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.
Dana Al Fardan Bridges Qatari Heritage & Sardinian Culture in “The Song of the Two Seas”
In a landmark intercultural performance titled “The Song of the Two Seas”, celebrated Qatari composer Dana Al Fardan brought the essence of Qatari musical heritage to the prestigious Teatro Lirico di Cagliari in Italy. Presented on New Year’s Eve 2025, the concert marked a defining artistic exchange between Qatar and Sardinia, uniting two coastal cultures shaped by the sea. A Cultural Bridge Between Qatar and Sardinia Under the direction of renowned maestro Giovanni Pasini, the evening introduced audiences to a sophisticated 75-minute programme fusing orchestral mastery with Qatari traditional motifs. The performance brought together: Al Fardan’s selections—including works from Tempest, Nadir, and the lullaby “Andimironnai”—were woven seamlessly with pieces by Glinka and Ezio Bosso. Maestro Pasini also premiered a new choral arrangement of Tempest, dedicated to the opera choir. The Sounding Stones: A Sonic Signature A highlight of the night was the integration of the legendary Sounding Stones by the late Sardinian sculptor Pinuccio Sciola. Played live by Maria Sciola and Andrea Granitzio, the stones emitted ancient, metallic resonances that merged naturally with Al Fardan’s contemporary orchestration. Al Fardan described this experience as “absorbing the frequency of the land,” blending Qatari rhythms with Sardinia’s geological soundscape. A Night of Prestigious Attendance The concert drew significant distinguished guests, including: Their presence underscored the growing cultural and diplomatic bridge between Qatar and Sardinia. Dana Al Fardan: Expanding Qatari Music to Global Stages As the first female Qatari composer to integrate traditional folk elements—especially Fijiri, the music of Qatari pearl divers—into orchestral compositions, Al Fardan continues to shape a distinctive artistic voice. Her cinematic album Tempest, recorded with over 100 musicians, explores global seafaring narratives threaded through Qatari heritage, reinforcing the universality of human stories shaped by the sea. Her international successes include: A Prelude to Deeper Cultural Collaboration Reflecting on the night, Al Fardan noted that “shared human values and a shared appreciation for the arts are laying the foundations for broader cultural integration.” The performance served not only as a celebration of artistic exchange but as a forward-looking signal for future collaborations across tourism, enterprise, and the creative industries between Sardinia and Qatar.
QIA and Goldman Sachs Sign Landmark MoU Targeting $25 Billion Investment, Strengthening Qatar’s Global Financial Influence
In one of the most significant financial announcements of 2026, the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) and Goldman Sachs Asset Management have signed a major Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at expanding their strategic partnership and unlocking a combined investment target of $25 billion. The agreement marks a pivotal moment for Qatar’s growing stature as a regional and global financial hub, reinforcing the nation’s long-term strategy to drive economic diversification, attract foreign investment, and strengthen private-sector growth. According to a statement released by QIA, the sovereign wealth fund intends to commit capital across Goldman Sachs’ flagship funds, innovative alternative investment strategies, and selected co-investment opportunities. The partnership expands QIA’s role as an anchor investor across multiple Goldman Sachs Asset Management platforms, giving Qatar preferential access to global deal flow in future-forward sectors, including: This move solidifies Qatar’s position as a leading institutional investor in high-growth global markets. As part of the expanded cooperation, Goldman Sachs will enhance its presence in Doha, building out its capabilities as a strategic asset management hub for the region. Through its global Value Accelerator network, Goldman Sachs will support Qatar in: This partnership aligns closely with Qatar’s ambitions to become a regional leader in alternative investments, innovation-led industries, and financial services. Commenting on the agreement, Mohammed Saif Al Sowaidi, CEO of QIA, highlighted the strategic importance of the collaboration: “QIA is pleased to partner with Goldman Sachs in this landmark agreement. It provides QIA with premium deal flow in sectors critical to our investment strategy, including AI, fintech, digital infrastructure and private credit. This partnership extends beyond capital deployment and reinforces Doha’s position as a regional financial center.” He further noted that Goldman Sachs’ commitment to expanding its Doha presence will support job creation, specialized skills development, and long-term economic value for Qatar. David Solomon, Chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs, emphasized Qatar’s strong momentum: “Qatar is on an exciting path of economic diversification, developing its capital markets, strengthening its talent base, and expanding its ecosystem of national champions. This creates substantial opportunity to widen Qatar’s global connectivity and impact as a multi-faceted investment partner.” Goldman Sachs stands among the world’s leading alternative investment managers, with: Its Value Accelerator Network will now work closely with Qatari institutions and the wider ecosystem to build enduring, globally competitive businesses. The QIA–Goldman Sachs MoU represents more than a financial partnership—it positions Doha as a rising global center for asset management, sovereign investment, and cross-border financial collaboration. With a $25 billion target fueling this strategic alliance, Qatar is poised to accelerate high-impact investments and strengthen its role in shaping the future of global finance.
