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The GMW Summit

24th - 28th November 2024 | Doha, Qatar

Power Up Meaningful Connections

The GMW Summit in Doha is back for the second year and unlike any GMW event so far. The summit is designed for anyone looking to amplify their experience, learn from industry leaders and explore a wealth of learning and networking opportunities.

Our insightfully curated programme, held at Education City, home of the Qatar Foundation, will include inspiring sessions from incredible storytellers, and practical learning from industry experts in our Flow sessions. You’ll have plenty of time to network and make new meaningful connections as you explore Doha.

The GMW Summit will also host the Final 6 participants of the Continuum Spark Award, as we conclude our global search for the next big social impact idea, with $250,000 of investment to be decided!

Book your place for the most anticipated convening of global Muslim changemakers.

Official Partner

Flagship Partner

From the main stage to workshops and great networking, there is so much to explore at the GMW Summit this year. Check out the full agenda below!

Agenda Overview

  • The theme for this year’s GMW Summit is how to build "Stronger Together". How will we drive hope during the difficult times being faced by communities around the world and build for an inspired future?

    Our main stage speakers will inspire you each morning to be the incredible changemaker you are.

  • This year, we're bringing you a series of exciting moderated talks! From daring mountaineers to creative photographers, our diverse lineup of speakers will inspire you. Get ready for an adventure of ideas that will leave you amazed and energised!

  • This year, we are curating interactive workshops that tie to our theme of "Stronger Together," spanning diverse topics and mediums. Whether you're passionate about expressing your cause through writing, visual arts, or audio production, these minds-on, and hands-on workshops are for you!

  • After months of applications, shortlisting, and regional pitch competitions, we're thrilled to present our top 6 startups (3 NGOs and 3 For Profit) to go head-to-head at the Continuum Spark Pitch Competition. Be inspired by how these innovative companies are tackling pressing issues, and vote for your favourite!

  • For the first time, we are splitting up the sisters and the brothers for a dedicated bonding day. We don't want to reveal too much, but be prepared to move, work, and collaborate! This special program is designed to build stronger bonds and inspire you to uplift each other as the next generation of Muslim changemakers!

  • On the first day, we'll be hosting a brand showcase to highlight a select number of values-aligned Muslim brands. This will be an excellent opportunity for attendees to discover and connect with brands within the GMW network that align with our shared values and mission.

  • At GMW we're proud to bring attendees awesome experiences to showcase the destination. This year we have a few surprises, but expect to grow stronger together on water, on sand and by growing our roots 🤔.

2024 Speakers

  • Sami Hamdi

    Managing Director,
    The International Interest

  • Dr. Rania Awaad

    Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Stanford University School of Medicine & President, Maristan

  • Imam Wesley Lebron

    Director of Programs and Education for MAS NY Reverts Reconnect & Co-Founder the 3 Puerto Rican Imams

  • Peter Sanders

    Award Winning Photographer

  • Marya Bangee

    Senior Advisor, Pop Culture Collaborative

  • Nurul Ibrahim

    Director, HUME Design Consultancy



  • Dr Evren Tok

    Associate Dean, Hamad Bin Khalifa University

  • Yusuf Omar

    Co-founder of Seen TV, Formerly at CNN International

  • Sh. Moe Al Thani

    Philanthropist & Mountaineer

  • Melanie Elturk

    Co-Founder & CEO, Haute Hijab

  • Sheen Gurrib

    Podcaster & Content Creator

  • Hamza Iqbal

    CEO, Training Impact Limited

  • Peter Gould

    Founder, Gould Studio



  • Shahbaz Mirza

    Founder, Towards Faith

  • Omar Hamid

    Co-Founder & Chief Design Officer, LaunchGood

  • Belal Khaled

    Palestinian Photographer & Calligraphy Artist

  • Norilmi Ismail

    Founder, SpaceIn

  • Lisa Vogl

    Founder of Zaila Collection

  • Dr. Abdulnassir Al Tamimi

    Executive Director, Student Services at Qatar Foundation

  • Majd Mashharawi

    Social Entrepreneur. Founder & CEO, Sunbox

Summit Agenda

    • 4:00-6:00pm - Registration at Ard Canaan, Katara Village

    • 5:30-6:00pm- Maghrib Prayer at the Blue Mosque

    • 6:00-8:00pm- Welcome Dinner at Ard Canaan

    • 8:45am - Arrival at Qatar National Library

    • 9:15-9:30am- Welcome Remarks

    • 9:30-10:30am - Moderated Session: “Scaling New Heights Together: Lessons from Mountaineering and Philanthropy” with Sh. Moe Al Thani

