DHL4SMES

Join DHL4SMEs

Take the first step towards expanding your business

Today, we’re seeing an unprecedented rise in entrepreneurship. More people are starting businesses than ever before, and while the enthusiasm is strong, the challenges are real. Dispersed information, the need for guidance, and the complexity of growing a business are common obstacles that many SMEs face.

DHL4SMEs was created to address these exact challenges. Our goal is simple: to provide SMEs with the tools, support, and expertise they need to thrive. Through this initiative, we’re building a community where entrepreneurs can access subject matter experts (SMEs) in areas like logistics, technology, finance, legal guidance, effective marketing strategies, compliance, and risk management.  

These topics are all incredibly relevant in today's business landscape. These areas can often pose challenges for SMEs, and our goal is to provide the insights and guidance businesses need to navigate these complexities successfully.

By joining the DHL4SMEs Program, you will have access to resources, and experts to learn how to manage your SME and expand your network to open a new world of possibilities for the growth of your business.

Legal Expertise Meets SME Empowerment: Al Tamimi’s Impact at DHL4SMEs

Our DHL4SMEs event Nationalisation in the Private Sector and Tendering Process in Qatar welcomed long-standing Program Partners Al Tamimi & Co., who continue to go beyond legal representation by actively participating in Qatar’s business ecosystem. Their engagement extends far beyond clients and government—spanning universities, schools, and now, proudly, the DHL for SMEs initiative.

As Matthew from Al Tamimi shared: "This program has grown beyond our wildest expectations, and we’re proud to be part of its success."

The highlight of the evening was a deeply informative session on Qatar’s evolving legal landscape—especially the new nationalisation law—and what it means for SMEs.

Katrina Wilson, with over 23 years of legal experience in Qatar, offered a clear, practical roadmap for companies navigating Qatarisation requirements. She emphasized that nationalisation isn't about replacing expatriate employees—it’s about creating fair opportunity and integration for Qatari nationals and children of Qatari mothers within the private sector.

Some of her key messages included:

• Nationalisation is not new: The priority for Qatari workers has been embedded in Qatari labour law since 1962.
• New requirements include notifying the Ministry of Labour of job openings, uploading Qatari employment contracts to the Basha portal, and biannual workforce reporting.
• Non-compliance can result in fines (starting from QAR 10,000 per offence), visa blocks, or suspension of government dealings.
• Even while waiting for detailed quotas and incentive regulations, many obligations are already in force and enforceable.
• Companies should not wait—compliance is already necessary under both the labour law and nationalisation law.

Diana Aboagadel then turned the focus to SMEs and intellectual property. From clarifying the IP risks during tendering to explaining how startups can protect innovations through trademarks, copyrights, and patents, her advice was precise and actionable. A standout reminder: “Don’t build a business on infringement. Make it original—and protect it.”

Mr. Hani Al-Nadav provided a comprehensive walkthrough of Qatar’s tendering processes—from classifications and exemptions to SME-specific advantages. He also shared critical legal reminders about transparency, fair competition, and proper documentation. His practical tips highlighted real-world examples where companies lost tenders due to last-minute submissions or technical oversights.

Importantly, SMEs registered in Qatar can benefit from reduced fees, exemptions from bid/performance bonds (especially for micro-enterprises), and in some cases, exclusive tender opportunities below QAR 5 million.

The message was clear: Legal awareness is not optional—it’s a competitive advantage. 

As always, the DHL4SMEs platform is committed to making this type of valuable knowledge accessible to Qatar’s SME community. 

All presentations and recordings from our live events are available in the events section. 

Benefits of joining the program

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TAKE THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS 

EXPANDING YOUR BUSINESS

Learn how to manage your SME and expand your network to open a new world of possibilities for the growth of your business. We aim to cover a wide range of issues that directly impact SMEs, drawing from both our own expertise and the specialized knowledge of our partners. 

Topics such as logistics, digital transformation, effective marketing strategies, legal and compliance, and risk management are all incredibly relevant in today's business landscape. These areas can often pose challenges for SMEs, and our goal is to provide the insights and guidance businesses need to navigate these complexities successfully.

A program dedicated to supporting the growth and success of small and medium-sized enterprises in Qatar. Our program offers a series of Webinars, Podcasts, and Open Days designed to provide valuable insights and guidance from industry leaders and experts. 
Join us and gain the knowledge and connections to take your business to the next level.

Register Now

BENEFITS OF JOINING OUR PROGRAM
Expert Insights	Community Support	Interactive Content	Access to Resources	Exclusive Content
_________________	_________________	_________________	_________________	_________________
Access valuable knowledge from top professionals and thought leaders.	Connect with a network of like-minded business owners and stakeholders.	Engage in sessions designed to meet your specific business needs.	Utilize tools and resources tailored to help your business thrive.	Benefit from an array of exclusive offers by the program partners.

have a question?

If you need any information on the program or have a topic you would like to know more of, please contact us on [email protected]