Latest news with #HamadSalemMejegheer
Qatar Tribune
7 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar Tourism reveals judges for 3rd edition of Qatar Tourism Awards
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Tourism has revealed a distinguished 10-member jury panel of local and international experts for its third edition of the Qatar Tourism Awards. These eagerly awaited awards honour organisations and individuals known for consistently delivering exceptional tourism experiences in Qatar. The Qatar Tourism Awards is an initiative by Qatar Tourism, developed in collaboration with the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), aimed at recognising individuals and businesses across the tourism and hospitality sector in Qatar for their remarkable contributions to service excellence. The panel is tasked with carefully evaluating tourism businesses that demonstrate excellence across seven primary categories: Service Excellence, Gastronomic Experiences, Iconic Attractions and Activities, World-Class Events, Digital Footprint, Smart and Sustainable Tourism, and Community Leadership. These categories, along with 37 sub-categories, reflect key dimensions of both the visitor and resident experience. The jury includes the following distinguished members: HE Hamad Al Mulla, vice-chairman of the Education, Culture, Sport and Information Committee of the Shura Council and chairman of the External Affairs, Political and National Security Committee of the Arab Parliament; Andrew Stokes, OBE – Visit England director; Aurélie Bouti, travel content creator; Dr Hamad Salem Mejegheer, executive director SME Development at Qatar Development Bank; Gregor Rankin,Food and Travel Magazine, publisher & CEO; Samer Al Kharashi, director- Regional Office for the Middle East UN Tourism; Marcel Leijzer, deputy director, Technical Cooperation and Silk Road Department - UN Tourism; Dr. Abdulla Al Mehshadi Ph.D. Eng., CEO of Al Wa'ab City; Ramzan Al Naimi, innovation expert; and Prof. Rana Al Sobh, dean of the College of Business and Economics at Qatar University. Meet the Judges HE Hamad Al Mulla is a seasoned tourism and hospitality executive with a distinguished career spanning leadership roles at Marriott, Doha Club, and Katara Hospitality. He currently serves in senior parliamentary positions, including vice-chairman of the Shura Council's Education, Culture, Sport and Information Committee, and chairman of the Arab Parliament's External Affairs Committee. Samer Al Kharashi, appointed UN Tourism Regional director for the Middle East in 2024, brings over two decades of diplomatic experience to the role. A seasoned Saudi diplomat, he now leads efforts to advance sustainable tourism and regional competitiveness across the Middle East. Marcel Leijzer joined UN Tourism in 2006, where he is deputy director, Technical Cooperation and Silk Road Department - UN Tourism. His main task is to coordinate the formulation and implementation of tourism projects related to strategy development, marketing, poverty reduction, biodiversity conservation, and capacity building. Dr Hamad Salem Mejegheer serves as executive director of SME Development at Qatar Development Bank, leading national strategies that empower local businesses in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. With advanced degrees from SBS and HEC Paris, he also contributes to multiple boards, championing sustainable economic growth. Dr Abdulla Hassa Al Mehshadi Ph.D., Eng is the CEO of Al Wa'ab City and has held several other leadership positions. He previously served as CEO of Msheireb Properties, maintenance manager of Qatar Fertilizer Company (QAFCO), consultant to the Minster of Environment, Managing Director of Private Engineering Office. Andrew Stokes, OBE, is the director of Visit England and architect of the £40m Discover England Fund, driving tourism innovation and SME market access through platforms like TXGB. He has led national initiatives including DMO accreditation and business recovery programmes, earning an OBE in 2023 for services to tourism. Ramzan Rashid Al Naimi is an innovation expert and entrepreneur and a certified practitioner (Level 1) in Innovation Management. With more than 23 years of experience in the media, marketing and branding industry, he founded two companies specialised in the field of design, media production, and innovation. Prof. Rana Sobh is a professor of Marketing and dean of the College of Business and Economics at Qatar University. Throughout her career, she has contributed to several national and international projects and served on many local and international organisations' advisory boards. Aurélie Bouti is a globally recognised French travel content creator, known for her immersive storytelling and creative campaigns with top tourism boards. With over five million followers, she has been ranked France's number one travel influencer since 2023 and the world's best in 2025. Gregor Rankin is the award-winning publisher and CEO of Food and Travel magazine, globally recognised as the leading title in gastronomic travel. With a track record of successful media launches, he co-founded the magazine and its international editions, events, and acclaimed Reader Awards. The carefully selected panel of judges will evaluate submissions expected to surpass last year's total of over 800 entries from across the sector. Winners will receive extensive promotion locally, regionally, and internationally to enhance their visibility. The winners of the third edition of the Qatar Tourism Awards will be revealed during a formal ceremony taking place in November 2025. The Qatar Tourism Awards is open to all businesses and individuals in the tourism sector. The Awards is a benchmark for excellence, highlighting the nation's top tourism offerings, services and innovations and outstanding achievers. It is a chance to help set the standard for the tourism industry and recognise those who elevate Qatar's tourism reputation on the global stage. Winning the prestigious Qatar Tourism Awards is a demonstration of excellence that strengthens brand equity, shapes businesses or careers and to gain nationally and internationally recognition. Submissions are a simple process where the applicants need to answer five unique questions and attach supporting documents. The application portal launched on May 19, and the deadline for applications submission is August 7, 2025. For application guidelines and more information, visit or email
