ArabNet has done it again, grouping over 1,200 digital leaders from across the region, in a setting aimed at “building bridges across the MENA.
As promised, ArabNet has done it again, grouping over 1,200 digital leaders from across the region, in a setting aimed at “building bridges across the MENA, while stimulating growth of the Arab knowledge economy, and creating new business and job opportunities for the Lebanese youth”. Those were the positive introductory words of Dr. Saad A. Andary, Second Vice-Governor of Banque du Liban (Central Bank of Lebanon).
His approach was highly encouraging, as he described “the potential embedded in Lebanon, to play the role of a digital business hub in the region”. He continued further about the Lebanese digital sector, saying that it is “shaping into one of the most comprehensive ecosystems in the region. There are high profile global acquisitions of local companies taking place and many success stories to tell, as Lebanon attracts interest from global players.”
H.E. Dr. Alain Hakim, Minister of Economy and Trade, described technology as a key means to help transcend traditional growth, and move into knowledge economies. He emphasized the need to develop and spread awareness about entrepreneurship, and on the SME’s (small and medium-sized enterprises) key contribution to moving technology from the developed world into developing economies. He praised the ArabNet Beirut conference for helping assert the important role that entrepreneurship plays in offering solutions that meet the aspirations of the youth and reduce their migration.
H.E. Mr. Boutros Harb, Minister of Telecom on the other hand, focused on the role that the government must play in order to keep up with the fast-paced change that the telecom industry is experiencing, and most importantly, to provide the infrastructure necessary to meet the requirements of the Lebanese market. He emphasized the role of the telecom ministry, which according to him, no longer constitutes solely, a significant financial provider to the treasury, but that has become responsible and capable of developing the entire Lebanese economy. H.E. Mr. Boutros Harb also spoke about the 2020 vision, and asserted that by September 2016, 4G Connection shall be available across Lebanon. He then went on to talk about the aspirations of the ministry in making Lebanon the Telecom Center for the region.
The ArabNet conference is hosting a number of significant announcements as well, of which the announcement by ESA, the “Ecole Superieure des Affaires”, which chose ArabNet Beirut to launch “SMART ESA”, a new initiative by the French Embassy in Lebanon and the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to accelerate startups in the region, starting with Lebanon. Highly supported by the Central Bank of Lebanon, ‘SMART ESA” is a new accelerator and incubator based on French Tech expertise and European markets privileged access”, announced Stephane Attali, CEO of ESA.
ArabNet is also hosting an exclusive and invitation-only Banking Innovation Track that is grouping top executives and CEOs from the banking industry - this private industry leading session tackles the way digital is disrupting the sector, and aims to create a brighter future for it.
“In the 7 years since we started ArabNet, the conversation around digital innovation has gained strategic importance, moving from the IT department to the boardroom. Across industries, businesses are investing strategically in technology, even in the unlikeliest sectors” said Omar Christidis, Founder and CEO of ArabNet. He continued stating that “to stay ahead in a rapidly growing digital world, ArabNet Beirut brings you the perspective of 80 initiators of change from Silicon Valley to Japan, in 35 panels, key talks and hands-on workshops.”
The ArabNet Beirut 2016 conference will include 1-on-1 interviews with top executives, navigating major digital changes, such as Ahmad Al Hanandeh, CEO of Zain Jordan, Selim Boutros, Director of Kurban Travel, and Eli Khoury, Founder & Chairman of Quantum Holdings.
ArabNet Beirut 2016 is being held at the prestigious Habtoor Hilton Hotel in Beirut, on March 1, 2 and 3. Past ArabNet events have notably attracted high-caliber speakers, tech-savvy participants, and corporate partners from across the region and the world, such as Google, Touch, Facebook, DMS, Alfa, Microsoft, Banque Audi, STC, Twitter, Starcom, Mashable, Criteo, LBCI, SkyNews, VISA, Deloitte, Uber, Vivaki, GE, MakerStudios (Disney), 500Startups, CNBC, International New York Times, and many more.
About ArabNet
ArabNet is the hub for Arab digital professionals and entrepreneurs, creating online and offline platforms for them to connect and learn. The vision of ArabNet is to grow the web and mobile sectors in the region, through various innovative and unique initiatives. It aims to build business bridges across the MENA, stimulate the growth of the Arab knowledge economy, and support the creation of new businesses and job opportunities for the youth, through conferences, partnerships, and competitions.
