Press Conference with Gaza Sky Geeks Program Senior Manager Rand Safi

Gaza Sky Geeks Launches Talent Bridge at Web Summit Qatar, Connecting Palestinian Tech Talent with GCC Opportunities

Ms. Rand Safi, Senior Program Manager at Gaza Sky Geeks, announced the launch of the Gaza Sky Geeks Talent Bridge at Web Summit Qatar. This initiative establishes a vital talent connection between the GCC region and Palestine. Gaza Sky Geeks, a Mercy Corps Palestine program, focuses on building the tech capacity of individuals and companies within Palestine.

Web Summit Qatar served as the ideal venue to introduce this significant initiative, fostering knowledge and experience exchange. Through the GSG Talent Bridge, participants can mentor and support Palestinian talent, or potentially hire them for roles or host them as interns within their companies.

Ms. Safi highlighted the resilience and capability of Palestinian tech talent, affirming their readiness for work. Gaza Sky Geeks provides the necessary opportunities, space, and resources to enable international market access for these individuals. The program’s impact has been substantial and continues to grow.

In 2024 and 2025, Gaza Sky Geeks successfully trained over 4,000 participants in Gaza, with plans for further expansion. Supporting co-working spaces is crucial, especially given the current situation, as these offer essential access to internet and electricity. This focus on co-working spaces will continue into 2026.

Addressing a question from Ramzi Barakat of UGC, Ms. Safi clarified that the Talent Bridge supports a diverse talent pool beyond just programmers. This includes digital marketers and designers capable of online work. Employers can submit hiring applications via the Gaza Sky Geeks website.

Gaza Sky Geeks facilitates the connection by providing a list of suitable candidates for interviews, allowing employers to select the best talent. The organization also offers support for financial transactions and conducts follow-ups with employers to ensure smooth engagements.

Looking ahead, Ms. Safi reiterated Gaza Sky Geeks’ commitment to the Palestinian tech ecosystem. They plan to extend and expand operations for both individuals and companies through international partnerships, collaborating closely with various ecosystem players and universities.

Ms. Safi concluded by emphasizing that “wherever there is a will, there is always a way,” encouraging anyone interested in supporting Palestine to reach out. Gaza Sky Geeks offers assistance to those wishing to help and support people in Palestine.

Regarding financial contributions, Ms. Safi outlined specific impacts. A monthly donation of $100 covers the cost for an individual to utilize a co-working space. Furthermore, $1,000 funds a three-month training program for a participant, illustrating how various levels of support make a tangible difference.