QDB, QU & QC launch MA’AN to promote entrepreneurs

Qatar Development Bank (QDB), Qatar University (QU) and Qatar Chamber (QC) yesterday launched a joint initiative MA’AN to support and promote entrepreneurship, especially  students. The initiative aims to achieve objective of economic diversification of the Qatari economy.
The objective of MA’AN initiative, which means ‘Together’, is to support students and local entrepreneurs through new and innovative mechanism that does not necessarily depend on government support to provide entrepreneurial services. The event witnessed the signing of a tripartite agreement, in the presence of Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohamed Al Thani, Chairman of QC; Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al Khalifa, CEO of QDB; and Dr Hassan  Rashid Al Derham, President of QU.
Present at the event, were senior officials from government and several private organisations and business leaders, including Abdul Rahman Al Ansari, CEO of Qatar Industrial Manufacturing Company (QIMC); Dr Khalid Al Abdulqader, Dean of Business College, QU; and Dr Mahmoud M Abdellatif Khalil, Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship at QU. Under the initiative the members of QC will benefit from the entrepreneurial services provided by QU. The agreement also aims at enhancing cooperation among QU, QDB and members of the Chamber and providing host of needful services, which include specialised training services, consultation and advisory services, and financial assistance to establishing startups. “The most important thing about MA’AN is that it is a very unique initiative in Qatar which brings together three important government organisations which are committed to the growth and development of entrepreneurship to establish a vibrant private sector business in the country,” said Dr Khalid during a press conference held yesterday.  “QU will take care of the educational aspect. It will be providing infrastructure and other services, and QDB will be extending its own expertise and assistance, including financial support. While the Qatar Chamber will be providing all the needful assistance the entrepreneurs will need to establish their businesses,” he added. The initiative is in line with Qatar’s long-term vision to developing and promoting a new generation of entrepreneurs who are able to contribute to the economic growth and sustainable development of the energy-rich economy. The MA’AN initiative also aims to communicate a clear message to the students and entrepreneurs, having innovative ideas, that it is committed to extend all kinds of needful support and services to translate their viable business ideas into a reality.