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.
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.
Huawei to Showcase Cutting-Edge Cloud and AI Innovations at Web Summit Qatar 2025
AI Pioneer Accelerates Intelligence with Everything as a Service Doha, Qatar – February 18, 2025 – Huawei, a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, is set to showcase its latest Cloud and AI solutions at Web Summit Qatar 2025, taking place from February 23 to 26 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC). Under the theme “Accelerate Intelligence with Everything as a Service,” Huawei will demonstrate how its advanced technologies enable businesses and industries to harness the power of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation to drive unprecedented innovation and efficiency. Following the success of its inaugural edition in 2024, Web Summit Qatar returns for its second year, solidifying Qatar’s position as a global technology and innovation hub. The event brings together world-leading technology companies, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and investors, fostering discussions on the future of AI, cloud computing, and digital transformation. As an AI pioneer in industry applications, Huawei Cloud is driving industry intelligence by providing full-stack AI capabilities, including infrastructure, computing power, algorithms, development frameworks, and its advanced Pangu Large Models. Leveraging its CloudMatrix AI-native infrastructure, Huawei Cloud Stack, and Ascend AI cloud services, Huawei delivers massive AI computing power with unparalleled efficiency, offering flexible deployment options tailored to diverse enterprise needs. Huawei Cloud Stack provides an on-premise deployment mode for enterprises or governments that prefer to save data locally and develop foundation models independently. Meanwhile, Ascend AI cloud services offer a public cloud alternative for organizations that want to avoid the complexities of building and maintaining their data centers. The newly launched Pangu Large Model 5.0 offers advancements in multimodal capabilities, reasoning, and real-world applications across sectors such as autonomous driving, intelligent cities, robotics, industrial design, and drug R&D, solidifying Huawei Cloud’s position as a leader in AI-driven digital transformation. Building on these technical strengths, Huawei is redefining innovation through its “Everything as a Service” strategy, which offers fully digital, cloud-based, and AI-powered solutions across three key pillars: Infrastructure as a Service, Technology as a Service, and Expertise as a Service. At Web Summit Qatar, the company will showcase how this approach enables scalable, secure, and high-performance solutions tailored to the needs of governments, enterprises, and industries, empowering them to accelerate their digital transformation journeys. Rico Lin, President of Huawei Gulf North Region, stated: “At Huawei, we are committed to accelerating intelligence and enabling businesses to thrive in the digital era. Our participation at Web Summit Qatar 2025 underscores our dedication to providing innovative Cloud and AI solutions that empower industries to operate smarter, scale faster, and drive greater efficiency. As Qatar moves toward a knowledge-based economy, we look forward to collaborating with industry leaders, government stakeholders, and technology pioneers to support the country’s digital ambitions and shape the future of AI-driven innovation.” Under Infrastructure as a Service, Huawei Cloud’s KooVerse, which consists of 96 availability zones (AZs) in 33 regions, provides a unified architecture serving customers in more than 170 countries and regions to meet their diverse application scenarios through different modes of public cloud, private cloud, and edge cloud. Technology as a Service solutions enable businesses to innovate easily and modernize applications through Huawei’s R&D advances, delivered to customers, partners, and developers through cloud services. Huawei Cloud has built development production lines designed to accelerate enterprise application modernization. These include ModelArts, a one-stop AI platform that empowers developers and data scientists to rapidly develop and deploy models, driving intelligent upgrades across industries. DataArts, on the other hand, is a comprehensive data lifecycle management platform that provides end-to-end governance of databases, warehouses, data lakes, and AI, unlocking the full value of data. CodeArts is an all-in-one DevSecOps platform offering out-of-the-box cloud services for requirement delivery, code commit, testing, building, verification, deployment, and release throughout the entire software development lifecycle. Meanwhile, MetaStudio delivers cutting-edge tools for virtual avatar video production, livestreaming, and intelligent interaction, revolutionizing content creation across industries. Beyond technology, Huawei Cloud’s Expertise as a Service will highlight shared excellence and cloud-enabled industries. Huawei Cloud MacroVerse aPaaS opens up Huawei’s years of innovation and digitalization experience so that industry developers no longer need to reinvent the wheel, enabling industry scenario-based innovation in more than 10 vertical industries, such as government, finance, manufacturing, transportation, and meteorology. A key focus of Huawei’s participation will be introducing industry-specific AI applications, demonstrating real-world scenarios where AI and cloud technologies drive innovation. From AI-powered diagnostics in healthcare that improve accuracy and speed to predictive maintenance in manufacturing that reduces downtime and enhances productivity, Huawei’s solutions are transforming industries. The financial sector also benefits from Huawei’s AI-driven risk assessment and fraud detection capabilities, while the transportation industry is leveraging AI-powered logistics and fleet management to optimize routes and enhance efficiency. Huawei’s AI for Industries initiative is set to redefine the future of business operations by embedding AI into core decision-making processes. By integrating AI-driven automation across sectors, enterprises can increase efficiency, reduce operational costs, and unlock new growth opportunities. Whether through smart urban planning, intelligent infrastructure, or AI-powered governance models, Huawei is pioneering the use of artificial intelligence to shape the future of digital economies. This aligns with Qatar’s digital transformation agenda, which aims to harness AI, big data, and cloud computing to enhance public services, drive economic competitiveness, and build a sustainable, knowledge-based economy. As Qatar strengthens its role as a digital powerhouse, Huawei remains committed to working alongside local enterprises, government entities, and global partners to build an ecosystem where cloud and AI technologies drive meaningful transformation. Huawei’s presence at Web Summit Qatar reinforces its commitment to supporting Qatar’s national digital agenda, aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030, which prioritizes economic diversification, digital innovation, and smart infrastructure as key pillars for sustainable growth. Huawei invites attendees to its booth number E503 to experience live demonstrations, engage with industry experts, and explore how Cloud and AI technologies can transform businesses and industries.
