Aqaba to Host Regional Women’s Entrepreneurship Conference on Digital Empowerment

Amman, May 12 (Petra) – The city of Aqaba is set to host the Women’s Entrepreneurship Conference next week, under the theme “The Importance of Digitization in Economic Empowerment in a Fast-Growing World.”

The event is jointly organized by Arabia Conferences and the Entrepreneurship Center, with broad Arab participation from national leaders, experts, decision-makers, and entrepreneurs across Jordan and the Arab region.

Tammam Riyati, Director General of the Arabia Foundation for Entrepreneurship and Empowerment, said the conference aims to spotlight the role of digital transformation in economically empowering women and enhancing their participation in building a sustainable digital economy. It also seeks to promote women’s entrepreneurship by showcasing experiences and opportunities in digital innovation.

Riyati noted that hosting the event in Aqaba aligns with the strategic objective of boosting local tourism and positioning the city as a premier destination for international events. The conference is expected to contribute to the local economy while highlighting Aqaba’s touristic appeal in an environment that fosters innovation and economic growth.

The conference program includes panel discussions and specialized workshops featuring female entrepreneurs from various sectors, who will share their experiences in navigating challenges and achieving success in a rapidly evolving world.

Rania Haddadin, Executive Director of the Entrepreneurship Center and the conference, described the event as a strategic platform for women’s empowerment and public-private sector collaboration. She emphasized that the conference aims to broaden the scope of women’s economic empowerment by harnessing digital solutions and innovation.

According to Haddadin, the conference will welcome prominent figures in investment, entrepreneurship, and digitalization. It will serve as a forum for dialogue between officials and private sector representatives from promising economic sectors, focusing on sustainable development, women’s empowerment, and their role in driving economic growth especially in light of improved economic performance indicators and government initiatives aimed at attracting investment.

Haddadin added that participants will explore the challenges and risks associated with digitization and entrepreneurship. She expects the conference to activate women’s economic engagement at the local level, particularly in the context of the current regional and global economic developments. Discussions will include contributions from Jordanian and Arab business leaders, economists, and experts in economic policy.

Topics to be addressed include Aqaba’s role in development, empowerment, and entrepreneurship; the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting women entrepreneurship and digital transformation; the significance of institutional partnerships in promoting digital entrepreneurship; and the role of financial inclusion and financial technology in supporting female entrepreneurs.

The agenda also covers the contribution of digital banks and emerging technologies in financing women’s projects, as well as the opportunities and challenges of accessing digital finance. Participants will discuss strategies for consolidating the role of women in the digital economy and strengthening the economic position of Arab female leaders.

Additional sessions will examine how women’s entrepreneurship contributes to social cohesion, the legislative landscape surrounding digitization, and cybersecurity in the digital workplace. Other key topics include digital education and training, the cultural and societal challenges facing women, and the role of economic environments, chambers of commerce, government policies, and Gulf Arab cooperation in promoting women’s participation in the digital economy.

//Petra// AJ
12/05/2025 14:00:39