Hamad Al Hajri and Fadi Ghandour to Headline Downtown Tech Summit as Best in Business Awards Qatar Passes 180 Nominations

DOHA, Qatar, Oct. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Msheireb Properties, Qatar’s leading sustainable real estate developer, and Inc. Arabia, the Middle East edition of the global media brand Inc., have revealed the expanded speaker line-up and agenda for the second edition of the Downtown Tech Summit, featuring headline speakers including Snoonu founder and CEO Hamad Al Hajri and Wamda Group Executive Chairman Fadi Ghandour.

The announcement comes as the inaugural Doha edition of the Best in Business Awards passes a milestone 180 nominations, prompting organisers to extend the submission deadline to 4 November 2026.

Taking place on 17 November, 2026 at Barahat Msheireb in Msheireb Downtown Doha, the Summit is organised with the strategic participation and support of various entities including Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) and Siemens. The gathering will bring together leading venture capitalists, technology innovators, and regional business leaders, including:

• Hamad Al Hajri, founder and CEO, Snoonu (Qatar)
• Fadi Ghandour, Executive Chairman, Wamda Capital (UAE)
• Khaled Talhouni, Managing Partner, Nuwa Capital (UAE)
• Soumaya Ben Beya Dridje, Partner, Rasmal Ventures (Qatar)
• Dr. Ammar Alali, founder and CEO, Strataphy (KSA)

Running from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM, the Summit features a dynamic format combining keynote presentations, panel discussions, and fireside chats. Topics being explored include how regional tech ecosystems can scale companies to compete globally, strategies for turning market disruption into growth opportunities, and practical applications of emerging technology to drive real-world business impact.

Additionally, the Summit will host the live pitch finale for the Azal Innovation Programme, an initiative launched by Doha Design District, part of Msheireb Properties, where shortlisted innovators and entrepreneurs will pitch their ideas directly to investors and industry experts.

The ecosystem showcase will conclude on 18 November, 2026 at Barahat Msheireb with the gala ceremony for the inaugural Qatar edition of the Best in Business Awards, honouring standout enterprises and leaders. Submissions are open until 4 November at [Link].

Noora Al Qubaisi, Acting Director of Corporate Communication at Msheireb Properties, said: “Bringing founders and investors of this calibre to Msheireb Downtown Doha provides Qatar’s business and tech community with direct access to leaders who have built and scaled landmark companies in the region. Alongside the remarkable response to the Best in Business Awards, this reflects a private sector that is confident, resilient, and expanding. Msheireb was intentionally designed to serve as a living platform for innovation and meaningful dialogue, and we look forward to welcoming the community to Barahat Msheireb this November.”

Anas Abbar, co-founder and Group CEO of 7awi Media Group, the media house behind Inc. Arabia, added: “Surpassing 180 nominations for the inaugural edition of the Best in Business Awards Doha speaks volumes about the ambition and maturity of Qatar’s business ecosystem. Extending the deadline gives more companies, founders, and leaders the opportunity to put their achievements forward. We look forward to celebrating their impact while also indulging in the insights shared by the visionary speakers taking the stage at the Downtown Tech Summit.”

Registration to attend the Downtown Tech Summit is now open at [Link].

-ENDS-

About Msheireb Properties
Msheireb Properties is Qatar’s leading sustainable real estate developer, backed by Qatar Foundation and Qatar Investment Authority. The company has pioneered sustainable urban development in Qatar, supporting the goals of Qatar’s 2030 Vision.

Its mission is to change how people think about urban living and improve their overall quality of life through innovations that encourage social interaction, respect for culture, and greater care for the environment.

The signature Msheireb Downtown Doha development is one of the smartest, most sustainable city districts globally. It employs a new approach to urban planning by combining traditional methods and modern technology to preserve Qatar’s environment and cultural identity. All buildings are either Gold or Platinum LEED-certified.

msheireb@bljworldwide.com 

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
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Best in Business Awards Qatar

The ecosystem showcase will conclude on 18 November, 2026 at Barahat Msheireb with the gala ceremony for the inaugural Qatar edition of the Best in Business Awards

Downtown Tech Summit

Taking place on 17 November, 2026 at Barahat Msheireb in Msheireb Downtown Doha

Azal Innovation Programme

The Summit will host the live pitch finale for the Azal Innovation Programme, an initiative launched by Doha Design District, part of Msheireb Properties, where shortlisted innovators and entrepreneurs will pitch their ideas directly to investors and industry experts.