His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Inaugurates the Ninth Edition of DIMDEX 2026, Reinforcing Qatar’s Global Leadership in Defence Innovation
His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar and Supreme Commander of the Qatar Armed Forces, officially inaugurated the ninth edition of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026) at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), marking the beginning of one of the world’s most influential defence and security exhibitions. The opening ceremony gathered an elite audience of high-level officials, including His Excellency Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, alongside ministers, ambassadors, naval commanders, international delegations, and representatives from more than 200 participating companies. His Highness toured several international pavilions, national exhibitors, and entities from the Qatar Armed Forces, highlighting Qatar’s expanding capabilities across the maritime, air, and land defence sectors. A Strategic Platform for Global Defence Dialogue In his keynote address, His Excellency Major General (Sea) Abdullah bin Hassan Al Sulaiti, Commander of the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces, emphasised the strategic importance of DIMDEX 2026 amid rapidly shifting global and regional dynamics. He noted that the exhibition plays a pivotal role in strengthening the readiness, cooperation, and technological capabilities of modern armed forces. He highlighted that DIMDEX has evolved into a global hub for maritime defence innovation, presenting cutting-edge systems, strategic technologies, and next-generation support solutions essential for safeguarding sovereignty and security. The Middle East Naval Commanders Conference, held in parallel, serves as a critical diplomatic forum where experts, military leaders, and academics address the latest developments in maritime security and regional defence challenges. The Most Expansive Edition in DIMDEX History Organised under the theme “A Global Hub for Defence Innovations – Invest in Possibilities to Shape a Secure Tomorrow”, DIMDEX 2026 is the largest edition since its inception. With: The four-day event reinforces Qatar’s position as a global destination for defence business, innovation, investment, and collaboration. Strategic Agreements and Global Partnerships The opening day witnessed the signing of multiple contracts, MoUs, and strategic defence agreements, attended by His Excellency Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. These partnerships underscore DIMDEX’s role as a catalyst for commercial growth, defence innovation, and long-term investment—particularly within the maritime and advanced technology sectors. Warships Display at Hamad Port A highlight of DIMDEX 2026 is the official opening of the visiting international warships display at Hamad Port. Eight advanced warships from six nations arrived this year, including the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces’ multi-mission vessel ‘Al Fulk’, the largest of its kind in the Gulf region. The display reinforces Qatar’s maritime presence and its long-standing commitment to maritime security. Workshops, Innovation Showcases, and Defence Diplomacy For the first time, DIMDEX features specialised workshops hosted by exhibitors, allowing defence manufacturers to present the latest innovations directly to decision-makers and attending delegations. These sessions will run from 20 to 22 January, further strengthening the exhibition’s role as a bridge between global industry leaders and military authorities. Tomorrow, the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference will convene under the theme “Defence Diplomacy and Maritime Security Challenges”, reinforcing Qatar’s vision of diplomacy-driven conflict resolution and joint international cooperation. DIMDEX 2026: A Global Stage for Defence Excellence Held across more than 40,000 square metres at QNCC, DIMDEX 2026 is expected to attract over 25,000 attendees, making it one of the largest and most influential defence exhibitions in the Middle East and beyond. Registration for the exhibition and its accompanying activities is available at:https://bit.ly/4aEtajh For additional details, please visit www.dimdex.com and follow the event across all social media platforms.
