Innovative Fintech Startups Showcase Pioneering Concepts at Arab Fintech Forum in Doha
The Arab Fintech Forum in Doha recently provided a platform for innovative fintech startups to showcase their pioneering concepts. The two-day event highlighted the future of financial technology in the region and brought together industry pioneers, emergent startups, and visionary investors.
One of the highlights of the forum was the Pitch Pit segment, where fintech startups had the opportunity to present their ideas to a panel of investors. This initiative offered a valuable platform for startups such as Mume, Peqal, Spendwisor, Bawales, and S-Treasury to share their groundbreaking concepts with notable investors including Sheikh Mansoor bin Khalifa al-Thani, Sara Daniel, Misfer al-Hajri, Zainab al-Sharif, and Marcel Dridje.
The event also featured expert-led workshops, providing attendees with insights into the expanding role of Artificial Intelligence in fintech, the significance of digital currencies, and the importance of refining user experience on digital financial platforms. These workshops shed light on the evolving landscape of fintech in the Middle East.
During the Arab Fintech Forum Awards Ceremony, several entrepreneurs, startups, and corporate firms were honored for their contributions to fintech innovation. Mastercard received the Best Innovation in Payments award, while Hyperpay was recognized as the BTB Fintech Solutions Provider of the Year. Other honorees included Karty for Upcoming Wallet of the Year, Thuraya Nasser al-Mulla as Female Fintech Entrepreneur of the Year, Spendwisor for Best Use of Fintech for Shopping Experience, and Dr. Ahmet Faruk Aysan as Fintech Researcher of the Year.
Mohamed Abdulsalam al-Emadi, senior manager of Investments at Qatar Development Bank (QDB), emphasized the growing importance of fintech in transforming various market segments. Al-Emadi highlighted that fintech has attracted over $500 billion in funding worldwide, revolutionizing access to financial resources and empowering underserved communities.
Al-Emadi also noted that Qatar, considered a blue ocean, presents vast opportunities for fintech businesses looking to penetrate the MENA region. With the global fintech sector projected to generate annual revenues of nearly $1.5 trillion by 2030, Qatar’s less saturated market offers a promising launching pad for businesses.
The Arab Fintech Forum provided a comprehensive overview of the flourishing fintech landscape in the Middle East, allowing attendees to gain valuable insights and network with industry experts. With its successful second edition, the forum solidifies its position as a must-attend event in the region’s fintech calendar, promising even greater things in its next edition.
