IT wizard named for top India summit

IT wizard, motivational speaker and social worker, Tariq al Barwani has been nominated to represent the Sultanate at the 8th Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) 2017 in the Indian city of Hyderabad.

The event will be held from November 28 to 30. Hosted by the US in cooperation with India’s Niti Aayog, it has identified Al Barwani as a delegate-entrepreneur for the event, to be attended by Ivanka Trump, Adviser to President Trump.

“It’s a rare recognition for me as an individual as well as Oman as a nation,” Tariq told the Observer.

GES is an annual gathering of emerging entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders from around the world. It empowers entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas, build partnerships, secure funding and create innovative goods and services that will transform societies.

This year’s theme is, ‘ Women First, Prosperity for All’. GES 2017 intends to inspire innovative initiatives, forge new collaborations across countries and increase economic opportunities, particularly among women.

Since its inception in 2010, GES has travelled across the world — from Washington DC to Istanbul, Dubai, Marrakech, Nairobi, Kuala Lumpur, Silicon Valley and now Hyderabad.

This is the first time that GES is being hosted in South Asia. It will highlight India’s enabling environment for innovation and entrepreneurship, including actions by the government to increase the ease of doing business, eliminating unnecessary regulations and supporting startups.

More than 500 attendees, including entrepreneurs, investors, educators, government officials and business representatives will represent the full measure of entrepreneurial talent from diverse backgrounds from around the world.