Beirut witnessed a landmark moment for the region’s digital economy with the successful conclusion of Ecom Fest 2025, the Middle East’s largest e-commerce and digital business event, organized by Jad Fakhani — better known as Wolfofbey — in partnership with Whish Money.
Held on July 26, 2025, at Ava Venue from 10 AM to 10 PM, the event welcomed an impressive 4,000 to 5,000 attendees for a full day of learning, connection, and opportunity. Following the strong momentum of the 2024 edition, this year’s festival exceeded expectations in scale, impact, and energy.
With Whish as the platinum sponsor, and support from key partners including CFI, Artists&More, and Mobile Arts, the event brought together a dynamic mix of international speakers, creators, and digital industry leaders. Featured names included Eddie Maalouf, Arab, George Saliba, Mahdi Shafiei, and many more — alongside top Lebanese officials and entrepreneurs — for in-depth discussions on the future of e-commerce, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the Arab world.
Beyond the high-profile guests and panels, Ecom Fest 2025proved to be a mission-driven platform. It embodied JadFakhani’s broader vision: to empower youth, generate jobs, and establish Lebanon as a regional launchpad for digital careers.
Reflecting on the day, Jad Fakhani shared:
“To see thousands of people from across Lebanon and the region come together with this kind of energy was incredible. I’m so proud of what we accomplished — not just the numbers, but the stories, the connections, and the sense of possibility in the room.”
He added:
“Ecom Fest was never just about speakers or panels — it’s about proving that Lebanon’s youth have what it takes to lead the digital future. We’re building a bridge between global expertise and local talent. And today, that bridge felt very real.”
Through his company Beycom, Jad has played a direct role in nurturing the careers of hundreds of Lebanese creatives and strategists. His digital learning platform, The Engine, has trained more than 5,000 students in essential digital skills, enabling many to work remotely, build freelance careers, or launch their own ventures — without having to leave Lebanon.
Ecom Fest 2025 marked a milestone in this mission. But according to Fakhani, it’s only the beginning. His team is now preparing for regional editions of the event in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.
Meanwhile, in Lebanon, both Beycom and The Engine will continue expanding their impact through school partnerships, digital incubators, and upskilling programs aimed at youth. A calendar of pop-up masterclasses, community retreats, and networking dinners is also planned to support a growing ecosystem around Lebanon’s digital economy.
As the curtains closed on Ecom Fest 2025, one message stood clear:
Lebanon has the talent. Lebanon has the drive. And with the right platform, it has the future.
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