Al Maerifa Public Seminar Series
Presented Digitally by Texas A&M University at Qatar
SPECIAL GUEST
Abdulaziz Bin Nasser Al-Khalifa
CEO, Qatar Development Bank
Qatar Development Bank: Empowering SMEs Towards Business Growth and National Development
Thursday, 12 November 2020 • 12–1 p.m.
While entrepreneurs and SMEs are regarded as the backbone of a thriving, diversified economy, their impact extends far beyond that. From introducing future-defining products and services that shape consumer experiences to creating communities of like-minded innovators and contributing to the improvement of their communities, the influence of SMEs on Qatar’s socio-economic development is unmistakable.
In this presentation, Qatar Development Bank’s CEO Mr. Abdulaziz Bin Nasser Al-Khalifa explores the role of the Bank and its affiliate institutions in advancing entrepreneurship and pushing forward the SME-ecosystem in Qatar. Al-Khalifa will also talk about how the Bank integrates within the country’s innovation ecosystem, with the aim of empowering business owners and private enterprises as Qatar continues its march towards building a knowledge-based economy and realizing its national vision for 2030 and beyond.
Mr. Abdulaziz Bin Nasser Al-Khalifa
CEO, Qatar Development Bank
In addition to his role as the CEO of QDB, Mr. Al-Khalifa is the Chairman of the Board of Directors at Elan, the Chairman of Qatar Business Incubator Center and the Bedaya Center for Entrepreneurship and Career Development.
With an accumulated experience of over 15 years, Mr. Al-Khalifa has a large and diversified exposure in the SME, private and entrepreneurship sectors. He played the leading role in the launch of several flagship development initiatives, including Al Dhameen Partial Guarantee Program, Tasdeer Qatar Export Development Agency and the Housing Loan Program for Qatari citizens, Moushtarayat Exhibition & Congress and Al Fikra National Competition.
Mr. Al-Khalifa holds an MBA from Qatar University, a Bachelor in Electrical Engineering from University of California, and has received several specialized diplomas from Harvard and Insead Universities.