Ibtechar Majlis Brings Together National Leaders to Shape the Future of Qatar’s Public Sector Innovation

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The inaugural dialogue explored the power of Public Innovation Labs in accelerating government transformation and strengthening citizen engagement.

Doha, Qatar – 8th of October 2025:  Ibtechar, a leading innovation and capacity-building consultancy, hosted the first edition of its new dialogue series, Ibtechar Majlis, under the theme “Imagining a Public Innovation Lab for Qatar.” The event brought together senior government representatives, academia, and innovation experts to explore the development of a Public Innovation Lab (PIL) ecosystem that would help to further improve efficiency, service delivery, and encourage greater citizen participation.

The session, held at Sharq Village & Spa, moderated by Eng. Nayef Al-Ibrahim, Co-Founder and CEO of Ibtechar, saw the participation of distinguished speakers including Eman Al Kuwari, Director of Digital Innovation at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT); Dr. Georgios Dimitropoulos, Professor and Associate Dean for Research at the College of Law, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU); Hissa Al Tamimi, Director of Governmental Innovation Department at the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau (CGB); and Nejoud M. Al-Jehani, Executive Director of Strategy & Programs at the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council.

Throughout the insightful event, panellists examined practical approaches and global best practices across two domains: government and public innovation. Participants aligned on working definitions and shared how their respective organisations are shaping Qatar’s innovation landscape. Speakers also highlighted Qatar’s strong regulatory framework, citing examples such as the cryptocurrency ban and the early adoption of an AI strategy, as evidence of the country’s active role in fostering innovation and its impact on economic development.

Eng. Nayef Al-Ibrahim, Co-Founder and CEO of Ibtechar, said: “Qatar has an advantage as a small country. Having a hybrid model of a Public Innovation Lab, with a centralised and decentralised aspect, brings significant value to a state of its size.”

This is the approach Ibtechar recommends in their latest white paper. A central Public Innovation Lab to accelerate cross-government priorities, complemented by hybrid ministry-level labs that build capacity and deliver tangible solutions within sectors. This two-pronged approach ensures strategic alignment with national goals, faster piloting and scaling, and stronger cross-ministry collaboration.

Eng. Nayef Al-Ibrahim concluded the panel, stating: “Innovation requires persistence; it is a long-term journey, and achieving a true cultural shift takes time. We need a Qatar National Innovation Day — a day when the public sector, private sector, communities, students, and professionals unite to celebrate innovation. We have witnessed the impact of National Sports Day over the years; imagine what we could achieve in five to seven years if we came together annually to celebrate innovation, encourage experimentation, and share knowledge.”

Years of engagement with experts and key stakeholders highlighted the need for a dedicated platform to convene meaningful dialogue, share knowledge, and translate ideas into actionable solutions. Rooted in Qatari tradition, the Majlis has long served as a forum where leaders, decision-makers and communities come together to exchange ideas and agree upon collective solutions. Ibtechar Majlis carries this spirit on into the world of innovation, creating a dedicated space for meaningful dialogue, knowledge exchange and collaborative action, shaping the next phase of public sector transformation.

Reflecting Qatar’s strategic priorities, Ibtechar Majlis directly advances Qatar National Vision 2030 by enhancing public service delivery in line with the vision’s human and social development pillars, while fostering innovative, efficient institutions that underpin sustainable economic prosperity.

As the company that has designed and managed over 70% of Qatar’s innovation spaces, Ibtechar continues to play a leading role in translating strategic vision into action through capacity building and innovation-driven programmes for public and private institutions alike. The new Ibtechar Majlis series is yet another example of the organisation’s enduring commitment to supporting Qatar’s transition toward a diversified, knowledge-based economy.