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.
Consulting HAUS Guides Snoonu Through Landmark $245M Acquisition, Marking Qatar’s First Billion-Riyal Tech Exit
Qatar’s technology and startup ecosystem reached a historic milestone as Snoonu was acquired by Jahez Group in a $245 million transaction, valuing the Doha-born platform at over QAR 1 billion. The deal represents Qatar’s first billion-riyal technology exit and one of the largest private capital infusions in the country’s history. At the centre of this landmark transaction was Consulting HAUS, which acted as exclusive sell-side advisor to Snoonu. The firm played a pivotal role in positioning the company for acquisition, safeguarding shareholder value, and securing favourable terms that reflected Snoonu’s rapid growth and regional ambitions. A Milestone for Qatar’s Tech Ecosystem The acquisition is widely viewed as a breakthrough moment for Qatar’s innovation landscape, signalling the maturity of its startup ecosystem and its growing relevance within the wider GCC technology market. By achieving a billion-riyal valuation, Snoonu has set a powerful precedent for local founders, investors, and emerging tech companies looking to scale beyond national borders. Consulting HAUS began its advisory mandate nearly a year before the transaction’s close, laying the groundwork through detailed business planning, operational readiness, and strategic positioning. This early-stage preparation proved critical in reducing friction during negotiations and ensuring the company entered the transaction process from a position of strength. Strategic Advisory at Every Stage Throughout the deal, Consulting HAUS led transaction execution, working closely with buy-side advisors, legal teams, and auditors. Its role spanned valuation strategy, deal structuring, due diligence coordination, and negotiation support—ensuring transparency, alignment among stakeholders, and disciplined project management at every stage. Commenting on the achievement, Laith Dajani, Managing Partner at Consulting HAUS, said the transaction demonstrates the importance of professional advisory in enabling successful cross-border GCC deals and highlights Qatar’s emergence as a hub for technology innovation. From Snoonu’s perspective, the acquisition represents both scale and continuity. Hamad Al Hajri, CEO of Snoonu, noted that the partnership with Jahez Group brings new investment and regional momentum, while allowing the company to remain anchored in Qatar’s values, vision, and talent base. Setting a New Benchmark Backed by a leadership team with more than 100 years of combined experience, Consulting HAUS continues to play a central role in advancing high-impact transactions across the GCC. Over the past seven years, the firm has delivered multiple landmark projects that support economic diversification, private-sector growth, and cross-border investment. The Snoonu–Jahez transaction now stands as a benchmark deal—not only for Qatar’s tech sector, but for the broader regional startup and M&A landscape—demonstrating what is possible when innovation, ambition, and strategic advisory converge.
GSMA MWC25 Doha: Final Call for Registration as Global Tech Leaders Prepare to Converge in Qatar
The countdown has begun — and Doha is officially set to host one of the most influential technology gatherings in the world.MWC25 Doha, held on 25–26 November at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), marks a historic first for the region as industry leaders, innovators, policymakers, and more than 100 global start-ups prepare to shape the future of digital transformation. Organised by the GSMA, in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), MWC25 Doha will serve as a defining moment for the Middle East and North Africa’s technology, connectivity, and innovation ecosystem. The event directly supports Qatar’s National Vision 2030 and the Digital Agenda 2030, aligning global expertise with the country’s national ambitions. A Global Milestone: 4YFN Makes Its MENA Debut For the first time in the region, 4YFN — the world-renowned start-up platform — will take the stage at MWC25 Doha, bringing together over 100 high-potential start-ups that are shaping the future of fintech, deeptech, health tech, climate tech, and more. Key highlights include: This dynamic space will serve as a powerful catalyst for investment, collaboration, deal-making, and cross-border partnerships. A Showcase of Vision: Themes That Define the Future MWC25 Doha is built around three powerful themes: Agility Robotics, Beyon, Cohere, Dell Technologies, e&, ITU, Korea International Trade Association, Kosmos Foundation, MCIT Qatar, NetoAI, Snoonu, STC Group, Tech Barcelona, Telefonica, UNDP, VEON — and many more. Key sessions will explore topics such as Agentic AI, Smart Mobility, AI-powered Telco strategies, 5G Futures, Satellite & NTN, Fintech, Commerce, and Open Gateway. An Innovation Floor Unlike Any Other With 230+ exhibitors and sponsors, attendees can expect immersive experiences, including: The Pavilion will highlight Qatar’s most ambitious digital transformation projects and advancements toward a knowledge-based, innovative economy. Smart Policy, Smart Cities, Smart Leadership MWC25 Doha will also host flagship programs that shape global digital strategy: GSMA Ministerial Programme An exclusive, invitation-only forum uniting ministers and regulators to advance digital governance, spectrum policy, and investment strategies for the world’s future digital economy. GSMA Digital Leaders Programme Making its Middle East debut, this high-level gathering examines how AI is transforming infrastructure, business models, and ecosystem innovation. Smart City Expo Doha Under the theme “Beyond Connectivity: A Digital Solutions Pathway to a Smarter, Thriving Future,” the expo will spotlight global thought leaders from MIT Media Lab and Microsoft across five key tracks. Final Call for Registration With deal-making, innovation showcases, global announcements, and high-level policy discussions, MWC25 Doha is set to be one of the most influential technology events ever hosted in the region. This is your final call — Doha is ready. The future is ready. Are you?
