Sidra Medicine and Rasmal Ventures Partner to Drive Digital Health Innovation in Qatar
Advancing Healthcare Through E-health Innovation and Startup Integration 25 February 2025, Doha, Qatar – Sidra Medicine, a member of Qatar Foundation, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Rasmal Ventures, Qatar’s first venture capital firm. The strategic partnership, announced at the Web Summit Qatar 2025, marks a significant step in the hospital’s role in supporting and advancing digital health innovation in Qatar and beyond. Rasmal Ventures, with its extensive portfolio of global technology companies, will introduce Sidra Medicine to high-potential e-health startups and provide strategic support to incorporate innovative solutions into Sidra Medicine’s operations. In return, Sidra Medicine will contribute its clinical and research expertise to evaluate and refine the startups’ healthcare technologies, ensuring they are effective, scalable, and patient-focused. Moreover, the two organizations will develop entrepreneurship programs that encourage the development and growth of a Health-Tech sector for Qatar. Prof. Khalid Fakhro, Chief Research Officer at Sidra Medicine said: “This partnership highlights our commitment to establishing Sidra Medicine as a leading healthcare innovation hub in Qatar, in alignment with the Qatar National Vision 2030. By collaborating with Rasmal Ventures, we are building upon our current strengths in clinical care, genomics and cell and gene therapy, and taking a proactive approach to adopting innovative technologies and transforming Sidra Medicine into a living lab for entrepreneurial ventures from across Qatar and the world.” The MOU establishes a collaborative framework between the two entities to facilitate the exchange of expertise and best practices in e-health innovations. Through this partnership, Sidra Medicine and Rasmal Ventures aim to drive advancements in innovation, focusing on digital healthcare solutions such as patient-centric artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, telemedicine platforms, and wearable devices. Alexander Wiedmer, Co-Managing Partner at Rasmal Ventures said: “At Rasmal Ventures, we believe that innovation is key to transforming healthcare. Our partnership with Sidra Medicine represents a unique opportunity to bring the latest digital health technologies to the forefront, empowering Qatar’s healthcare system to deliver smarter, more efficient, and patient-centered care.” As part of the agreement, the two entities will host joint workshops, pilot studies, and discussions to validate the efficacy of emerging technologies and foster an open environment for innovation. This partnership positions Sidra Medicine as a driving force in healthcare innovation, creating valuable opportunities for biotech and healthtech leaders. It also underscores Sidra Medicine’s role as a premier destination for medical education and research, attracting innovators and nurturing the development of next-generation healthcare solutions.
Kingdee expands its footprint into the Middle East, opening Qatar office
25 February 2025, Doha – Qatar: Kingdee International Software Group Company Limited（0268 .HK）announced today the opening of its regional headquarters in Qatar’s Free Zones, marking its official entry into the Middle East market. The establishment of this regional headquarters has been facilitated through the support of the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), the sovereign wealth fund of Qatar, Invest Qatar, the investment promotion agency of Qatar and Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ). Founded in 1993, Kingdee is a globally renowned enterprise management cloud SaaS company listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Expanding its global presence has been one of Kingdee’s key strategic objectives. In December 2023, Kingdee and QIA announced an agreement in which QIA would invest around $200 million in the company. This investment recognised Kingdee as a category leader and key enabler of enterprise cloud transformation in China. The investment in Kingdee aligns with QIA’s strategic objective to invest in leading companies and technologies in global digitalisation trends. Robert Xu, Chairman and CEO of Kingdee Group stated: “Today marks a pivotal moment in the global expansion plans of Kingdee. Following the investment by QIA in December 2023, we are excited to further strengthen our collaboration with Qatar by opening our first office in the Middle East, in Qatar’s Free Zones. Kingdee plans to leverage Qatar as a bridgehead for expanding our footprint into the Middle East and North Africa markets, drive the digital transformation of local enterprises and supporting Qatar to achieve its “Qatar National Vision 2030. We are excited to collaborate with QIA, Invest Qatar and QFZ to bridge the gap between Kingdee and the Middle Eastern market, supporting Kingdee’s international growth strategy.” Mohammed Saif Al-Sowaidi, CEO of QIA stated: “QIA has been an investor in Kingdee since 2023 and recognises the company’s expertise in enterprise digitalization and cloud services in China. We are confident that Kingdee will succeed in their expansion and will bring a valuable offering to the Middle East market.” Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani, CEO, Invest Qatar, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Kingdee to Qatar. The establishment of their regional headquarters in Qatar marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to attract leading global technology companies to our region. This collaboration underscores Qatar’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment that supports innovation and digital transformation. We look forward to working closely with Kingdee, the Qatar Investment Authority, and the Qatar Free Zones Authority to drive forward our shared vision of economic growth and technological advancement, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy.” On this strategic move, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al-Thani, CEO of Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ), said: “Kingdee’s decision to establish its regional headquarters in our free zones reaffirms Qatar’s position as a leading hub for digital innovation. This partnership, developed through the joint efforts of Qatar Investment Authority, Invest Qatar, and Qatar Free Zones Authority, reflects our collective drive to achieve Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy — the final wave of the Qatar National Vision 2030. By integrating Kingdee’s expertise into our technology ecosystem, we accelerate digital transformation and strengthen Qatar’s role as a gateway for next-generation solutions to drive economic diversification and sustainable growth.” QFZ will provide Kingdee with a strategically positioned platform to strengthen its regional presence, cultivate high-impact collaborations, and contribute to the evolution of enterprise digitalisation. As a publicly listed company with over 31 years of history, Kingdee has reinforced its product R&D and implementation capabilities through serving more than 7.4 million customers worldwide. Kingdee SaaS solutions are used in 172 countries and regions worldwide, supporting 42 languages and serving over 1000 customers to achieve overseas digital operations. “We are confident in our ability to deliver professional enterprise digital solutions to Qatar and the regional market.” Kingdee, leveraging its industry expertise and the management models of China’s leading enterprises, can provide end-to-end digital solutions encompassing financial management, supply chain optimisation, and production operations to local businesses. This empowers regional enterprises to enhance management efficiency and strengthen competitive capabilities. The establishment of Kingdee Qatar represents a strategic milestone in Kingdee’s commitment to delivering localised services from Qatar’s Free Zones to global clients. Guided by the principle of “think globally, operate locally,” the company will synergize regional business acumen with technological strengths, integrating AI-driven digital technologies and management expertise to provide comprehensive one-stop solutions. This initiative will accelerate the development of the Middle East’s software and internet industries through technological empowerment.
Paris Saint-Germain Launches PSG Labs: A Global Innovation Hub with First International Expansion in Doha, QATAR
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) announced today at Web Summit Qatar that the club is taking a bold step into the future of sports innovation with the launch of PSG Labs, a pioneering global initiative designed to accelerate cutting-edge technology in sports, fan experience, and performance. PSG Labs will serve as the Club’s dedicated innovation engine, identifying and supporting high-potential startups, entrepreneurs, and tech partners to create transformative solutions that will redefine the industry. As part of its commitment to driving innovation, Paris Saint-Germain also announced the club is expanding its global footprint with the launch of its first international PSG Lab in Doha, reinforcing its role as a leader in sports technology and fostering new collaborations in one of the world’s fastest-growing tech ecosystems and a strategic gateway to cutting-edge research and technology in the Middle East. “Paris Saint-Germain has always been at the forefront of innovation—both on and off the pitch,” said Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, President of Paris Saint-Germain. “PSG Labs is a natural extension of our ambition to shape the future of sports. By collaborating with the brightest innovators from around the world, we can accelerate game-changing ideas and further solidify our position as a global leader in innovation. With our first international PSG Lab in Doha, our goal is to drive innovation on a global scale and set new benchmarks for the entire sports industry.” A New Model for Sports Innovation PSG Labs will work closely with select partners in key technology ecosystems to accelerate the development of breakthrough innovations across three focus areas: Expanding PSG’s Global Innovation Footprint The launch of PSG Labs in Doha marks the first step in the Club’s international innovation expansion. The regional lab will serve as a gateway to emerging technology in the Middle East, allowing PSG to: “This is a major step in PSG’s innovation journey”, added Jerry Newman, Chief Digital and Innovation Officer of Paris Saint-Germain. “By launching this innovation lab in Doha, PSG is demonstrating the impact that visionary leadership and global collaboration can have in shaping the future of sports.” Join the Movement Applications for PSG Labs are now open. Startups and scaleups looking to shape the future of sports, media, and fan engagement are invited to apply. For more information, visit PSG Labs Official Website: https://www.psg.fr/labs
Visit Qatar signs MoU with Microsoft at Web Summit Qatar 2025 to advance smart tourism solutions
Visit Qatar and Microsoft have formalised their collaboration to drive digital innovation in tourism with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at Web Summit Qatar 2025 on 25th February. The MoU was signed by Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al-Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar, and Lana Khalaf, Country Manager of Microsoft, marking the next phase of this partnership. Leveraging the success of the Visit Qatar GenAI Travel Concierge, powered by Microsoft Azure and OpenAI 4o and 4o mini, both entities will explore cutting-edge technologies to enhance visitor experiences and transform business operations. The Smart Travel Assistant from Visit Qatar is a pioneering innovation that seamlessly integrates text, voice, content, a conversational virtual assistant, maps, and an interactive planning interface. This innovation has set new standards for digital excellence in tourism. Visit Qatar and Microsoft are working on developing a comprehensive technology roadmap that aims to enhance the visitor experience through integrated smart and digital solutions.
