• Nominations open from the 22nd of September to the 06th of October 2024.
• 7 new categories were introduced in the 8th edition of the Award.
• The Award will honour 14 companies and individuals, selected through a rigorous evaluation process conducted by an independent panel of judges.
• MCIT invites all companies and institutions to submit their innovative digital projects and solutions to compete in the Award categories.

Doha, Qatar – The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has announced opening nominations for the 8th edition of Qatar Digital Business Award (QDBA) 2024. Nominations will be open from the 22nd of September to the 06th of October 2024. QDBA aims to recognise innovation and creativity in digital projects and supporting them, while fostering Qatar's leadership in various technological fields. It also seeks to honour outstanding companies and institutions that provide innovative digital solutions contributing to the growth of Qatar's digital economy. Additionally, the Award will honour digital innovators from startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as leading and distinguished individuals in technology.

The 8th edition has been expanded to include seven new categories in order to promote innovation in advanced fields, which contributes to bringing greater diversity to the included fields while continuing to recognize the notable achievements in key categories from previous editions, such as: Best Systems Integrators, Best Smart Solution, Best Mobile App, Best ICT Service Provider, Best Innovative Digital Commerce Solution, Best Innovative Digital Startup, and Best SME Digital Transformation Initiative. As for the new categories, they include Best Digital Transformation – Corporate, Best AI Solution – Corporate, Best AI Solution – SMEs, Entrepreneur of the Year, Best Cybersecurity Solution, Research and Development Excellence, and Best Digital Experience. These new categories are designed to acknowledge innovation in emerging fields that reflect the rapid advancements in the ICT sector.

Commenting on the occasion, HE Mrs Reem Mohammed Al Mansoori, Assistant Undersecretary for Digital Industry Affairs at MCIT, said: "The launch of Qatar Digital Business Award 2024 in its 8th edition reaffirms the Ministry's commitment to fostering innovation and creativity, while celebrating the companies and institutions leading digital transformation as well as encouraging individuals and companies to adopt modern digital technologies and promote digital competitiveness. As such, we encourage all businesses in Qatar, as well as digital innovators and entrepreneurs, to take part in the award and seize this unique opportunity."

HE Al Mansoori added, "This year's edition highlights a remarkable diversity in participations, which reflects the vibrancy and growth of Qatar's digital sector. By introducing seven new categories this year, we are opening the door for more innovators to present their creative ideas and projects. This award is not only a celebration of the outstanding achievements in the digital fields, but also an investment in our digital future. Through supporting innovators and startups, we aim to build a thriving digital economy capable of competing globally."

This year, the award will honour 14 winners across various categories, with one winner for each category. A rigorous evaluation process, led by an independent panel of judges adopting clear and specified standards and comprising leading experts in the digital field, will ensure transparency and fairness. Five finalists will be shortlisted for each category, followed by interviews to present their projects before announcing the winners at a special award ceremony.

The Ministry has also launched a dedicated website for the award, serving as a comprehensive reference containing all related information. This website enables participants to explore the award categories, terms, conditions, criteria, and the nomination process. Interested individuals, companies, and organizations are invited to visit the website and submit their nominations through the following link:http://qdba.mcit.gov.qa/en