Gadget Guide: XREAL One Pro: Sleek AR glasses that turn any space into your personal cinema
Transform your entertainment experience with the XReal One Pro, a groundbreaking innovation in AR smart glasses that redefines immersive viewing. Enjoy stunning Full-HD visuals with a 57° field of view, 700 nits of brightness, and vibrant colours, powered by XReal’s advanced X1 spatial computing chip. Integrated Bose sound complements the visuals, ensuring rich and immersive audio and taking your entertainment to the next level. Designed for comfort, the XReal One Pro weighs just 87g and features an adjustable interpupillary distance, allowing a personalised fit for prolonged use. These glasses are available in two sizes, catering to IPD ranges of 57-66mm and 66-75mm, making them suitable for a broad audience. Future-ready, the XReal One Pro supports modular upgrades, such as the upcoming XReal Eye – a 12MP camera module that adds AI-enhanced capabilities and photo-capturing features. Whether you’re streaming movies, playing games, or exploring AR applications, the XReal One Pro delivers a seamless and immersive experience. Its lightweight design, exceptional visuals, and premium audio combine to create a wearable home theatre that fits in the palm of your hand. Elevate your entertainment experience with the XReal One Pro.
Ministry of Communications and Information Technology Launches the Digital Inclusion Index Report 2024
As part of its commitment to ensuring that all members of society can access digital services with ease and at affordable costs while fostering their effective and sustainable use, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) launched today the 2024 Digital Inclusion Index for the State of Qatar. This report represents a significant step toward building an inclusive digital society that guarantees equal access to digital services for all. It highlights the evolution of digital inclusion as a cornerstone of the Digital Agenda 2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030. The launch event was attended by H.E. Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, along with their excellencies the other ministers and representatives from various government and private entities. The Digital Inclusion Index aims to enhance international collaboration in digital transformation by facilitating the exchange of expertise and knowledge and fostering strategic partnerships. It will be continuously updated to align with ongoing digital advancements. The report serves as a roadmap to promote digital inclusion in Qatar, focusing on ensuring that all members of society can benefit from the opportunities offered by digital technology regardless of their social or economic background. It provides comprehensive insights through seven key pillars, including digital access, ability, affordability of digital services, policies and regulations, attitudes toward digital technology, adoption and impact, and the importance of digital content. These pillars help shed light on the challenges and opportunities faced by different societal segments in achieving digital inclusion. Commenting on the launch, H.E. Reem Al Mansoori, Assistant Undersecretary for Digital Industry Development at MCIT, stated: “Digital inclusion is a cornerstone of Qatar’s Digital Agenda 2030, ensuring that every member of society is empowered to thrive amid the rapid pace of technological advancement, including AI. The Digital Inclusion Index, is both a benchmark and a roadmap, aligned with our vision to build a sustainable, knowledge-based economy. As emerging technologies reshape industries and societies, inclusion becomes critical—not just to unlock innovation, but to ensure no one is left behind. By expanding access and enhancing digital literacy, we are strengthening Qatar’s global leadership in technology and laying the foundation for a future-ready society equipped to navigate and harness the opportunities of the digital age.” Adding to this, Mrs. Duha Al Buhendi, Director of the Digital Society and Digital Competencies Department at MCIT, said: “The Digital Inclusion Index is part of our ongoing efforts to achieve the objectives of the Digital Agenda 2030. This report lays the foundation for designing innovative policies and programs that enhance digital equity and expand access to digital technology. We will continue to work toward ensuring that digital services reach every individual in the community while enhancing their digital skills in alignment with the aspirations of the Digital Agenda 2030.” The report highlights the notable achievements that have positioned Qatar as second regionally and 16th globally in digital inclusion. Comprehensive 5G and 4G network coverage played a significant role in attaining these rankings, reflecting substantial investments in digital infrastructure. Additionally, digital capacity-building programs, such as the “Better Connections” program