Visit Qatar participates at Web Summit Qatar 2025
Visit Qatar participates in the second edition of Web Summit Qatar, taking place from February 23 – 26, 2025, at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC). As part of its participation, Visit Qatar is sponsoring the VIP Lounge, providing an exclusive networking space where attendees can experience Qatar’s renowned hospitality. Visit Qatar’s participation highlights its ongoing commitment to technology and digital innovation as key enablers of the tourism sector. This dedication was recently recognized with three prestigious awards, including the Microsoft AI Excellence Award for the Visit Qatar GenAI Travel Concierge and two MENA Digital Awards: The Gold Award for Best Application (Mobile/Tablet) and the Silver Award for Best Web Platform. The Visit Qatar mobile app was recognised with the Gold Award for its seamless integration of the Visit Qatar Pass, which unlocks savings of up to 50% on a wide range of experiences. Building on this success, Visit Qatar continues to drive digital innovation with the latest upgrade of its AI Concierge, introducing a conversational chat interface and engaging visual elements for a more intuitive and immersive experience, from inspiration to planning. This upgrade is designed to cater to diverse visitor profiles, from meticulous planners to spontaneous explorers, and from budget-conscious visitors to luxury seekers. It ensures seamless itinerary planning by addressing the challenges of fragmented booking experiences, consolidating travel resources and offerings in Qatar. Available on both the Visit Qatar website and mobile app, the AI Concierge offers a comprehensive suite of services with advanced GenAI-powered capabilities, including personalized recommendations, dynamically tailored itineraries, and real-time updates about events and cultural experiences, making it a valuable tool for both visitors and the local community. HE Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Chair of the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar, said: “Web Summit Qatar 2025 presents a prime opportunity to showcase Qatar’s transformation into a leading global destination for both tourism and business. With significant advancements in digital integration and service excellence, we continue to enhance the visitor journey while strengthening our position as a key MICE hub in the region. Hosting large-scale global events has been instrumental in achieving our goal of becoming one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations in the Middle East, as recognised by UN Tourism’s World Barometer in December 2024.” Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al-Mawlawi, Chief Executive Officer of Visit Qatar, said: “Qatar is a leading global destination with a proven track record of successfully hosting major events and providing its visitors with memorable experiences. MICE is the one of the most important pillars driving growth in Qatar’s tourism sector. This summit not only provides a powerful platform to showcase Qatar’s ability to host world-class events but also facilitates networking, business and investment opportunities, knowledge exchange, and collaboration in innovation and technology. It reinforces our strategic vision of positioning Qatar a premier international MICE destination.” Web Summit Qatar 2025 will bring together top global speakers and thought leaders to discuss key topics in technology and innovation. The event’s five-year tenure in Qatar is a clear reflection of the country’s broader efforts to diversify its economy as part of the Qatar National Vision 2030, positioning Qatar as a leading global hub for entrepreneurship, innovation, technology, and as a premier MICE destination. The summit is a vital catalyst for attracting foreign investment, boosting the tourism industry, and enhancing the country’s business environment.
