The presence of Qatari businesses at Freej Aspire not only provides young entrepreneurs the opportunity to showcase their products but it also contributes to the development of Qatar’s small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector, Aspire Zone Foundation director general Abdullah al-Naimi has said.
“At Freej Aspire, we showcase many young Qatari entrepreneurs both men and ladies, whose businesses range from food and beverage, clothing, and a wide range of products,” al-Naimi told Gulf Times.
“Their participation in Freej Aspire is an example of how Aspire contributes to the diversification strategy of the state by encouraging entrepreneurship and the growth of SMEs. Most of these entrepreneurs are just starting their dreams and ambitions, and we at Aspire, are proud to help them achieve their business objectives. Providing them exposure at Freej Aspire is part of our social responsibility and our contribution to the development of Qatar’s non-oil sector,” he said.
The number of Qatari businesses participating in the second instalment of Freej Aspire has increased to 22 compared to last year, according to al-Naimi.
“Last year, the number was less than what we have now. There are more participating entrepreneurs this year, and that is why we are expecting to exceed the total number of visitors compared to the 20,000 in 2015,” he said.
Freej Aspire is a 10-day event running until June 19. It is located at Mehairja Street and sits on an 8,000-sqm, air-conditioned facility capable of hosting 3,000 visitors a day.
“Freej Aspire is an example of the old neighbourhood of Qatar. We want Qataris to remember the nice old days, and also for expatriates to learn about our culture and lifestyle, especially during the holy month of Ramadan,” al-Naimi noted.
“I am sure some of the kids today do not know the rules of traditional Qatari games. However, it would be good for them to learn something new and that is related to our culture. All the activities we have prepared for the community at Freej Aspire aims to revive and remind people of these age-old traditions,” he emphasised.
Asked about expansion plans and the potential use of clean technology in Aspire Zone facilities, al-Naimi said: “At Aspire, there is currently no plan to use solar technology but the state is already moving towards harnessing solar energy and other renewables.”
He added: “To use clean energy is a good idea and we do not mind using renewables to power facilities under Aspire in the future, especially if it serves our objectives.”