Snoonu Attracts Top Talents From Global Tech Giants
As Snoonu accelerates its footprint across the Middle East, the Qatari-born tech powerhouse is attracting top-tier talent from global tech giants like DoorDash and Rappi, reinforcing its position as a rising leader in the region’s digital economy. With bold ambitions and a clear mission to deliver smarter, faster, and more human experiences, Snoonu has made two high-impact hires: Anastasia Zdoroviak as Chief Experience Officer (CXO) and Estefania Read Elizalde as Director of CX Strategy & Operations. These appointments mark a turning point in Snoonu’s journey as it builds a world-class customer experience (CX) organisation. The company’s latest strategic hires reflect its commitment to innovation, diversity, and creating unforgettable digital experiences. “Bringing in global leaders like Anastasia and Estefania is not just about expertise—it’s about perspective,” said Hamad Al Hajri, Founder and CEO of Snoonu. “Qatar’s tech ecosystem is becoming a magnet for global talent, and Snoonu is at the center of this transformation.” A seasoned CX leader with over a decade of experience across the U.S., Latin America, and Europe, Anastasia Zdoroviak brings an exceptional global lens to Snoonu. She previously led transformative customer experience functions at DoorDash and Rappi, two of the world’s most successful last-mile delivery platforms. With fluency in over a dozen languages and a passion for human-centered design, Anastasia is set to redefine personalised, tech-driven customer journeys at scale across the region. Meet Estefania Read Elizalde – Director of CX Strategy & Operations A U.S.-Mexico dual national and University of Cambridge MBA graduate, Estefania specialises in agile strategy and cross-functional CX operations. With a strong background in tech operations and new market scale-ups, Estefania is here to optimise Snoonu’s regional growth engine. Building the Middle East’s Most Multicultural Tech Team Snoonu’s CX team is now among the most diverse and multicultural in the GCC, representing a fusion of Silicon Valley mindset and Middle Eastern innovation. Backed by a new partnership with Jahez Group (Saudi Arabia)—one of the region’s leading digital platforms—Snoonu is fast becoming a central player in the Gulf’s integrated tech ecosystem.
Ibtechar Partners with AI Crafters to Accelerate AI Adoption in Qatar
Empowering organisations through cutting-edge AI solutions and supporting Qatar’s National AI Strategy In a bold move to strengthen Qatar’s digital innovation landscape, Ibtechar, a leading innovation consultancy, has announced a strategic two-year partnership with AI Crafters, a pioneering artificial intelligence firm. The collaboration aims to accelerate AI adoption in Qatar, enabling businesses and institutions to integrate AI into their operations and drive data-driven decision-making seamlessly. Building Qatar’s Future Through Artificial Intelligence This timely alliance supports Qatar’s National AI Strategy and Vision 2030, aiming to position Qatar as a regional hub for AI transformation. As AI reshapes industries globally, Qatar’s businesses face both opportunity and complexity in adopting the technology. The Ibtechar x AI Crafters partnership will address these challenges with:
ShipBee Secures QR855,000 in Pre-Seed Funding Led by GrowthX to Build AI-Powered Logistics Ecosystem
ShipBee, the AI-powered digital logistics startup transforming end-to-end delivery services across Qatar and the MENA region, has successfully closed its Pre-Seed funding round, raising QR855,000 from institutional and angel investors. This round was led by GrowthX (Angel VC) and supported by two individual investors, valuing the startup at QR3.57 million. In addition to external funding, ShipBee’s co-founders Tamer Raafat and Amer Azani have bootstrapped the company with over QR150,000, showcasing deep founder commitment to revolutionising logistics with smart technology. “This funding empowers us to scale our vision of simplifying logistics through cutting-edge technology,” said Tamer Raafat, Co-Founder & CEO of ShipBee. “We’re building an AI-driven ecosystem that makes logistics seamless for businesses and consumers across Qatar and the wider MENA region.” Launched in March 2024, ShipBee is building a one-stop digital logistics platform that integrates: ShipBee’s ecosystem enables real-time visibility, smart routing, scalable delivery operations, and seamless B2B and B2C logistics integration. ShipBee has already established major partnerships with industry leaders including Snoonu, Qatar Post, DHL, NEXX (China), and a growing number of local retail and service providers. Recognised for its innovation, ShipBee: This Pre-Seed round will support: Dr. Allan Villegas, a member of the QSTP executive board, has also joined ShipBee’s Board of Directors, further strengthening the company’s strategic direction. “As Qatar positions itself as a global logistics hub aligned with Vision 2030, ShipBee is helping lead that transformation,” said Hamad Al Hajri, CEO of GrowthX and Founder of Snoonu. “We believe in their vision and proudly support this next phase of growth.”
