducing operational costs.
• Abdulla AlMana, founder of a local café chain, reminded us that every project starts with a dream — and with determination, that dream can become a global brand.

Audience engagement was high, with thought-provoking questions such as: “What makes an idea turn into a success story?” and “Can failure be a stronger launchpad than success in an entrepreneur’s journey?”

The session concluded with key takeaways for aspiring entrepreneurs: believe in your idea, start small and clear, learn from others, understand the local market, and build a strong professional network. Speakers emphasized that failure is a natural part of the journey — and that focusing on quality is essential for building something that lasts.

In closing, Abdulrahman Al-Subaie, Director of Programs at QatarDebate, stated:
“Investing in youth is investing in Qatar’s future. They are the compass of innovation and the drivers of transformation. Creating a supportive environment for their ideas and ambitions is a national priority for building a knowledge-based economy.”