    • 10:35-11:20am - Executive Screening of 'Ahmad Alive' documentary film

    • 11:25-11:45am - “The Power of Storytelling” with Yusuf Omar & Sumaiya Omar

    • 11:45-12:00pm - Break

    • 12:00-1:00pm - Continuum Spark Awards For-Profit Finals

    • 1:00-3:00pm - Prayer & Lunch Break

    • 3:00-6:00pm - Interactive Workshops

    Workshop 1: “Imagining Collective Futures through Play” with Dr. Evren Tok (@Multaqa, Computer Lab 3)

    Workshop 2: “The Power of Narratives to Drive Change” with Marya Bangee (@Black Box, Northwestern Uni)

    Workshop 3: “Podcasting 101: Inspiring Minds, Shaping Stories” with Sheen Gurrib (@Room 1-300, Northwestern)

    Workshop 4: “Stepping into Your Power through Leadership” with Melanie Elturk (@Workinton M7)

    Workshop 5: “Building a Life of Meaning: Decisions, Intentions, and Faith-Driven Planning” with Shahbaz Mirza (Workinton, Al Fardan Center)

    7:00pm: Sami Hamdi Keynote at AlMultaqa Cinema In Education City

    • 9:00am - Arrival at VCUarts, Education City

    • 9:15-10:00am - “Lens of Truth: How Photography Shapes Perception” with Peter Sanders

    • 10:00-10:45am - In Conversation with Peter Sanders

    • 10:45-10:55- Break

    • 10:55-11:40- Panel Discussion “Rewriting the Script: Muslim Creatives Transforming Pop Culture”

    • 11:40-12:00pm -Backing Muslim Builders with Deen Developers

    • 12:00-1:00pm - Continuum Spark Awards Non-Profit Finals

    • 1:00-3:00pm - Prayer & Lunch Break

    • 3:00pm - Transfer to Mina Port (from AlMultaqa)

    • 4:00-6:00pm - GMW Summit Sunset Dhow Cruise

  • 🧕🏼 Sisters’ Agenda

    • 9:00am - Arrival at Al Mujadilah Center

    • 9:15-9:30am - Welcome Address by Dr. Sohaira Siddiqui

    • 9:30-10:00am - Keynote Address, "Women as Architects of the Ummah" by Dr. Rania Awaad

    • 10:00-10:30am - Fireside Chat with Muslim Female Trailblazers: Lisa Vogl, Majd Mashharawi and Norilmi Ismail

    • 10:45-11:30am - Faith-Based Design Thinking Workshop with Nurul Ibrahim

    • 11:30-12:30pm - Prayer & Lunch Break

    • 12:30-2:30pm - Workshop Facilitation (Contd.)

    • 2:30-3:00pm - Asr Prayer & Coffee Break

    • 3:30-5:00pm - Group Presentations

    • 5:15-6:00pm - Maghrib Prayer & Departure

    👨🏻 Brothers’ Agenda

    • 9:00-11:00am - Experiential Team Building with Hamza Iqbal

    • 11:00-1:00pm - Prayer & Lunch Break

    • 1:00-3:00pm - GMW Changemaker Olympiad- Solving Global Challenges Interactive Workshop

    • 3:00-3:30pm - Prayer & Coffee Break

    • 3:30-5:00pm - GMW Changemaker Olympiad (Contd.)

    • 5:00pm - Maghrib Prayer & Halaqa with Imam Wesley Lebron at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) Auditorium

    • 12:30pm - Depart to Heenat Salma Farm

    • 1:30-2:10 - Reception @ Majlis

    • 2:15-2:30pm- Closing Remarks with Ahmed Paul Keeler

    • 3:15-4:00pm - Continuum Spark Awards Announcement

    • 4:00-4:30- Tree Planting Ceremony & Team Photo

    • 4:30-5:15pm- Maghrib Congregation Prayer in the Masjid

    • 5:15-6:00pm- Winter Bazaar Experience

    • 6:00-8:30pm- Dinner under the Stars and Reflections by the Campfire

GMW Partners

Doha

Qatar

At the heart of the GMW Summit in Doha is the stunning backdrop of Education City. The flagship initiative of the Qatar Foundation, the 12 square kilometer campus is a unique location. During just one short walk (or tram ride) around campus, you can visit Ivy League universities, browse one of the region’s largest and most impressive libraries, or attend an open mic session at one of the neighbouring spaces.

This year, the summit will take place across several inspiring locations across Doha including Education City, the Museum of Islamic Arts and other suprise locations we’re keeping under wraps!

What Others Are Saying

  • "It was really awesome to be around people outside my industry and to explore options and new fields that I can collaborate with and integrate into what I do"

    Candace, USA

  • "I loved the experience of connecting with people who are driven by Islamic ethics and values and are truly serious about making a tangible change in the world"

    Fadhila, UK

  • "I met some amazing people that I will be connecting with post GMW. I’ve potentially made new friendships and will collaborate with some of the people I met"

    Alexander, New York

  • "Apart from meeting really incredible people from every walk of life and having the opportunity to benefit from them - this GMW really fuelled the change maker gene that’s in all of us. It left me wanting to do more and be more"

    Aneesa, South Africa

Summit Tickets

To confirm your place at the GMW Summit in Doha, simply complete the form and complete the checkout to book your space.