Minister of Communications and Information Technology visits DECC for Final Checks Ahead of Web Summit Qatar 2025
H.E. Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, conducted a visit today to oversee the final preparations for the second edition of Web Summit Qatar 2025, which is set to take place tomorrow, Sunday, February 23. The summit will feature over 1,540 startups, marking a 50% increase from last year’s edition, along with 651 investors from more than 80 countries. On this occasion, H.E. Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai expressed his sincere appreciation to the organizing committee and the Web Summit team for their significant efforts in ensuring the success of this global event. During his tour, H.E. emphasized the importance of the summit in solidifying Qatar’s role as a regional hub for entrepreneurship and innovation. He also praised the meticulous preparations made to deliver an exceptional experience for participants through dedicated platforms and networking opportunities. Web Summit Qatar 2025 serves as a strategic platform to discuss the latest advancements in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and tech entrepreneurship, while also highlighting promising investment opportunities in Qatar’s technology sector. The summit plays a crucial role in supporting startups and fostering a dynamic digital innovation ecosystem. This event aligns with national efforts to accelerate digital transformation and enable a knowledge-based economy, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy. The summit is expected to enhance international partnerships and attract technology investments, further strengthening Qatar’s position as a global leader in the digital economy.
Joshua Pacio Unifies ONE Strawweight MMA World Title With TKO Victory Over Jarred Brooks
February 21, 2025 – Doha, Qatar: ONE Championship™ (ONE), the world’s largest martial arts organization, in partnership with Visit Qatar, delivered an explosive evening of martial arts at Lusail Sports Arena with ONE 171: Qatar, featuring two massive World Title bouts in MMA and kickboxing. [ONE 171 Event Night Highlights] [ONE 171 Official Scorecards] [Watch ONE 171 Post-Event Press Conference] In the main event, Joshua Pacio returned from a long-term knee injury to successfully unify the ONE Strawweight MMA World Title with a technical knockout victory over interim titleholder Jarred Brooks. The Filipino star fought through adversity in the first round, as Brooks took him to the canvas with an emphatic slam. On the mat, “The Monkey God” showcased impressive grappling, threatening with a myriad of submission attempts to keep Pacio on the defensive. However, “The Passion” made key adjustments in the second round to keep Brooks at bay. A counter right straight dropped the American fighter and Pacio followed him into guard. From there, he unloaded a barrage of left hands with Brooks unable to defend, and the referee was forced to halt the contest. Pacio was awarded a US$50,000 bonus for his electrifying performance. In the co-main event, ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan Haggerty put on a virtuoso performance, snapping Wei Rui’s 21-fight winning streak to claim a unanimous decision and retain his gold. Haggerty overcame a slow first round and pushed the pace against the Chinese veteran with unrelenting pressure for the remainder of the match. The Englishman used his elusive style to stay out of range as Wei struggled to find his footing. The final two rounds saw “The General” tag the challenger with a plethora of right hooks and high kicks. Wei fought back valiantly but couldn’t establish his rhythm as Haggerty took home a clear-cut victory on the scorecards. See complete results below. For all remaining bout reports, please visit www.onefc.com. ONE Championship would like to thank Official ONE 171 Presenting Partner Visit Qatar, Official Media Partner Media City Qatar, and Official Telecom Partner Ooredoo, as well as Official Energy Drink Partner Monster Energy, Official Blockchain Partner Walrus, and Official Venue Partner Lusail Sports Arena. ONE 171 Results Joshua Pacio def. Jarred Brooks via TKO (ground and pound) at 4:22 of round two to become the undisputed ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Jonathan Haggerty def. Wei Rui via unanimous decision to retain ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Title Roberto Soldic def. Dagi Arslanaliev via KO (left hook) at 1:55 of round one (MMA – Welterweight) Shamil Erdogan def. Aung La N Sang via KO (head kick) at 0:28 of round one (MMA – Catchweight 210 lbs) Shamil Gasanov def. Martin Nguyen via unanimous decision (MMA – Featherweight) Bibiano Fernandes def. Kevin Belingon via split decision (MMA – Bantamweight) Kirill Grishenko def. Mauro Cerilli via TKO (leg kick) at 3:28 of round one (MMA – Heavyweight) Jake Peacock def. Shinji Suzuki via TKO (4 knockdowns) at 1:29 of round three (Muay Thai – Bantamweight) Ayaka Miura def. Ritu Phogat via submission (kneebar) at 2:24 of round one (MMA – Atomweight) Kade Ruotolo def. Nicolas Vigna via submission (arm triangle choke) at 3:04 of round one (MMA – Catchweight 175 lbs) Zayed Alkatheeri def. Mohammad Aburumuh via submission (armbar) at 2:21 of round one (Submission Grappling – Openweight) Abdullo Khodzhaev def. Wilian Poles via TKO (ground and pound) at 4:56 of round one (MMA – Lightweight) Hussein Salem def. Walter Cogliandro via KO (left hook) at 2:25 of round one (MMA Featherweight) Performance Bonus Winners: – Joshua Pacio (US$50,000)– Roberto Soldic (US$50,000)– Shamil Erdogan (US$50,000)– Ayaka Miura (US$50,000)– Kade Ruotolo (US$50,000)
Doha hosts the debut edition of the Visit Qatar E1 GP for electric powerboats
