Qatar Unveils Major Tech & Investment Reforms as Prime Minister Opens Web Summit Qatar 2026
Qatar’s ambition to become a leading global technology and innovation hub accelerated yesterday as HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, officially inaugurated the third edition of Web Summit Qatar, the MENA region’s fastest-growing technology event. The summit runs until 4 February at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center, gathering global tech leaders, investors, founders, and policymakers. The opening ceremony marked a milestone moment for Qatar’s digital transformation agenda, with the government announcing a series of high-impact initiatives designed to expand the nation’s technology, entrepreneurship, AI, and investment ecosystems. USD 2 Billion Expansion of the Fund of Funds Programme In one of the summit’s most significant announcements, Qatar confirmed a USD 2 billion expansion of its national Fund of Funds programme, which supports venture capital firms and high-growth startups across strategic sectors. This expansion strengthens Qatar’s position as a global capital hub and sends a clear signal to international investors seeking a stable, innovation-driven market. 10-Year Residency for Entrepreneurs & Executives Qatar also announced a long-term 10-year residency scheme for: This new visa category aims to attract world-class talent and incentivise founders to build and scale their companies from Qatar — a major step in advancing the country’s competitiveness on the global innovation map. Faster, Simplified Company Registration As part of ongoing reforms to improve the ease of doing business, Qatar introduced accelerated company registration procedures, enabling startups and investors to establish operations faster and more efficiently. These improvements reinforce Qatar’s goal of becoming one of the world’s most business-friendly jurisdictions, especially for early-stage and scaling companies. Launch of Qai — Qatar’s National AI Company Another headline announcement was the launch of Qai, Qatar’s new national AI company, signalling a powerful move to position the nation at the center of global AI development. Qai will focus on: The initiative aligns with Qatar’s broader national strategy to integrate AI across education, industry, energy, healthcare, mobility, and smart cities. A Transformational Edition of Web Summit Qatar With thousands of global delegates, investors, and startups converging in Doha, Web Summit Qatar 2026 is on track to become the region’s most influential gathering for: This year’s edition cements Qatar’s rise as one of the world’s most dynamic markets for entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and investment.
Qatar’s Growing Influence in Media and Communications Takes Center Stage at MEPRA Leadership Majlis
Action Global Communications, BLJ Worldwide, and Muse partner to establish Doha as a key hub for strategic communications in the region. 13 March 2025, Doha – Qatar: As the communications industry in the Middle East continues to evolve, Qatar is stepping up as a key player in the sector with the launch of the inaugural MEPRA Qatar Leadership Majlis. Taking place on Thursday, 1 May 2025, at W Doha, this crucial event will bring together industry leaders to discuss the future of PR, and explore emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities that are shaping the sector. As the region’s leading industry body, MEPRA plays a pivotal role in expanding and advancing the standards of public relations and communications across the Middle East, fostering knowledge exchange, and empowering professionals through thought leadership initiatives, research, and training. Under the theme “Outlook for PR in the Middle East”, Qatar’s first MEPRA Leadership Majlis was realized through the steadfast support of Action Global Communications, BLJ Worldwide, and Muse—three leading agencies committed to advancing the nation’s position as a regional hub for strategic communications. Bringing together some of the brightest minds in communications, the insightful gathering will feature H.E. Gautam Bhattacharyya, Ambassador of Sweden to the State of Qatar; Dr. Marc Owen Jones, Associate Professor of Media Analytics at Northwestern University, Qatar; Dan Morland, Director of Communications and Public Policy at the Centre for Information Resilience; and Justin Kerr-Stevens, MEPRA Executive Board Member, Head of the MEPRA Qatar Leadership Majlis Committee, and CEO of BLJ Worldwide. Together, these experts will explore how AI is reshaping PR strategies, the growing challenges of misinformation and public trust, and how to balance digital transformation with cultural authenticity. Their discussions will offer real-world insights into leveraging technology while ensuring brands stay credible, relevant, and adaptable in an increasingly complex media environment. Commenting on the event, Kate Midttun, MEPRA Chairperson; Founder & CEO, Acorn Strategy, said: “This Majlis is an important moment for Qatar’s public relations industry. As media and communications strategies continue to transform, it is essential to create platforms like this for industry leaders to exchange ideas, discuss challenges, and collaborate on solutions to ensure our shared growth. We extend our sincere gratitude to Action Global Communications, BLJ Worldwide, and Muse for their dedication in organizing this inaugural edition and we look forward to a thought-provoking and inspiring event in Doha.” The MEPRA Qatar Leadership Majlis is set to be a vital driver of innovation, thought leadership, and cross-border collaboration in PR and communications, reinforcing Qatar’s growing influence as a regional business and media hub. The event will conclude with the MEPRA Fellowship Presentation, honoring outstanding contributions to the industry, followed by a networking session where PR professionals, media experts, and business leaders can connect and explore potential partnerships and collaboration opportunities. To learn more or register for the event, visit mepra.org/events/2024mepramajlisqatar.