Snoonu Attracts Top Talents From Global Tech Giants
As Snoonu accelerates its footprint across the Middle East, the Qatari-born tech powerhouse is attracting top-tier talent from global tech giants like DoorDash and Rappi, reinforcing its position as a rising leader in the region’s digital economy. With bold ambitions and a clear mission to deliver smarter, faster, and more human experiences, Snoonu has made two high-impact hires: Anastasia Zdoroviak as Chief Experience Officer (CXO) and Estefania Read Elizalde as Director of CX Strategy & Operations. These appointments mark a turning point in Snoonu’s journey as it builds a world-class customer experience (CX) organisation. The company’s latest strategic hires reflect its commitment to innovation, diversity, and creating unforgettable digital experiences. “Bringing in global leaders like Anastasia and Estefania is not just about expertise—it’s about perspective,” said Hamad Al Hajri, Founder and CEO of Snoonu. “Qatar’s tech ecosystem is becoming a magnet for global talent, and Snoonu is at the center of this transformation.” A seasoned CX leader with over a decade of experience across the U.S., Latin America, and Europe, Anastasia Zdoroviak brings an exceptional global lens to Snoonu. She previously led transformative customer experience functions at DoorDash and Rappi, two of the world’s most successful last-mile delivery platforms. With fluency in over a dozen languages and a passion for human-centered design, Anastasia is set to redefine personalised, tech-driven customer journeys at scale across the region. Meet Estefania Read Elizalde – Director of CX Strategy & Operations A U.S.-Mexico dual national and University of Cambridge MBA graduate, Estefania specialises in agile strategy and cross-functional CX operations. With a strong background in tech operations and new market scale-ups, Estefania is here to optimise Snoonu’s regional growth engine. Building the Middle East’s Most Multicultural Tech Team Snoonu’s CX team is now among the most diverse and multicultural in the GCC, representing a fusion of Silicon Valley mindset and Middle Eastern innovation. Backed by a new partnership with Jahez Group (Saudi Arabia)—one of the region’s leading digital platforms—Snoonu is fast becoming a central player in the Gulf’s integrated tech ecosystem.
Ibtechar Partners with AI Crafters to Accelerate AI Adoption in Qatar
Empowering organisations through cutting-edge AI solutions and supporting Qatar’s National AI Strategy In a bold move to strengthen Qatar’s digital innovation landscape, Ibtechar, a leading innovation consultancy, has announced a strategic two-year partnership with AI Crafters, a pioneering artificial intelligence firm. The collaboration aims to accelerate AI adoption in Qatar, enabling businesses and institutions to integrate AI into their operations and drive data-driven decision-making seamlessly. Building Qatar’s Future Through Artificial Intelligence This timely alliance supports Qatar’s National AI Strategy and Vision 2030, aiming to position Qatar as a regional hub for AI transformation. As AI reshapes industries globally, Qatar’s businesses face both opportunity and complexity in adopting the technology. The Ibtechar x AI Crafters partnership will address these challenges with:
ShipBee Secures QR855,000 in Pre-Seed Funding Led by GrowthX to Build AI-Powered Logistics Ecosystem
ShipBee, the AI-powered digital logistics startup transforming end-to-end delivery services across Qatar and the MENA region, has successfully closed its Pre-Seed funding round, raising QR855,000 from institutional and angel investors. This round was led by GrowthX (Angel VC) and supported by two individual investors, valuing the startup at QR3.57 million. In addition to external funding, ShipBee’s co-founders Tamer Raafat and Amer Azani have bootstrapped the company with over QR150,000, showcasing deep founder commitment to revolutionising logistics with smart technology. “This funding empowers us to scale our vision of simplifying logistics through cutting-edge technology,” said Tamer Raafat, Co-Founder & CEO of ShipBee. “We’re building an AI-driven ecosystem that makes logistics seamless for businesses and consumers across Qatar and the wider MENA region.” Launched in March 2024, ShipBee is building a one-stop digital logistics platform that integrates: ShipBee’s ecosystem enables real-time visibility, smart routing, scalable delivery operations, and seamless B2B and B2C logistics integration. ShipBee has already established major partnerships with industry leaders including Snoonu, Qatar Post, DHL, NEXX (China), and a growing number of local retail and service providers. Recognised for its innovation, ShipBee: This Pre-Seed round will support: Dr. Allan Villegas, a member of the QSTP executive board, has also joined ShipBee’s Board of Directors, further strengthening the company’s strategic direction. “As Qatar positions itself as a global logistics hub aligned with Vision 2030, ShipBee is helping lead that transformation,” said Hamad Al Hajri, CEO of GrowthX and Founder of Snoonu. “We believe in their vision and proudly support this next phase of growth.”
