The UAE is not the only nation in the MENA area that looks toward the future. Its neighbor Qatar (there is just a 20 km strip of Saudi Arabia that separates them) is evolving and pushing toward innovation and technology. A quick example is Challenge 22, a program that scouts the best projects to make the 2022 FIFA World Cup a special experience for those who will participate.

The program was launched in 2015 as a competition for budding entrepreneurs, innovators, and pioneers across the Arab world. It has evolved to quickly bring solutions to life by partnering startups with investors and stakeholders.

Topics of the competition are sustainability, health & safety, tourism experience, and Internet of Things.

Individuals and groups (of up to four people) who propose the most innovative ideas will win prizes of USD 15,000 and receive mentoring from leading scientists and researchers in the region.

The best ideas (those with the maximum potential) will receive up to USD 100,000 in additional funding to develop their ideas to the proof-of-concept stage.

As mentioned at the beginning, Qatar is not only a “pop-up nation” for the World Cup 2022. Challenge 22 is just one of the steps toward the innovation proposed by the Arabic nation.

Opportunity with SVA GROUP

SVA Group already operates in Qatar, and we provide the same services we offer in the UAE. If you wish to discover how we can help your business export your excellence, just head to our External Export Manager page or drop us an e-mail at info@svadvisory.com with your questions.

We will be happy to come back to you with the most suitable solution for your business.