Qatari Businesswomen Association

What Qatari Businesswomen Association does

The Qatari Businesswomen Association (QBWA) is a Doha-headquartered non-profit association founded in 2000, operating under the umbrella of the Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA), which was established under Amiri Decree No. 14 of 2002. Its mission is to advance women's economic participation in Qatar through advocacy, networking events, mentorship, training programs, and a hybrid individual/corporate membership model. QBWA serves four primary segments: Qatari women entrepreneurs and professionals (primary), corporate members seeking access to women business leaders, young women entering business and next-generation leaders, and international businesswomen's organizations seeking Gulf market access.

QBWA's core offerings include the QBWA Connect event series, International Women's Day celebrations hosted in partnership with foreign embassies, leadership and digital-skills workshops, the "100 Qatari Women" recognition initiative, and high-visibility participation in global forums including the WTO Public Forum 2024, the Fifth Gulf Businesswomen Forum in Jeddah (1,000+ attendees), and Web Summit Qatar. The association does not develop proprietary technology; its digital presence is a WordPress-based informational website. Revenue is generated through subscription-style membership fees (individual and corporate), event revenue, and corporate partnership/sponsorship contributions. Pricing is not publicly disclosed, and membership is application-based, implying a curated, high-touch admission process.

Despite operating with a disclosed headcount of 1-10, QBWA sustains an extensive partnership network spanning professional services (Deloitte Middle East, PwC, Management Centre Europe), education (Carnegie Mellon Qatar), finance (Qatar Islamic Bank, Qatar Financial Centre), real estate (AMLAK Holding), healthcare (Sidra Medicine), trade chambers (Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry), tech ecosystems (Web Summit Qatar), and international women's associations (European Women's Association, GAWBL, Tadbricor Ayol Uzbekistan). Governance is provided through QBA's institutional umbrella, and operational leadership is held by Chairwoman H.E. Sheikha Al Anood Bint Khalifa bin Hamad Al-Thani, Vice Chairwoman Aisha Hussein Alfardan, and Executive Director Jiskala Khalayli, supported by a board including Amal Al-Aathem, Awatef Al Dafaa, Natra Said Abdulla, Mishael Al Ansari, Huda Hobbi, and Dr. Tahani Saker.

Name

Qatari Businesswomen Association

Legal name

Qatari Businesswomen Association

Website

https://qbwa.qa

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Qatari Businesswomen Association (QBWA) is a Doha-based non-profit founded in 2000 that empowers Qatari women economically through advocacy, networking events, mentorship, training, and corporate/individual membership programs under the umbrella of the Qatari Businessmen Association.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Doha

HQ country

Qatar

HQ region

Middle East

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: QBWA generates revenue through individual and corporate membership programs, providing access to networking events, mentorship opportunities, and partnership benefits.
2. Event Revenue: The association organizes paid or sponsored events including the QBWA Connect series, International Women's Day celebrations, and signature events with international dignitaries.
3. Partnership and Sponsorship: Corporate partnerships and sponsorships from organizations like Deloitte, QIB, AMLAK Holding, and other corporate members provide funding and in-kind support for association activities.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

QBWA is a non-profit business association that sells individual and corporate membership programs providing members access to networking events, mentorship programs, business forums, leadership and digital skills workshops, and recognition through the annual QBWA Takreem Awards and the '100 Qatari Women' initiative. Its offerings are delivered primarily through signature events (QBWA Connect, International Women's Day events, diplomatic luncheons), international forum participation, and strategic partnerships with corporations and embassies.

Product overview

QBWA is a non-profit business association that provides a platform for empowering business and professional women in Qatar. The organization does not offer technology products or software services; instead, it provides programs and initiatives including networking events, mentorship programs, business forums, the '100 Qatari Women' initiative, and various international partnerships. The website is a WordPress-based informational and news portal for the association's activities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• QBWA Membership Program Individual and corporate membership programs providing members access to networking events, mentorship circles, professional development workshops, international forum participation, and partnership opportunities across QBWA's ecosystem.
• 100 Qatari Women Initiative Flagship program showcasing unique examples of Qatari women leaders and entrepreneurs, providing them with visibility and recognition across QBWA's platforms, events, and publications.
• QBWA Takreem Awards Annual awards ceremony recognizing outstanding achievements by Qatari businesswomen and supporting women entrepreneurs in Qatar.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100 Qatari Women initiative launched to showcase unique examples of Qatari women
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and major.

