Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), Qatar’s primary hub for technology-based innovation and entrepreneurship, has announced the appointment of Dr Maher Hakim as managing director.  
Dr Hakim has been described as a sought-after expert and educator in technology innovation and entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial financing, venture capital, and mergers and acquisitions in the technology industry. 
In his capacity as managing director, he will be responsible for overseeing all operations of QSTP, which is part of Qatar Foundation Research and Development (QF R&D). 
Dr Hakim said: “I am honoured to be appointed to the role of managing director of QSTP, and I am looking forward to joining QF R&D and QSTP’s fantastic team and helping to advance the local and regional technology landscape.” 
“I believe that through our refreshed vision of turning QSTP into a hi-tech business park, we will not only position ourselves to better support the cultivation of an entrepreneurial ecosystem in Qatar, but also enhance the potential for Qatar to make significant contributions to the regional and global technology industry through actively sponsoring the development of viable, home-grown tech products and services.” 
Dr Hamad al-Ibrahim, executive vice-president, QF R&D, and chairman of the board of directors of QSTP, said: “I am sure that Dr Hakim’s passion for entrepreneurship, wealth of experience, and knowledge of technology start-up companies – both as an entrepreneur and an investor – will serve him well in his new role and be of great benefit to QSTP. 
Dr al-Ibrahim thanked outgoing managing director Hamad al-Kuwari for his achievements in identifying synergies between resident companies, enhancing relationships with governmental agencies for Free Zone legislations, and successfully launching the Accelerator Programme and technology-based incubation activities, among other significant contributions to our research community during his tenure at QSTP.”