Qatar Chamber Leads Regional Growth at MENA OECD Business Advisory Meeting in Dubai,The recent meeting of the OECD MENA Business Advisory Board in Dubai served as a timely reminder of the power of collaboration and the Qatar Chamber arrived ready to play its part. Led by board member Mohamed bin Ahmed Al Obaidli, the Qatar Chamber delegation joined private sector leaders and policymakers to chart a bold course for growth in the Middle East and North Africa region.
In an era defined by rapid change, the gathering reminded everyone that building a resilient future does not happen in isolation. Instead, it comes from connection, innovation, and mutual purpose. Qatar Chamber’s participation underscores Qatar’s commitment to being an active partner in the region’s economic transformation.
A Platform to Expand Vision and Forge Alliances
The meeting, held at the Expo Centre Dubai under the theme “Building Diversified and Interconnected Economies Private Sector Strategies”, was designed to move the conversation beyond traditional sectors and into the realms of food, agriculture, tourism, SMEs and the digital economy.
For the Qatar Chamber, this represented more than attendance it was an opportunity to align Qatar’s private sector ambitions with regional and global frameworks. By engaging in this platform, the Chamber reinforced the voice of Qatari businesses in shaping development strategies, while also learning from the experiences of other markets. The event allowed private sector stakeholders and government entities to exchange ideas, propose practical steps, and build momentum for real change.
Qatar’s Strategic Contribution A Model of Collaboration
During the opening session, Mohamed Al Obaidli highlighted how Qatar’s experience with public private partnerships has served as a model of purposeful collaboration that other nations can learn from.
Qatar’s evolution shows how the private and public sectors can move from working in parallel to working together. By involving businesses in policy formulation, leveraging private capital, and mobilising innovation, Qatar has built strong economic foundations rooted in strategic ambition. In doing so, the Qatar Chamber positioned itself and the country as a leader in using partnerships for national development.
Key Focus Areas Where the Future Begins
Several key areas emerged from the meeting, each presenting exciting potential for Qatar and the wider region.
Food, Agriculture and Tourism
Recognising that real economic diversification must reach every corner of society, the meeting emphasised food security, agricultural innovation, and tourism as new engines of growth. By focusing on these areas, MENA economies can unlock value chains, boost exports, and capitalise on regional strengths. The Qatar Chamber’s presence in this discussion signals Qatar’s readiness to engage in these important domains.
Connectivity, Digitalisation and Innovation
Connectivity both physical and digital was a major theme. The meeting underlined the importance of infrastructure, logistics and digital ecosystems in enabling trade, innovation and competitiveness. As economies become more connected, institutions like the Qatar Chamber are working to ensure that local businesses benefit from global flows of knowledge, capital and technology.
Empowering SMEs and Entrepreneurship
Growth is not only about large corporations it is also about empowering small and medium enterprises and entrepreneurs. The meeting highlighted how improving conditions for SMEs through regulatory reform, access to finance and digital tools can drive inclusive development. The Qatar Chamber’s engagement reflects its ongoing advocacy for the private sector at every level, ensuring that all types of businesses can grow.
The Impact for Qatar What’s Next
For Qatar, the Chamber’s participation in this meeting is more than symbolic it paves the way for tangible outcomes and lasting impact.
First, Qatar can use the lessons and networks from this meeting to refine its policies and frameworks. By aligning priorities with regional trends such as the digital economy, sustainable agriculture and tourism, Qatar can enhance its competitiveness and diversify its economy further.
Second, the Qatar Chamber’s role as a facilitator for the private sector means local businesses gain greater visibility in regional initiatives. This strengthens the business ecosystem, opens doors to collaborations, joint investments and regional value chains.
Third, by engaging in public private dialogue through platforms like this, Qatar helps shape standards and norms that benefit the wider region and in turn, Qatari businesses operating globally.
A Human Perspective Businesses, Innovation and Everyday Impact
Beyond the policies and frameworks, there is a deeply human side to this story. Behind every headline about diversification and connectivity are entrepreneurs, artisans, startups and local businesses dreaming of innovation and expansion. The Qatar Chamber’s participation reminds us that economic transformation is not abstract it changes lives.
Think of a young Qatari entrepreneur in agritech connecting with regional partners, or a tourism company using cross border cooperation to create new experiences. Small businesses benefiting from digital platforms, or improved logistics making exports faster and more efficient these are the real stories behind the economic agenda. The Chamber’s work helps make these stories possible.
Looking Ahead Building Momentum and Opportunity
As the meeting in Dubai concluded, the next stage began. For the Qatar Chamber and for Qatar, there are clear goals ahead.
- Turn insights from the meeting into roadmaps for sectors such as tourism, agriculture and the digital economy.
- Expand dialogue within Qatar’s business community, ensuring SMEs, startups and local innovators are all part of the conversation.
- Strengthen partnerships across borders, helping Qatari businesses join regional value chains and collaborate on investments.
- Keep the momentum going so that this participation becomes part of a continuing cycle of engagement, not just a single event.
Why This Matters For Business, Region and Future
The significance of the Chamber’s involvement lies in the intersection of key global trends economic integration, private sector empowerment, digital transformation and sustainability. As MENA economies shift from dependence on traditional sectors toward diversified growth, the voices of chambers, businesses and entrepreneurs become increasingly vital.
The Qatar Chamber’s presence shows that Qatar is not waiting for change it is creating it. It sends a message that Qatar is open for collaboration, committed to innovation and focused on purpose. It also highlights the region’s readiness to move into a new chapter of progress with connectivity and ambition at its core.
Conclusion A Bold Step Toward Shared Prosperity
At a time when the world faces uncertainty, the image of business leaders, chambers and governments working together to build a connected and diversified future offers hope. For Qatar, the Qatar Chamber’s engagement in the OECD MENA Business Advisory Board meeting stands as a sign of intent and leadership.
The path ahead will require continuous effort, adaptation and cooperation. Yet with platforms like this and institutions such as the Qatar Chamber taking active roles, the region has both the leadership and the energy to turn vision into reality. For Qatar’s private sector, for entrepreneurs and for the wider region, this marks the beginning of a new era of opportunity an era where purposeful growth and shared prosperity move hand in hand.
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