and the “SafeSpace” platform, have enhanced the skills of more than 1.5 million migrant workers and raised awareness of digital safety and security. These initiatives align with the sixth pillar of the Digital Agenda 2030, which envisions building an advanced digital society that leads the future. The report further notes that 77% of Qatar’s population aged 15 years and older have completed secondary education, directly contributing to their digital skills and ability to interact with modern technologies. This progress is attributed to the country’s investments in the education and ICT sectors, paving the way for building a digitally empowered society. Moreover, affordable digital services, enabled by public-private partnerships, have increased the adoption of these services, further supporting digital equity. The report also emphasizes that advanced regulatory frameworks focusing on technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are essential in fostering digital trust. It revealed that 83% of Qatar’s population rely on basic digital activities, reflecting the nation’s success in creating a trusted and attractive digital environment. However, the report outlines existing challenges in integrating advanced technologies, particularly for groups with lower digital proficiency. It underscores the importance of targeted programs tailored to the needs of these groups to bridge the digital gap. The Digital Inclusion Index serves as a strategic compass guiding Qatar’s effort to advance the digital economy. The report stresses the importance of collaboration among government entities, private sector organizations, and academic institutions to achieve the goals of digital inclusion. According to the report, Qatar aims to enhance its leading position in digital inclusion regionally and globally by continuously investing in digital infrastructure and education. Future goals include a 10% increase in digital access, a 30% improvement in digital competencies for citizens and residents, and a 20% boost in digital trust. These objectives are supported by planned initiatives, including tailored training programs to empower senior citizens in digital transformation and enhance inclusion for those with limited digital skills. The launch of the 2024 Digital Inclusion Index represents a milestone in Qatar’s digital transformation journey, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to building an inclusive and sustainable digital society that ensures equal opportunities for all. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology remains dedicated to fostering collaboration across sectors to enhance digital inclusion, leveraging technology to improve quality of life and achieve sustainable development.
OPPO Unveils Innovative AI Solutions at the 2025 Google Cloud Shenzhen Summit to Boost Smartphone Productivity and Security
Qatar, Doha, January 10, 2025: Global leading smart device brand OPPO debuted at the 2025 Google Cloud Shenzhen Summit, announcing further expansion of its collaboration with Google Cloud in AI productivity applications and cloud security, unveiling a series of new features. Kai Tang, President of OPPO’s Software Engineering, said: “OPPO collaborates with top global technology companies with an open mindset, striving to integrate cutting-edge AI technology into our products. Google is one of the leaders in the global AI field, and I believe that the partnership between OPPO and Google will bring users a more efficient and secure next-generation AI experience.” （Kai Tang at Google Cloud Shenzhen Summit) OPPO and Google Expand Collaboration in AI Productivity In the Find X8 series launched in international markets, OPPO has utilized Google’s Gemini model in several efficient productivity tools: Based on the long-term collaborative achievements with Google in the field of AI, OPPO announces that it will introduce Google AI capabilities into more new application scenarios in the future, including: OPPO Collaborates with Google Cloud on Mobile Cloud Security Architecture While AI can bring significant convenience to users, many powerful AI applications still rely on the power of cloud computing. Ensuring the secure handling of user information in the cloud has become a significant challenge for the industry. OPPO believes smartphone manufacturers must work with cloud service providers and other partners to build end-to-end security and privacy protection capabilities, ensuring the optimal protection of user information. OPPO announced it would collaborate with Google Cloud on mobile cloud security architecture and develop Private Computing Cloud technology to provide users with a safer AI experience. OPPO is dedicated to making AI phones accessible to everyone. By developing its own AI technologies and collaborating with leading industry partners like Google, OPPO aims to deliver the best AI experience through its smartphone devices.
