Doha, 17 June 2019 – QNB, the largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, was the platinum sponsor of the 7th edition of the Al Fikra competition, which was held for four months, from February to June 2019.
Organized by the Qatar Development Bank (QDB), the Qatar National Business Competition (Al Fikra) is an educational and coaching program designed for Qatari led start-ups and entrepreneurs, enabling them to develop business ideas that can be turned into successful private value-adding businesses.
The applicants’ plans are presented in a series of workshops provided that would help them “bring their ideas to light in a more tactical and professional way.” The competition is considered one of the most important platforms for achieving a diversified economy to support the Qatar National Vision 2030.
This year, Al-Fikra was divided into three categories: the ‘Emerging Ideas’ or Al-Fikra Startup, a competition for general business ideas; Al-Fikra Mashroie for university students; and Al-Fikra Challenges, allowing entrepreneurs to find solutions for some of the challenges that can be turned into business ideas and projects that can serve Qatar.
QNB is always ready to offer its full support for national competitions and initiatives that foster startups and SMEs in Qatar and across its network, in order to nurture the growth and development of this important sector that yields great benefits to economies in Qatar and internationally.
QNB is also always ready to offer its full participation and support for the QDB and all its partners in the SME sector, as well as exchanging the needed ideas and experience, which QNB takes great care to develop constantly to keep up with the requirements of the national Qatari market and economy.
QNB’s efforts to develop SMEs and entrepreneurs go beyond sponsorship to include the Bank’s nurturing and support of all workers in this important sector, and to the dedication of a corporate branch at the Al Shoumoukh Tower to fulfil all their needs. The Bank also serves its SME customers through its dedicated corporate branches in Ain Khaled, Wakrah, Al-Khor, Industrial Area, Mesaieed Industrial City, and the Bank’s Head Office.
The QNB Group’s presence through its subsidiaries and associate companies extends to more than 31 countries across three continents providing a comprehensive range of advanced products and services. The total number of employees is more than 30,000 operating through 1,100 locations, with an ATM network of more than 4,400 machines.