QSTP and Merck Launch FemTech Accelerator to Advance Women’s Health Innovation Across MENA
Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), a member of Qatar Foundation, has announced a strategic partnership with Merck to launch the QSTP x Merck FemTech Accelerator—a landmark initiative aimed at accelerating innovation in women’s health across the Middle East and North Africa. The dedicated accelerator will identify and support up to 30 FemTech startups developing deep-tech, impact-driven solutions addressing critical unmet needs in women’s health. The programme focuses on advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, robotics, and materials science, supporting startups from early validation through to commercial expansion. Selected companies will gain access to QSTP’s innovation ecosystem and Merck’s global scientific and healthcare expertise, benefiting from curated mentorship, clinically aligned pilot opportunities, and structured market-entry pathways into Qatar, with scalability across regional and international markets. The accelerator is designed not only to support individual ventures, but also to generate measurable, trackable impact at scale, aligned with Qatar Foundation’s mission to improve health outcomes for women. Through a multi-country approach, the accelerator enables FemTech solutions to be piloted, validated, and adopted across multiple markets, addressing women’s health challenges at both regional and global levels. Startups will also engage with key stakeholders from Qatar’s healthcare ecosystem, including clinicians, regulators, investors, and innovation leaders. Commenting on the launch, Rama Chakaki, President of QSTP, said the accelerator reflects QSTP’s commitment to inclusive innovation and scalable impact. Meanwhile, Ahmed Aboelfadl, General Manager Gulf at Merck, highlighted the urgent need to address women’s health gaps through science- and technology-led solutions. The programme includes an intensive two-week immersion in Doha, equipping founders with market insights, regulatory understanding, and commercial readiness. Together, QSTP and Merck aim to position Qatar as a regional and global hub for women’s health innovation, advancing one of the fastest-growing sectors in global health technology.
Msheireb Museums Hosts Screening of Australian–Qatari Pearling Documentary Al Nayla
Msheireb Museums, in collaboration with Qatar Television and the Australian Embassy in Doha, hosted a special screening of the documentary Al Nayla: A Journey to the Depths of Sea and the Secrets of Extracting Oysters and Pearls from the Coast of Australia. Held at Stories in Msheireb Museums, the event brought together diplomats, cultural leaders, and members of the public to explore the deep historical ties between Qatar and Australia through the pearling industry. The documentary traced the evolution of Western Australia’s pearling sector, documenting traditional pearl diving practices, the transition to cultured pearls, and the families who shaped the industry over generations. Through archival footage and expert interviews, Al Nayla illustrated how technological and economic shifts transformed a regional trade into a globally significant industry—mirroring similar developments in the Gulf. The screening carried strong diplomatic significance, attended by Dick Milton, Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives; Shane Flanagan; senior leadership from Qatar Television; and members of the diplomatic community. Their presence highlighted the enduring cultural and historical links between the two nations. Commenting on the occasion, Abdulla Al Naama, General Manager of Msheireb Museums, noted that the film created a natural dialogue between Qatar’s pearling legacy and international maritime histories—expanding audiences’ understanding of how the sea shaped societies across continents. Australian Ambassador Shane Flanagan described the documentary as a reminder of the human stories connecting Australia and Qatar, particularly as both nations celebrate a decade of diplomatic presence. Meanwhile, Ali Saleh Al-Sada, Director of Qatar Television, emphasised the importance of placing the film within Msheireb Museums, where Qatar’s pearling heritage is already preserved and interpreted. Through Al Nayla, Msheireb Museums reaffirmed its role as a platform for cultural dialogue—using history, storytelling, and shared heritage to strengthen international understanding and collaboration.