QIA’s US$1 billion investment in VC funds upped Qatar as a startup hub
Dima Wahbeh, deputy country manager, Qatar at Web Summit, in conversation with Aparajita Mukherjee details what the maiden edition achieved for the venture capital market, analysing what’s up the sleeve of Web Summit in 2025 especially in the realm of policy making. “For the second year, many of the biggest wealth funds and VCs in the world will be at Web Summit Qatar to connect with 15,000 attendees, 1,000 startups, 400 investors and global leaders in Doha.” In its inaugural year, Web Summit Qatar gathered the largest and most globally diverse cohort of startups to ever gather in the region – more than 1,000 startups from 80 countries – to connect with a new generation of investors and partners hailing from countries such as Qatar, the US, Egypt, Brazil, Italy, Nigeria, the UK, India, and beyond, discloses Dima Wahbeh, deputy country manager, Qatar at Web Summit. Naming the prominent names at the last edition of Web Summit Qatar 2024, Wahbeh says, with unbeatable confidence, “There were Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), Tik Tok, Snap, Microsoft, AWS, Meta, and more that took part: and we expect to see the same calibre of international tech companies, including Open AI, Amazon and Microsoft – as well as thousands of young promising entrepreneurs from around the world – join us in Doha in February 2025.” Many of these startups from Web Summit Qatar 2024 have received funding off the back of connections made at Web Summit Qatar, according to Wahbeh. According to Crunchbase, a cumulative $243m+ has been raised by Blend, Colendi, OTO, YoLa Fresh, Kebotix, Chowdeck, Intron Health, PairedWorld, ORA Technologies, and KalPay. Web Summit Qatar offers an incredible platform to startups, and we are excited to see the next generation of startups join us in Doha again next February, she says. For the second year, many of the biggest wealth funds and VCs in the world will be at Web Summit Qatar to connect with 15,000 attendees, 1,000 startups, 400 investors and global leaders in Doha. Increasingly, some of the most active players in the technology industry are sovereign wealth funds, the most active of which are in the Middle East, and all of them will be at Web Summit Qatar 2025. “So, if you’re a fast-growing company thinking about your next funding round, a reasonable place to spend a day or two is Web Summit Qatar,” discloses Wahbeh, adding, “We recently announced our first 25 speakers for Web Summit Qatar 2025 and will be announcing more shortly. We look forward to sharing more details about Web Summit Qatar in the weeks ahead.” What transpired at Web Summit 2024 Discussing the details of what impact the maiden edition of Web Summit 2024 could achieve, Wahbeh says that the team were delighted to see many impactful events take place at Web Summit Qatar 2024 showcasing the potential of the country’s startup ecosystem. She adds, “On Opening Night at Web Summit Qatar 2024, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, announced that the QIA would be investing US$1 billion in venture capital funds to support entrepreneurs and startups in Qatar. This announcement demonstrated Qatar’s dedication to becoming an attractive destination for startups to establish themselves and grow, and cements Qatar’s status as a global startup hub.” Wahbeh informs that 24 memoranda of understanding were signed at Web Summit Qatar 2024: and the event saw the successful registration of more than 200 companies through the Startup Qatar initiative. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology also launched the Digital Agenda 2030 live on stage, outlining a roadmap for a knowledge-based economy in Qatar, she discloses. Analysing the impact of these measures, Wahbeh says, “The announcements and initiatives have had a hugely positive impact on the Qatar startup ecosystem, and we believe that this will continue to grow in the years ahead and during Web Summit Qatar’s tenure in Doha.” In your experience of holding such summits all over, do policy changes happen as a result of holding such events? Is there some monitoring mechanism that Web Summit have? In Wahbeh’s opinion, host cities play a crucial role in Web Summit events, collaborating closely with organisers to enhance the experience for attendees and bolster the city’s positioning as a global startup hub. “Naturally we work with host cities to assess that impact, and demonstrate the success we can help deliver.” She goes on to cite the example of Lisbon’s, adding that its position as a global innovation hub has grown significantly since it began hosting Web Summit, with Web Summit helping to attract investment and connect Portugal to international markets. Inward investment in Portugal has soared over the past decade: Web Summit partners that have opened offices in Portugal include Google, BMW, Amazon, Daimler, Huawei and Cloudflare. “There are now 4,073 startups in Portugal, up from 821 startups in 2016, when the first Web Summit Lisbon took place – an increase of 496% over this period. The number of unicorns in Portugal has grown from 1 to 7 between 2016 and 2022: all have attended Web Summit. Additionally, the economic impact Web Summit has had in Lisbon has been significant, with the data showing Web Summit generating more than €200 million worth of economic activity the week of the event,” discloses Wahbeh, concluding that host cities are motivated to host events like Web Summit to position themselves as key players in the global tech community, ultimately driving local economic growth and innovation. Impact on the economic front Talking us through some of the highlights of the impact of the Summit on the Qatar economy, Wahbeh says that hosting a Web Summit event has a significant impact on the local economy, bringing attendees from across the world to a host city for a number of days. “For Web Summit Qatar 2024, over 15,000 attendees came to Doha, booking over 38,000 nights in Doha hotels, and 19,000 flight segments. The average stay in Doha for an attendee