Doha is set to host the world’s first all-electric race boat series, the UIM E1 World Championship, taking place on February 21st and 22nd, 2025, at The Pearl Island. Titled the Visit Qatar E1 Doha GP, it represents a significant highlight on the 2025 race calendar, establishing Qatar as a racing hub in the Middle East. As the Title Partner of the race, Visit Qatar continues to solidify the country’s position as a leading global sports tourism destination. From hosting major football tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup 2022™ and the AFC Asian Cup 2023™ to expanding its portfolio with cutting-edge sporting events such as E1, Qatar remains committed to fostering innovation and excellence in sports tourism. E1 serves as a pioneering platform for advancing sustainable marine mobility, with each race testing and showcasing innovative electric technology on water. Fans will witness high intensity racing while experiencing the future of eco-friendly marine innovation. The tournament will see eight races around the world, with Doha being one of the stops. Spectators can immerse themselves in the excitement at the Acceleration Festival fan zone, offering live DJ performances, children’s entertainment, exclusive E1 merchandise, and opportunities to win special prizes. Free tickets can be booked at https://tickets.virginmegastore.me/qa/sports/28851/visit-qatar-e1-doha-gp-2025 For those seeking a premium experience, MATCH Hospitality Asia is offering exclusive hospitality packages at the Racers’ Lounge, located at The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Waterfront Hotel. Guests will enjoy unparalleled race views, gourmet dining, a meet-and-greet with team pilots, and access to an exclusive after-party with VIPs. More details can be found at https://e1.match-asia.com/en/racers-lounge/
Qatar Charity Celebrates International Day for Social Justice
Sustainable Projects Reflecting Its Commitment to Achieving a Just Transition Toward a Sustainable Future Doha, Qatar | February 20, 2025: On the International Day for Social Justice, observed on February 20 each year, which aims to promote economic and social justice for all, Qatar Charity highlights its humanitarian and developmental projects implemented in Somalia and Pakistan during 2024. These projects, executed with generous support from philanthropists in Qatar, contribute to achieving a just transition toward a sustainable future by integrating environmental sustainability with social justice, ensuring that vulnerable and marginalized communities benefit from these initiatives. In this way, they reflect Qatar Charity’s commitment to the principles of “just transition” within the context of sustainable development. A Just Transition Toward a Sustainable Future in SomaliaAfter a series of humanitarian crises in Somalia, including severe droughts, sudden floods, and ongoing conflicts, Qatar Charity committed to supporting the Somali people through the implementation of around 300 humanitarian and developmental projects in various regions and provinces of Somalia, with a total cost exceeding 40 million Qatari Riyals, benefiting more than 600,000 people.These projects focused on balancing the needs of both people and the environment, with initiatives in the sectors of water and sanitation, food security, education, health, social welfare, economic empowerment, and social housing. These projects were part of a comprehensive response Qatar Charity adopted to address the humanitarian crises caused by environmental changes and ongoing conflicts. Water and Sanitation ProjectsThe water and sanitation sector has been a priority for Qatar Charity in Somalia, where the projects contributed to addressing the shortage of clean water exacerbated by the ongoing drought. In this context, 78 projects were implemented at a cost of 10.3 million Qatari Riyals, benefiting over 140,000 people. These projects included drilling deep and shallow wells, constructing sewage networks, and building facilities to provide clean water. These initiatives were not only a response to the drinking water crisis but also part of a long-term strategy to improve residents’ lives and reduce waterborne diseases. Food SecurityIn urgent response to the food crisis caused by drought and conflict, Qatar Charity launched 84 projects with a total cost of 8.6 million Qatari Riyals, benefiting more than 300,000 people. The projects included distributing food baskets to affected families, as well as supporting agriculture, animal husbandry, and fishing boats, helping rural communities secure sustainable livelihoods. These initiatives contributed to strengthening resilience against environmental and economic crises and made communities more capable of facing future challenges. Searching for Sustainable Solutions in PakistanQatar Charity implemented sustainable projects in Pakistan during 2024, benefiting more than 990,000 people through approximately 1,800 projects in the fields of water and sanitation, education, health, and economic empowerment. These projects were a direct response to the crises facing the country, whether due to harsh weather conditions or ongoing conflicts.Water and sanitation projects in Pakistan included drilling wells, installing solar-powered water pumps, and building comprehensive health facilities. The economic empowerment sector also included establishing craft workshops and commercial shops, as well as supporting small businesses, which helped provide stable sources of income for many families in rural areas. Global Partnerships for Broader ImpactQatar Charity seeks to enhance its collaboration with international organizations such as UNICEF and the World Food Programme, with the aim of coordinating efforts and achieving a greater impact in crisis-affected areas. In 2024, several cooperation agreements were signed with these entities in Somalia and Pakistan, reflecting Qatar Charity’s vision of joint efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and social justice for all sectors of society.