• Web Summit QatarcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 November 2025Strategic partnership to empower Qatari women and enhance their presence in the global economic landscape ahead of Web Summit Qatar 2026 edition.
• Doha International Family Institute (DIFI)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 October 2025Meeting in October 2025 to build effective partnerships with national and international institutions concerned with economic and social development.
• Sidra MedicinemajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 October 2025MoU signed October 2025 with Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, to support healthcare sector partnerships and women's health initiatives.
• Oman Chamber of Commerce and IndustrymajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 September 2025MoU signed September 2025 during QBWA's business trip to Oman to enhance cooperation between businesswomen in Oman and Qatar, promoting bilateral trade and investment opportunities.
• Deloitte Middle EastcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 March 2025Partnership agreement renewed in 2025 for the second consecutive year to empower women in business. Joint events, workshops, professional development programs, and networking opportunities for QBWA members. Deloitte specialists provide insights on business strategies, financial planning, and leadership.
• Tadbricor Ayol UzbekistanmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 November 2024MoU signed November 2024 with the International Businesswomen's Association of Uzbekistan to expand global network. Joint initiatives include business forums, educational workshops, and networking opportunities.
• European Women's Association (EWA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 October 2024MoU signed October 15, 2024 to empower women in the global business community. Joint activities include business forums, educational programs, and networking events. Aims to create a global network supporting women's leadership in business.
• World Trade Organization (WTO)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 September 2024QBWA participated in WTO Public Forum 2024 in Geneva with a panel on digitalization for women's empowerment and inclusive trade. Engaged in high-level meetings with Geneva Chamber of Commerce and Swiss business leaders.
• AMLAK HoldingmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 May 2024MoU signed May 2024 to enhance support for women entrepreneurs in Qatar. AMLAK Holding provides commercial real estate opportunities and business resources through Qatar Foundation's commercial arm.
• Management Centre Europe (MCE)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 March 2024Partnership agreement signed March 2024 to provide leadership skills and administrative training programs for businesswomen in Qatar and GCC. MCE offers workshops both in-person and through live online classes for accessibility.
• Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 February 2024Collaboration agreement signed February 2024 to provide financial products and services tailored for women entrepreneurs. QIB's women's banking initiative offers exclusive contact centers, customized services, and credit cards with exclusive rewards and benefits.
• Carnegie Mellon Qatar (CMU-Q)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 January 2024MoU signed January 22, 2024 to encourage and empower the next generation of female business leaders. CMU-Q students gain access to mentorship, internship, and employment opportunities. In exchange, CMU-Q offers expertise to QBWA in fields challenging business leaders in Qatar, fostering innovation and knowledge exchange.
• The Business YearminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 11 June 2023Partnership for the second consecutive year to collaborate on The Business Year: Qatar 2024 research publication, highlighting economic and investment opportunities in Qatar and women's empowerment in the Qatari business ecosystem.
• German Arab Businesswomen Forum (GAWBL)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 April 2019MoU signed April 2019 to enhance Qatar-Germany business relations with focus on women's empowerment. Partnership began in 2011 with the shared objective of creating a fertile environment for successful women leaders.
• Qatar Financial Centre (QFC)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for International Women's Day events and professional development programs for women in Qatar's financial sector.
• PwCmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for International Women's Day 2023 event in collaboration with QFC, providing professional development and networking opportunities.
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs - SpainminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMeeting with Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs to enhance strategic partnership between Qatar and Spain, exploring cooperation opportunities in various sectors.
• Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA)coreOthersQBWA operates under the umbrella of Qatari Businessmen Association, which was established under Amiri Decree No. 14 for 2002. QBA provides institutional support and governance framework.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• International Women's Forum (IWF): Global membership organization of accomplished women leaders across sectors and geographies. Comparable in mission (advancing women leaders) and high-prestige peer-network model, but operates globally rather than in a single national market.
• National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO): Long-established US-based membership organization representing women business owners across all industries. Comparable in mission and membership-based non-profit structure, but operates at a much larger scale with broader geographic and demographic reach.

Emerging players

• Women in Global Business: Australian Government-funded program supporting women in international trade and business. Comparable to QBWA's international trade and women's economic empowerment focus, but operates as a government-funded initiative rather than a member-driven association.

Direct peers

• WEConnect International: Global nonprofit that connects women-owned businesses to qualified buyers and corporate members. Directly comparable to QBWA's mission of advancing women in business through corporate partnerships and member-driven network effects.
• European Women's Association (EWA): Europe-based businesswomen's association that QBWA has signed an MoU with (October 2024). Comparable in mission of women's economic empowerment, advocacy, and cross-border networking, with overlapping international partnership ambitions.

Regional players

• Saudi Businesswomen Council: Council operating under the Federation of Saudi Chambers to empower Saudi women in business through training, networking, and policy advocacy. Closely comparable in mission and GCC policy alignment, with substantially larger addressable market.
• Bahrain Businesswomen Society: Bahraini non-profit society supporting women's economic participation through events, mentorship, and partnerships. Directly comparable as a GCC businesswomen advocacy body, though smaller in scale than QBWA.
• Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council: Abu Dhabi Chamber-affiliated council advancing women in business through mentorship, events, and partnerships. Closely comparable to QBWA in charter, membership model, and corporate partnership approach, but operating in the UAE capital.
• Sharjah Businesswomen Council: Sharjah Chamber-affiliated council supporting female entrepreneurs and executives in the UAE emirate of Sharjah. Similar advocacy, training, and networking mandate to QBWA, with comparable regional scope and institutional backing.
• Dubai Businesswomen Council: UAE-based council operating under Dubai Chamber that supports women entrepreneurs and professionals through training, networking, and policy advocacy. Directly comparable in mission, membership-based non-profit structure, and event-driven model, but serves the UAE market rather than Qatar.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@qataribusinesswomanassocia5604
• Facebookfacebook.com/qataribusinesswomenassociation
• Xx.com/qbwa
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/qatari-businesswomen-association-qbwa

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Qatari Businesswomen Association