Global Entrepreneurship Week Expands Opportunities in Jordan

Queen Rania of Jordan sits among a group of students during a Global Entrepreneurship Week event

Situation

In Jordan, Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is hosted annually by the Queen Rania Center for Entrepreneurship (QRCE). In 2024, the campaign reached 50,000 participants through 1,200 events held across the country—including in rural and underrepresented regions.

Its extensive reach is made possible with support from more than 250 partners, including Zain, a national telecom provider, 16 media partners, and 20 university partners. The campaign also engaged national influencers, including Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, who visited students at the King Hussein School of Computing Sciences at the Princess Sumaya University for Technology.

Approach

Over its 15-year history, GEW Jordan has significantly influenced the growth of the national entrepreneurship ecosystem and founder pipeline. According to Mohammad Obaidat, Executive Director of QRCE, the campaign has invited more people to explore entrepreneurial opportunities, supported those who launched companies in connecting with growth opportunities, and fostered the emergence of nonprofit organizations. Collaborations with universities have matured, aspiring founders have built key contacts, and the entrepreneurship movement has expanded from major cities into rural regions.

“During Global Entrepreneurship Week, we see startups announcing that they are expanding to new countries and hear from others who have connected with investors and partners,” said Obaidat. “They come to us months later and tell us: ‘we signed the deal’ or ‘we expanded to new markets’ or ‘we're planning to go overseas to visit new partners.”

Impact

GEW Jordan has created direct pathways for entrepreneurs to scale globally and connect with critical networks. One such example is Monther Fadel, founder of DARBCO, an innovative robotics solar cleaning company. He participated in the Touchdown Program, an initiative launched during GEW, funded by the U.S. Embassy and run by QRCE and iPARK.

"It offered us a rare opportunity to explore the U.S. market firsthand, connect with industry leaders, and validate our value proposition on a global stage,” said Fadel. “The strategic insights, mentorship, and exposure we gained have been instrumental in shaping our international expansion strategy."

Through such initiatives, GEW Jordan continues to inspire founders, connect stakeholders, and drive the entrepreneurship movement across the country.