Doha, the vibrant capital city of Qatar, is abuzz with excitement as it hosts the Middle East edition of Web Summit, one of the world’s largest technology conferences. The four-day event, which opens today, has drawn more than 1,100 startups from 80 countries, highlighting the growing prominence of Qatar’s tech scene on the global stage.
The Qatari government, recognizing the importance of innovation and technology in driving economic growth, has been actively working to position Doha as a hub for tech startups and entrepreneurs. One of the key initiatives aimed at attracting early-stage tech companies is Startup Qatar, a program launched last week offering a range of incentives, including free visas, tax waivers, office space, and funding support.
Web Summit provides an ideal platform for showcasing Qatar’s investment-friendly environment and its commitment to nurturing innovation. The event features a diverse lineup of participants, including government officials, prominent financiers, founders, and investors from across the globe.
Among the notable figures attending the conference are Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan, underscoring the high-level support for tech entrepreneurship in the region.
Leading financiers and founders, such as Huda Al-Lawati of Aliph Capital, Will Ahmed of Whoop, Fadi Ghandour of Wamda Capital, Hosam Arab of Tabby, and Edward Achtner of HSBC, are among the distinguished speakers sharing insights and expertise on the future of technology and investment opportunities in the Middle East.
The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), the country’s sovereign wealth fund, plays a significant role in shaping the region’s tech landscape. Representatives from QIA, including Daniyal Khan and Mohammed Al-Hardan, will address the audience, highlighting Qatar’s strategic investments in technology and innovation.
One of the key topics of discussion at Web Summit is the rise of venture capital funding in the Middle East, particularly in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Experts will explore the reasons behind the surge in VC investment in the region and its implications for the future of entrepreneurship and innovation.Doha Hosts Middle East Edition of Web Summit: Spotlight on Qatar’s Emerging Tech Scene
Sessions featuring industry leaders such as Mohammed Al-Sowaidi of QIA, Noor Sweid of Global Ventures, and Khaled Talhouni of Nuwa Capital will delve into the challenges and opportunities facing tech startups in the Middle East.
As Doha emerges as a vibrant tech hub, events like Web Summit serve as catalysts for collaboration, networking, and knowledge sharing, driving Qatar’s aspirations to become a leading destination for innovation and entrepreneurship in the Middle East and beyond.