Nine Qatari business leaders make it to Forbes Middle East’s Top 100 CEOs 2024
Forbes Middle East released its fourth annual list of the region’s top CEOs earlier this year, a list that recognises business leaders who have made a significant impact over the past year. The list features 100 CEOs from companies based in the MENA region, representing 19 nationalities. Here are the nine Qatar-based business leaders who have been recognised for their achievements and the success of the companies they lead. 04 HE Eng. Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs As Deputy Chairman, President and CEO of QatarEnergy – roles that he took on in 2014, HE Al Kaabi became the Minister of State for Energy Affairs and Deputy Chairman of QatarEnergy in 2018. In May 2024, QatarEnergy finalised a US$6 billion agreement with China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) to build 18 state-of-the-art QC-Max LNG vessels. Prior to that, In February 2024, QatarEnergy announced the ‘North Field West’ project, aiming to boost Qatar’s LNG production capacity to 142 million tonnes annually by 2030, an 85 percent increase from current levels. 10 Nasser Abdulla Mubarak Al Khalifa As Group CEO of Qatar National Bank – Al-Khalifa joined in 1996 and assumed his current role in November 2018. In 2023, QNB’s assets increased by 4 percent to US$338.2 billion, and net profit rose by 8 percent to US$4.3 billion. In May 2024, QNB extended its partnership with Ooredoo Fintech to develop fintech services and digital innovation in Oman. 36 Aziz Althuman Fakhroo The Group CEO & Managing Director of Ooredoo Group since November 2020, Fakhroo had been overseeing operations across 10 countries in the MENA and Southeast Asia. In June 2024, Ooredoo announced a partnership with NVIDIA to tap into the growing demand for generative AI, accelerated computing, and hyperconnectivity. In the first quarter of 2024, the group reported revenues of US$1.6 billion and total assets of US$15.6 billion. 59 Bassel Gamal As Group CEO of Qatar Islamic Bank, Gamal has led QIB since 2013. In 2023, the bank reported US$52 billion in assets, US$3.1 billion in revenues, and US$1.2 billion in net profits, up 6.6 percent from 2022. In November 2023, QIB issued a US$500 million five-year sukuk. Gamal also chairs QIB-UK and sits on the board of QInvest. 64 Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Fahad bin Faisal Al Thani The Group CEO of Doha Bank, Sheikh Abdulrahman took on his current role in October 2023. As of June 2024, Doha Bank operated 17 branches in Qatar, four overseas branches in the UAE, Kuwait, and India, and representative offices in the UK, Singapore, Turkiye, China, Japan, South Korea, Germany, Australia, Bangladesh, South Africa, and Nepal. In the first half of 2024, it reported US$118.8 million in net profits and US$29.1 billion in assets. In May 2024, the bank launched a new mobile banking app, now handling nearly 89 percent of transactions. 70 Abdullah Al Sulaiti Al Sulaiti joined Nakilat in 2011 and became CEO in 2013. Nakilat operates one of the world’s largest LNG fleets, with 69 LNG carriers, four very large LPG carriers, and a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU). The company has 27 new LNG carriers on order, plus nine QC-MAX carriers and four LPG/Ammonia carriers. In March 2024, Nakilat signed a long-term charter agreement with QatarEnergy for 25 LNG vessels. Al Sulaiti also chairs Qatar Shipyard Technology Solutions and Qatar Fabrication Company, and is a board member of Gulf Drilling International. 78 Yousuf Mohamed Al Jaida Al Jaida took on his role in June 2015. In the first half of 2024, QFC registered 505 new companies, bringing its total to over 2,200. QFC also launched Qatar’s first Digital Assets Lab, focusing on Digital Ledger Technology solutions. Al Jaida serves on the boards of the World Alliance of International Financial Centers, Qatar Finance and Business Academy, Qatar Free Zones Authority, Qatar Stock Exchange, and Sidra Medicine. 80 Tarek El Sayed El Sayed has been CEO and managing director of Al Rayyan Tourism Investment Company, a subsidiary of Al Faisal Holding, since 2017. ARTIC’s portfolio includes over 35 hotels and projects across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and North America. In November 2023, ARTIC signed a franchise agreement with IHG Hotels & Resorts to rebrand its Times Square, New York, hotel as Crowne Plaza. El Sayed previously served as group CFO for Al Faisal Holding. He recently claimed the 26th spot in Forbes ME’s 2024 ‘Top 100 Travel & Tourism Leaders’. 82 Salem Al Mannai Al Mannai joined QIC Group in 2001 and became group CEO in 2020. In 2023, the group operated in 11 countries, generating $2 billion in revenue and a net profit of $169 million, recovering from a $325 million loss in 2022. Al Mannai also chairs the MENA Insurtech Association and played a key role in launching Qatar’s Third Financial Sector Strategy in 2023 with Qatar Central Bank, aiming to position Qatar as an innovative financial hub.
