Aysha Khalifa Ghanim AlRomaihi

• Led the strategic expansion of SCALE7, transforming it into Qatar's first Creative and Cultural Industries Hub.

• Directed the comprehensive review of QDB’s products (investment, advisory services and microfinance), ensuring alignment with the strategic approach to prioritize the development of the creative sector.

• Spearheaded the relaunch of SCALE7's incubation and acceleration programs, engaging stakeholders and creative hubs to drive growth.

• Reactivate SCALE7 Labs by forming strategic partnerships with local creative hubs and privet sector to foster R&D and advanced prototyping through 3D printing and laser cutting technologies.

• Forged strategic partnerships, enhancing SCALE7/QDB’s initiatives and sector collaboration.

Managed the operations of QDB’s three specialized incubators and all related programs, collaborating with globally recognized startup accelerators:

• Qatar SportsTech (QST): Developed by QDB and powered by Startupbootcamp, supported by SC, QSL, beIN Media Group, QFC, AZ, and MOCI.

• Qatar Fintech Hub (QFTH): Developed by QDB and operated by EY, supported by QCB, serving as a launchpad for local and international FinTechs through global partnerships with global FinTech hubs, financial institutions, universities, technology partners, and industry experts.

• Led the establishment of Scale7 (Fashion & Design Business Incubator): Founded by QDB in partnership with Qatar Museums and powered by Fashion Tech Accelerator Milan, positioning Qatar as a promising Creative Business Hub and contributing to the diversification of the local economy by growing a promising sector.

Building on previous role responsibilities: Led the development of strategic initiatives and high-impact partnerships to advance QDB’s key focus areas:

• Strategic Leadership: Designed and implemented partnership strategies to expand QDB’s reach and influence across local ecosystem.

• National Incubation Strategy: Led strategy rollout in collaboration with key ecosystem stakeholders, strengthening Qatar’s incubation landscape.

• Global Engagement: Positioned QBIC on the international stage by linking startups to QDB’s external exhibitions.

• Ecosystem Contributions: Highlighted QBIC’s impact through Qatar’s cultural initiatives (Year of Culture Program) and explored soft landing opportunities for entrepreneurs.

• QBIC Fashion Vertical: Developed operational strategies and partnerships with industry leaders to establish QBIC’s Fashion Vertical (Aug 2019), accelerating 22 young Qatari designers through mentorship and business development. Designed a Milan-based acceleration phase, connecting startups with global fashion experts, suppliers, and distributors from Italy.

• Business Growth & Partnerships: Expanded QBIC’s network by cultivating high-value partnerships and securing strategic sponsorships.
• Incubation & Mentorship: Guided startups through incubation, connecting them with investors, advisors, and tailored resources.
• Strategic Development: Designed and executed initiatives that enhanced QBIC’s value proposition within the entrepreneurial landscape.
• Project Innovation: Spearheaded milestone projects, including QBIC Fab Lab (2018), Vetrina 17 pop-up boutique (2018–2019), and Fashion Incubator (2019), strengthening QBIC’s creative and commercial reach.
• Brand Representation: Elevated QBIC’s presence at local and regional events, reinforcing industry influence and engagement.
• Merger Leadership: Directed seamless HR policy alignment and system integration during QBIC’s merger with QDB.

Focused on expanding QBIC’s ecosystem through strategic partnerships, sponsorships, and incubation support:

• Identified and secured business opportunities, fostering sustainable growth for QBIC.
• Managed key relationships with partners, sponsors, and stakeholders to strengthen QBIC’s network withing the ecosystem.
• Developed a robust ecosystem of investors, business support organizations, and funding networks.
• Facilitated engagement between incubatees and industry leaders, ensuring access to critical resources.

Played a key role in establishing QBIC as Qatar’s first sector-agnostic business incubator, developing policies and SOPs to structure incubation processes and execute the incubation activities:

• Designed frameworks to map startups by industry, capacity-building training program funding needs, and growth stage.
• Established tracking systems to monitor startup milestones and maintain accessible incubation records.
• Collaborated with Marketing to support admissions and programs outreach initiatives.

• Established and led IBQ’s Qatarization office, developing and implementing a comprehensive talent attraction, development, and retention strategy for Qatari nationals in alignment with manpower planning and business objectives.
• Partnered with universities to recruit local talent and launched internship and career programs to foster Qatari professional growth.
• Oversaw the Qatarization Development Program, collaborating with L&D to enhance career pathways.
• Managed stakeholder relations, liaising with the Ministry of Labour, QCB, and government entities to ensure compliance and effective partnerships.

• Assisted in designing and launching financial products, ensuring alignment with market demands.
• Conducted competitor analysis to refine personal financial services strategy.
• Developed marketing collateral to support product promotions and segment launches and to execute advertising campaigns effectively.