Project Qatar 2025
Innovation & Sustainability: Qatar’s Path to 2030 26–29 May 2025 | Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) Project Qatar 2025, the nation’s longest-running and most influential international construction and building materials exhibition, returns with a bold focus on innovation, sustainability, and smart manufacturing. Organised by IFP Qatar, the 21st edition brings together over 200 local and international companies, 70+ thought leaders, and thousands of industry professionals for four days of unmatched networking, collaboration, and transformation. Project Qatar 2025 is more than a trade show—it’s a strategic gateway into Qatar’s rapidly evolving construction and infrastructure sectors, aligned with the Qatar National Vision 2030. The exhibition showcases next-generation technologies and sustainable solutions across: In support of the Qatar National Manufacturing Strategy 2024–2030, this dedicated zone introduces cutting-edge solutions in: This initiative aims to localize production, attract global partnerships, and position Qatar as a regional manufacturing hub. Project Qatar 2025 proudly welcomes official delegations, government partners, and business leaders from across the globe, including: A comprehensive conference series will spotlight innovation and progress across: In partnership with Qatar University, Project Qatar 2025 places a strong focus on youth engagement. The final day is dedicated to showcasing student-led projects and emerging talent in the fields of smart city development, environmental technology, and AI-driven innovation. #ProjectQatar2025 #QatarConstruction #SustainabilityInQatar #SmartManufacturing #InnovationInQatar #QatarTradeShow #Qatar2030Vision #Industry40Qatar #ConstructionExpoQatar #GreenTechMiddleEast
Web Summit Qatar 2025: Hub of Artificial Intelligence
This year’s expanded edition welcomed over 25,000 attendees from over 124 countries, more than 1,520 startups, over 600 investors, and more than 380 speakers alongside 180 industry partners. The event has also drawn unprecedented media interest, with representatives from over 600 media outlets. The second annual Web Summit held in Doha at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) between February 23 and 26 had a bevy of tech entrepreneurs and financial backers who got together to assess and understand the future of artificial intelligence (AI). His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, inaugurated the second edition of Web Summit Qatar, the largest technology event in the Middle East and North Africa. In his opening speech, HE the Prime Minister emphasised Qatar’s continued efforts to cement its position as a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. He highlighted the nation’s commitment to improving regulatory frameworks and creating new economic opportunities for the private sector. He stated: “Built on the back of our thriving energy sector, we are positioned for a private sector take-off. This launch will include even more transformative partnerships across key sectors, from pioneering fintech solutions to groundbreaking climate technologies.” HE the Prime Minister emphasised that Qatar will continue to reinforce its commitment to supporting startups, stating: “We plan to renovate our entire economy to make Qatar the top regional destination for startups and create an ecosystem for startups to innovate and thrive.” Qatar is seeking to use its gas wealth to help it become a regional AI leader amid rising competition from neighbouring Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Qatar had signed a five-year deal with Scale AI to deploy AI-powered tools and training in a push to improve government services in the country. 2025 Web Summit The summit kicked off with a series of panel discussions featuring prominent entrepreneurs from around the world, including Alexandr Wang, founder and CEO of Scale AI, and Alexis Ohanian, Co-Founder of Reddit and General Partner at Seven Seven Six. Leading entrepreneurs from around the world, including Alexander Wang, founder and CEO of Scale AI, and Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit and general partner at Seven Seven Six, took centre stage at the event on the opening day. Key questions discussed at the summit were over the future of AI amid companies and investors that are changing that landscape more rapidly than what the players themselves expected. The United States and China are leading in preparedness for AI, said Wang of US company Scale AI. DeepSeek, the Chinese AI company that develops large language models that are competitive with OpenAI’s, but cost less to create. demonstrated that it is a relatively close race between the two countries and that others will have to follow suit soon.
Qatar Participates in the Third AI Action Summit in Paris
Doha, Qatar – 12 February 2025: The state of Qatar participated in the third AI Action summit, held from February 10 – 11 in Paris. The Qatari delegation to the summit was led by His Excellency Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Almannai, Minister of Communication and Information Technology. The Summit attracted widespread international participation, bringing together heads of state and government, leaders of international organizations, corporate executives, academics, and civil society representatives to discuss the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on societies, economies, and governance structures. Qatar’s participation reaffirms its commitment to fostering international collaboration on AI governance and development, underscoring the importance of establishing a comprehensive global framework that ensures transparency, accountability, and equitable access to AI solutions. Commenting on Qatar’s involvement, His Excellency Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Almannai stated: “The Summit offers a unique opportunity for global stakeholders to build a harmonized AI ecosystem. By uniting governments, industry, and civil society, we can ensure that AI innovation is not only a driver of economic growth but also a force for social good, cultural preservation, and global well-being.” The AI Action Summit focuses on five key pillars that frame the challenges and opportunities presented by AI: Public Interest in AI, Future of Work, Innovation and Culture, Trust in AI, and Global AI Governance. The Summit concluded with a shared commitment to develop international strategies and partnerships that foster responsible AI innovation. Qatar’s leadership and active engagement in these discussions highlight the nation’s vision for inclusive digital transformation and a future in which AI benefits all. Underscoring Qatar’s position as a hub for digital and technological innovation in the region, Qatar is hosting the World Summit AI for five consecutive years, following the successful conclusion of its first edition last December. Qatar is also preparing to host the second edition of the Web Summit at the end of February. These high-profile global events reflect the State’s efforts to build a supportive environment for technology development and AI advancements.