Startup Qatar Investment program announces successful applicants, with $12 million in funding
Startup Qatar has announced the first cohort of successful applicants of its Investment Program during a press conference at Web Summit Lisbon. Successful applicants will receive a total of QAR 43.8 million (USD 12 million) in funding and benefits such as access to a shared office space in one of Qatar’s leading local incubators, accommodation and free entrepreneur visas to support them in establishing and expanding operations in Qatar. In its first edition, the Startup Qatar Investment Program attracted nearly 2,000 applications from around the world, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Turkey and India, among others. Following a competitive selection process, a total of 11 applicants were selected based on their innovative ideas and potential for impact. These include Ynmo, Stemly, Sekgames, Huupe, Nafasaria, PaintIt.ai, Realyze Intelligence, Polymerize, Wahed, Nybl and Byanat. These startups represent a diverse range of industries, including e-gaming, edtech, sportstech, cleantech, proptech, healthtech, fintech and B2B SaaS, showcasing the diverse talent and creativity within the global entrepreneurial landscape. Speaking at the press conference announcement, Hamad Rashid Al-Naimi, Strategy Manager at Invest Qatar, commented: “We are pleased to see such high levels of engagement from promising international startups eager to establish their presence in Qatar. The Startup Qatar Investment Program highlights the country’s commitment to advancing the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem and supporting Qatar’s transition to a knowledge-based economy.” Launched earlier this year, the Startup Qatar Investment Program falls under Invest Qatar’s Startup Qatar Initiative, introduced ahead of the inaugural Web Summit Qatar, the region’s largest technology event. The initiative is a one-stop online comprehensive national resource for information, support and opportunities offered to startups and entrepreneurs. Successful applicants of the Startup Qatar Investment Program will benefit from seed or growth funding, with up to USD 500,000 to establish themselves in Qatar and up to USD 5 million to expand operations within the Qatari market. The selected companies are poised to make significant contributions to their fields in Qatar by establishing R&D offices, supporting local startups, and enhancing the country’s AI and machine learning ecosystem. They aim to collaborate with local universities, support graduates and play a key role in advancing Qatar’s material innovation strategy, all while striving to position the country as a global tech hub. “These selected startups represent a diverse array of industries and bring innovative solutions that align with Qatar’s vision for a vibrant entrepreneurial landscape. We look forward to fostering their growth and contributing to the development of a thriving startup ecosystem in the country,” added Al-Naimi. Qatar continues to strengthen its position as a leading technology hub, making a significant impact at Web Summit Lisbon 2024. The Qatar Pavilion showcased the country’s rapid advancements in the technology sector, emphasising the government’s strong support for startups and innovation, alongside substantial investments in IT infrastructure and a strategic focus on emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence. Attendees were also introduced to Qatar’s favourable business environment. As Qatar prepares to host the second edition of Web Summit Qatar in February 2025, it aims to build on the record success of its inaugural event in 2024, which welcomed over 15,000 attendees from 118 countries and showcased 1,043 startups. Web Summit Qatar 2025 will take place from 23 to 26 February 2025. Book your tickets now: www.startupqatar.qa/web-summit Startups and entrepreneurs interested in applying for the next round of the Startup Qatar Investment Program can visit www.startupqatar.qa.