Qatar Tribune
07-07-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Commercial Bank signs agreement with QDB to empower SMEs in Qatar
Tribune News Network Doha In a significant move aimed at strengthening Qatar's small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector, Commercial Bank has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Qatar Development Bank (QDB) to deliver comprehensive support forlocal businesses. Commercial Bank, known for its leadership in innovative digital banking solutions, will work closely with QDB to enhance the financial and advisory ecosystem available to SMEs across the country. The collaboration is designed to empower entrepreneurs by leveraging the combined resources, expertise, and networks ofboth institutions. As part of this initiative, SMEs in Qatar will benefit from a wide array of value-added services, including advisory support in areas such as financial planning, marketing, succession planning, feasibility studies, restructuring, and risk management. The partnership also includes a jointly developed calendar of workshops to be conducted throughout the year at either Commercial Bank or QDB premises, offering hands-on support and knowledge-sharing opportunities for business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. Commenting on the partnership, Commercial Bank EGM, Chief Wholesale and International Banking Officer Fahad Badar said, 'This collaboration with QDB reflects our shared vision to cultivate a thriving SME ecosystem in Qatar. Through comprehensive advisory services and knowledge-sharing sessions, we are not only investing in the future of businesses but contributing meaningfully to the development goals of Qatar's 2030 National Vision.' Qatar Development Bank Executive Director of SME Development Dr Hamad Salem Mejegheer also highlighted the strategic importance of the agreement. 'Through this collaboration with our partners at Commercial Bank, we aim to harness our collective expertise to deliver greater impact in entrepreneurship, particularly in supporting SMEs, which form a cornerstone of Qatar's economicdevelopment. This agreement represents a new step toward achieving our strategy to enhance and develop local enterprises, in alignment with the Third National Development Strategy of the State of Qatar (2024–2030),' he said. The agreement underscores the critical role that SMEs play in Qatar's economic diversification efforts and national development priorities. By providing entrepreneurs with the right tools, knowledge, and financial guidance, the partnership is expected to create new opportunities for innovation, growth, and sustainable enterprise development in the country.
Qatar Tribune
02-06-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
New ESG manual to empower SMEs for sustainable future
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Development Bank (QDB) and the Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD) have officially launched the ESG Guidance Manual for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Qatar during a high-level event titled 'ESG for Qatar's Business Leaders' held at Marsa Malaz Kempinski, Doha. Organized by GORD in collaboration with QDB, the event convened senior executives, sustainability experts, and policymakers to explore the strategic importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) integration and to unveil QDB's newly developed manual. The event also welcomed senior representatives from Qatar's leading financial institutions, including the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) and the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE). Jointly developed by QDB and GORD, the ESG Guidance Manual offers a practical and scalable roadmap tailored to help SMEs embed ESG principles into their core business operations. The manual aims to align SMEs with the Qatar National Vision 2030, enhance their sustainability performance, and help them navigate evolving global regulatory requirements. Drawing on GORD's technical expertise and leadership in sustainability, the manual serves as both a strategic enabler and a compliance toolkit, equipping businesses to transition toward a low-carbon, resilient economy. During the launch, Dr. Yousef Alhorr, Founding Chairman of GORD, stated, 'The ESG Guidance Manual reflects Qatar's proactive commitment to empowering its SME sector to adapt to the evolving global ESG landscape. This initiative not only enhances the global competitiveness of Qatari SMEs in carbon-conscious markets but also reinforces their contribution to the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 and broader international climate objectives.' Dr. Hamad Salem Mejegheer, Executive Director of SME Development of QDB, added, 'At Qatar Development Bank, we remain committed to strengthening the SME ecosystem, recognizing its vital role as a driver of economic growth and diversification. In today's interconnected global economy, ESG principles are no longer optional — they are fundamental to building resilience and unlocking new opportunities. Through this manual, developed in collaboration with GORD, we are equipping our SMEs with the tools to adapt, grow, and shape a sustainable future for Qatar.' Following the official launch, the event featured a series of technical sessions that offered participants in-depth insights into ESG fundamentals and regulatory developments. Discussions covered upcoming QCB guidelines, the implications of QSE's adoption of the IFRS S1/S2 standards, and how ESG ratings influence investment and financing decisions. Experts also addressed the role of digital solutions in streamlining ESG reporting and management. The sessions further explored strategies for embedding ESG into corporate decision-making and managing associated risks. The day concluded with a high-level panel discussion featuring leading experts and business leaders, emphasizing ESG as a strategic imperative and showcasing real-world examples of ESG-led business transformation and long-term value creation.
