Abdulrahman Tarek Al Emadi.
Doha: Qatar has maintained a prominent position, particularly within the region, in nurturing a thriving environment for young entrepreneurs regardless of their nationalities, stated Abdulrahman Tarek Al Emadi, Chief of Membership and Organization at the Young Entrepreneurs Club (YEC).
In an interview with The Peninsula, Al Emadi highlighted that through initiatives such as the Young Entrepreneurs Club (YEC), which was founded in 2022 under the Ministry of Sport and Youth, the country offers a dynamic platform for business owners to network, collaborate, and expand.
According to him, YEC emerged post-World Cup 2023 with a clear mission: to create a dynamic hub for entrepreneurs, both local and international, fostering collaboration and innovation.
“YEC, supported by Qatar Development Bank and Qatar Chamber, offers over 50 annual sessions, including workshops, summer camps for ages 16–22, and sector-specific events in AI, media, and automotive industries. These programs are open to all, requiring only a commercial registration for membership, ensuring accessibility for Qataris and expatriates alike,” he said.
“Our country is always developing, always moving,” Al Emadi explained. “We wanted to create a body where internationals arriving in Doha can connect with people, not just organizations.”
YEC’s focus is on understanding what entrepreneurs are doing and what they need, offering a platform that bridges aspiring and established business owners.
He noted that the club’s membership is exclusive to business owners with a commercial registration (CR), but its programs are open to all, creating a unique blend of seasoned entrepreneurs and newcomers.
“If you’re starting up, you can talk to other founders within the membership,” said Al Emadi.
“If you’re already established, you can explore collaborations to expand or scale up.”
One of YEC’s flagship initiatives is its summer camp, running from July 22 to August 12, targeting 50 to 100 students aged 16 to 22.
“This is where entrepreneurship starts kicking in,” Al Emadi noted, emphasizing the program’s role in mentoring young minds for their entrepreneurial journey. Beyond the summer, YEC’s year-round programs cater to diverse audiences, ensuring accessibility across ages and experience levels.
Sectoral get-alongs are a cornerstone of YEC’s offerings, bringing together niche communities like car enthusiasts—think Porsche and Astro Garage—for panel discussions and gala dinners.
These events not only foster networking but also influence policy, with YEC submitting suggestion lists to regulators.
“We’re blessed with regulators who have a listening ear,” Al Emadi says, praising Qatar’s supportive ecosystem. The club’s partnership with Qatar Development Bank (QDB), Snoonu, and Qatar Chamber amplifies its impact, connecting members to incubators and grant opportunities without duplicating existing efforts.
A highlight on the horizon is YEC’s role in Rawad, QDB’s major November event, which will feature a dedicated media forum. With 50 booths showcasing newspapers, TVs, and a cinema room for media projects, this initiative underscores YEC’s commitment to sector-specific growth.
“Media entrepreneurship is a key focus,” Al Emadi shared, noting the club’s ambition to nurture innovation across industries.
The YEC platform, a digital “directorate of entrepreneurs,” is another game-changer. Segregated by sector, it offers a data hub for registrations, KPIs, and workshop assessments, alongside an SME card for member-to-member offers.
A dedicated tab connects entrepreneurs with volunteers and interns, providing access to CVs and experience details, further enriching Qatar’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“Everything is online, open, and transparent,” Al Emadi emphasised.