The current price for the Summit is $549 per person and tickets are almost sold out, so hurry!

FAQs

  • Qatar now offers visa-free entry to citizens of 102 countries. Check your eligibility at visitqatar.com. If your country is not on the visa-free list, you can apply for an e-visa through the same website.

  • We're excited to offer convenient accommodation options for GMW Summit attendees. You can book your accommodation directly through GMW, ensuring a seamless experience and potentially benefitting from special rates we've negotiated with local hotels. Book here: https://gmw.network/gmw-passes/p/summit-stay

  • Yes, you can share your accommodation with someone during the Summit. We encourage attendees to consider shared accommodation options as it can be a great way to reduce costs and enhance your networking experience. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

    • When booking through our accommodation, you'll have the option to select shared rooms where available.

    • If you already have a roommate in mind, you can indicate this during the booking process.

    • For those looking for a roommate, be sure to select the 'shared rooms' option, and we'll match you with a roommate.

      Book here: https://gmw.network/gmw-passes/p/summit-stay

      Remember to communicate clearly with your potential roommate about expectations and preferences before confirming shared arrangements. Sharing accommodation can be a wonderful opportunity to form meaningful connections and make your GMW Summit experience even more memorable inshAllah!

  • The dress code for the GMW Summit is casual to smart casual. We encourage attendees to dress comfortably while maintaining a professional appearance.

  • Getting from Hamad International Airport to your destination in Doha is convenient and straightforward. You have several options:

    • Taxis

    • Uber

    • Airport Shuttle

    • Car Rental

    Remember to have the exact address of your destination ready. If you're heading to a GMW event venue, our team will provide detailed location information in advance.

  • Your GMW Summit ticket includes:

    • Access to the entire GMW Summit Agenda and programming

    • Welcome dinner on Sunday, November 24

    • Swag bag filled with GMW goodies

    • Dinner on the closing day

    • Inspiring talks from world-renowned speakers

    • Access to specialized workshop streams

    • Memorable experiences and recreational activities

    The GMW Summit is designed to provide a comprehensive experience that combines learning, networking, and personal growth opportunities in an inspiring Islamic environment.

  • The Spark Awards will feature six finalists, evenly split between Non-Profit and For-Profit categories. These finalists will pitch to judges in Doha, with one winner chosen from each category. Winners will be announced on November 28. GMW and Collective Continuum will cover travel expenses for all finalists. The event schedule includes arrival and rehearsal on November 24, followed by pitch competitions on November 25 and 26. Finalists should plan to arrive early for the Sunday rehearsal.

  • Yes, it's important to inform us about any allergies you may have. Please mention any allergies or dietary restrictions in the registration form. We kindly request that you notify our Summit Lead, Latifa, directly by emailing her at latifa@gmw.network. This will help us make necessary arrangements and ensure a safe and comfortable experience for all participants.

  • The official currency in Qatar is the Qatari Riyal (QAR). However, credit cards, debit cards, and digital payment methods like Apple Pay are widely accepted at various establishments including cafes, restaurants, hotels, and shopping centers. It's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases or in case of any technical issues with card payments.

  • Qatar is generally considered a very safe country for visitors. It has a low crime rate and is known for its stability. However, as with any travel, it's always wise to take standard precautions:

    • Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure

    • Respect local customs and dress codes

    • Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun, especially during hot months

    • Follow any guidance provided by local authorities

  • As GMW is a community that embraces families, practitioners, and professionals, we understand the desire to include your children in this enriching experience. Generally, you are welcome to bring your children to the GMW Summit, but we kindly ask you to consider the following:

    • Please maintain a quiet and respectful approach during sessions, being mindful of speakers and other attendees.

    • If your child becomes restless or noisy, we kindly ask that you step outside the session area to care for them.

    • While we don't offer childcare services or designated spaces for children at our venues, we are happy to recommend a trusted third party childcare service if you need it. Please reach out to us and let us know if you require assistance with childcare arrangements.

    • Parents are personally responsible for their children's care and supervision throughout the summit.

    We appreciate your understanding in balancing your family's participation with ensuring a positive experience for all attendees. The GMW Summit is an opportunity for growth and connection

  • A: In late November, Qatar experiences cooler temperatures compared to the summer months. You can expect daytime temperatures to be in the late 20s to early 30s Celsius (around 80-90°F). The sun can still be quite hot, especially in the early to mid-afternoon. However, evenings and nights tend to cool off, providing more comfortable conditions. It's advisable to bring light layers for the cooler evenings and sun protection for the daytime.