Snap Inc. Steps Up AR Investment in the Region to Empower the Next Generation of Developers at Web Summit Qatar 2025
Middle East, 19 February 2025: In a region eager to embrace emerging technologies, Snap Inc. is stepping up its investment in the region by empowering the next generation of Augmented Reality (AR) developers in MENA and building their AR capabilities at Web Summit Qatar 2025. With over 85% of GCC Snapchatters engaging with AR lenses daily, Snap is ensuring that the region remains at the forefront of innovation in this rapidly evolving digital landscape. At this year’s Web Summit Qatar 2025, guests will walk through an immersive AR journey, showcasing the evolution of Snap’s AR and how the technology has grown beyond entertainment to become a powerful tool for self-expression, discovery, and cultural storytelling. From face Lenses to interactive AR try-ons and real-time utility and now Gen AI, Snap’s AR continues to inspire developers and businesses alike to enhance community engagement and design immersive experiences. Snap will also shine a spotlight on the company’s hardware technology – Snap’s fifth generation of Spectacles – that enable truly groundbreaking software experiences. Guests will have the opportunity to experience first hand the future of communication and see what it is like to interact together in the same shared experience all while being grounded in reality, giving them the chance to experience computing, the world, and one another in totally new ways. For the first time in the region, Snap has partnered with Virginia Commonwealth University School of Arts Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) bringing a new initiative that will empower 50 young creatives from the university’s Foundation year and BFA programs with tools that will help them shape the future of AR and contribute to the region’s digital ecosystem. Titled “Building a Snapchat Lens, Building Your Career”, the educational session led by Joseph Darko, Global Head of AR Developer Relations at Snapchat will showcase the transformative power of AR and allow students to unlock their creative potential. “We’re excited about the opportunity that AR holds, both globally and in our region. Our core priority is to support the ongoing digital transformation across the GCC and help our partners and governments achieve their tech-driven agendas. With AR, we have the power to enable brands to drive business impact, empower developers to create immersive AR experiences, as well as create a positive impact on people’s lives through shared experiences,” said Hussein Freijeh, Vice President of Snapchat in MENA. “Following an incredibly successful event last year, we are delighted to once again be taking center stage at this pioneering Summit. This year we’re excited to showcase how Snapchat’s suite of sophisticated AR tools continue to enrich the way people communicate, learn, and experience the world around them.” added Freijeh. What’s more? Four of Snap’s renowned experts will lead inspiring sessions at Web Summit Qatar 2025, covering a range of topics on AR and its impact on social connectivity. Qi Pan, Snap’s Global Director, Spectacles AR Platform, will walk attendees through a journey of augmented reality, starting with innovation in mobile AR then looking at how Spectacles will foster the next generation of human connection and spatial computing. Valentina Cullati, Director of EMEA Creative Strategy and Global Production, will explore how AR is not just a tool but is a behaviour, seamlessly integrated into daily life. Valentina will delve into the role of creators as cultural architects, building moments of connection that resonate deeply and will share why Snapchat – from its unique position of empowering creativity that drives real results – is the right place to create real impact. Youmna Borghol, Head of Marketing Science, EMEA, will offer an overview on how marketers must adapt to stay ahead in a fast-changing environment with many new challenges. Youmna will explore how comprehensive measurement strategies can provide deeper, more actionable insights, and share how to refine strategies to better quantify and optimize the impact of marketing efforts on business outcomes. Through an inspiring schedule of talking sessions, engaging workshops and informative live demonstrations, Snap intends to drive the conversation around the possibilities created by AR and the opportunities it enables for the community, developers and partners, as stakeholders navigate the exciting future of the digital landscape in the region.
