Doha:QatarDebate Center, an initiative of Qatar Foundation, recently hosted a panel discussion titled "Can We Build a Local Consulting Sector with Global Standards?" at Multaqa, Education City Student Center.
According to Qatar News Agency, the session examined the current consulting landscape in Qatar, focusing on the role of international firms in supporting both government institutions and the private sector. It highlighted the disparities between local and international firms, particularly in areas such as technical capabilities, specialized expertise, and the ability to handle large-scale projects.
The discussion emphasized the importance of knowledge transfer from international consulting firms to local ones, particularly regarding the employment and development of national talent. This knowledge transfer is seen as a critical factor in strengthening local capabilities and enabling Qatari firms to expand their technical expertise and manage increasingly complex projects.
Qatari entrepreneur Sheikha Amna Mohammed Al-Thani, CEO of Strategy Hub, shared her insights on building a consulting firm in Qatar. She emphasized the need to invest in local talent and shift perceptions about the reliability of local firms. She argued that working with local companies is crucial for building national capabilities and developing a competitive consulting industry.
Abdulrahman Al Subaie, Director of Administration and Strategy at QatarDebate Center, spoke on the importance of addressing the current state of the local consulting sector. He advocated for bridging the gap between local and international firms by investing in national talent and leveraging local market knowledge to develop a sophisticated consulting sector.
Aljohara Al Khulaifi, Strategic Initiatives Lead at QatarDebate Center, highlighted the role of the "Qatar Connects" series in creating a platform for experts and decision-makers to discuss national development issues. The session provided an opportunity to explore ways to enhance the competitiveness of local firms and empower them to undertake complex projects.
The discussion also reviewed the early challenges faced by local consulting firms and the types of projects that remain out of reach due to gaps in technical capabilities and client confidence. It explored strategies for overcoming these challenges to enable local firms to play a more significant role in the future.