Doha, September 30 (QNA) - QatarDebate Center, founded by Qatar Foundation (QF), hosted the fourth panel discussion in its "Qatar Connects" series under the theme: "Can We Build a Local Consulting Sector with Global Standards?" at Multaqa (Education City Student Center) in Doha.

The session explored the evolving consulting landscape in Qatar and the role of leading international consulting firms in supporting government institutions and the private sector. The discussion examined the factors contributing to the gap between local and international firms, including technical capabilities, specialized expertise, client confidence, and the ability to undertake large and complex projects.

The session also addressed the role of international consulting firms in the local market, with particular attention to knowledge transfer and the employment and development of national talent. It considered the extent to which their presence contributes to strengthening local capabilities and enabling Qatari firms to grow in terms of scale, technical expertise, and the ability to manage increasingly complex projects.

The session featured Qatari entrepreneur Sheikha Amna Mohammed Al-Thani, Founder and CEO of Strategy Hub for strategic consulting and policy formation. Drawing on her firsthand experience, she reflected on the key milestones in establishing and growing her company, from securing her first clients and delivering initial projects to making the strategic decisions that shaped its continued growth and expansion.

Sheikha Amna Mohammed Al-Thani, Founder and CEO of Strategy Hub, said: "Qatar has promising local talent, and we need to continue investing in developing their skills and capabilities. We also need to shift the perception that choosing a local company is a risk. Working with local firms is an investment in building national capabilities, supporting the private sector, and developing a more competitive local consulting industry. Not every experience will succeed from the outset, but what matters is that we continue building expertise and capabilities from within, as this is the foundation of a strong and sustainable private sector in Qatar."

Abdulrahman Al Subaie, Director of Administration and Strategy at QatarDebate Center, said: "Addressing the current state of the local consulting sector is of great importance. Through this session, we seek to explore ways to bridge the gap between local and international firms while harnessing our deep understanding of the Qatari market to develop national capabilities equipped to deliver major and complex projects. We believe that investing in national talent and encouraging the exchange of practical expertise provides a strong foundation for advancing a sophisticated local consulting sector capable of meeting the highest international standards, while maintaining its identity and preserving a nuanced understanding of the needs of our society."

Aljohara Al Khulaifi, Strategic Initiatives Lead at QatarDebate Center, said: "Through ‘Qatar Connects’, we seek to create an engaging platform that brings together experts, decision-makers, and entrepreneurs to address key issues shaping the future of national development. Examining the current state of the local consulting sector reflects this commitment, providing an opportunity to explore ways to strengthen the competitiveness of local firms, leverage their in-depth understanding of the Qatari market, and develop national capabilities equipped to undertake major and complex projects."

The discussion examined the early development of local consulting firms, the challenges they encountered during their establishment, and how these challenges shaped their subsequent growth and development. The session also considered the types of projects that remain beyond the reach of local firms and the factors limiting their expansion into certain areas, including gaps in technical capabilities and client confidence. The discussion also explored potential approaches to closing these gaps and enabling local firms to take on a greater role in the years ahead. (QNA)