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.
Samla International Race 2026: A World-Class Endurance Challenge in Qatar
The Samla International Race is set to make history with its upcoming edition on 24 January 2026, marking a significant evolution as the race expands onto the global stage. Recognised for its intensity, innovation, and multi-discipline format, Samla has become one of the most distinctive endurance races in the region—firmly positioning Qatar as a hub for elite sporting events and sports tourism. Strategic Partnerships Driving Excellence Ahead of the 2026 edition, the Samla International Race secured a series of strategic partnerships with leading local and global organisations. These include Katara Hospitality, Qatar Insurance Group, Defender – Al Fardan, Mazzraty, and Red Bull as the official beverage partner. In addition, a landmark partnership was signed with Visit Qatar and ASICS, with ASICS confirmed as the official sportswear partner of the race. These collaborations reflect a shared commitment to delivering a world-class sporting experience—enhancing technical standards, athlete performance, safety, and overall event quality. A Course Designed to Push Limits The Samla International Race is defined by its demanding, multi-stage format. The 2026 course features six consecutive stages, combining endurance, skill, and resilience across Qatar’s diverse landscapes: This unique structure tests competitors across swimming, running, cycling, and kayaking—set against sand dunes, open water, off-road terrain, and challenging climatic conditions. From Local Legacy to Global Stage Established in 2016, Samla was created to support and showcase local athletes. Nearly a decade later, the launch of Samla International marks a pivotal moment in its journey—welcoming elite male and female athletes from around the world to compete in Qatar for the first time. The race not only highlights athletic excellence but also showcases the country’s natural terrain, resilience, and sporting ambition. Strengthening Sports Tourism in Qatar In partnership with Visit Qatar, the Samla International Race plays a strategic role in promoting sports tourism, offering international visitors and residents a distinctive, high-impact sporting experience. The event aligns with Qatar’s broader vision of hosting world-class competitions that combine performance, culture, and destination storytelling. As anticipation builds for January 2026, the Samla International Race stands as a powerful symbol of endurance, collaboration, and global sporting excellence—cementing Qatar’s reputation as a destination for premier international sporting events.
QEWC Rebrands as Nebras Energy, Marking a New Era of Growth in Qatar’s Energy Sector
Qatar Electricity & Water Company (QEWC) has officially rebranded as Nebras Energy, signalling a major strategic evolution built on a 35-year legacy of powering Qatar’s electricity and water security and more than a decade of international expansion. Listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange, the transformation represents more than a name change. It reflects a forward-looking vision designed to position Nebras Energy as a more agile, globally oriented energy company while preserving continuity, stability, and stakeholder trust. From National Utility to Global Energy Platform Established by Amiri Decree No. 58 of 1990, QEWC has played a foundational role in supporting Qatar’s rapid economic and social development. Over the past three decades, it has grown into one of the largest power and water utility companies in the MENA region, with a diversified asset base spanning domestic and international markets. Under its new identity, Nebras Energy emerges as a brand that reflects flexibility, resilience, and long-term ambition—aligning with Qatar’s broader energy transition and global investment strategy. Leadership Vision for the Next Chapter Commenting on the rebranding, H.E. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs and Chairman of Nebras Energy, said the company has been a cornerstone of Qatar’s electricity and water security for more than three decades, extending its reach across global markets. He noted that the move to Nebras Energy represents a decisive step toward broader horizons of growth and development, supported by a new visual identity that clearly reflects the company’s future vision. He also praised the leadership, executive management, and employees for their continued commitment to strengthening Qatar’s international energy partnerships and advancing sustainable growth. Ensuring Continuity While Accelerating Growth Marking this pivotal milestone, Managing Director and CEO Mohammed Nasser Al-Hajri emphasised that the rebranding reinforces the company’s core mission while positioning it for long-term success. He highlighted that the transition ensures seamless business continuity, honours all existing commitments, and strengthens the company’s role in advancing Qatar’s electricity and water sector. Strong Assets, Global Reach Nebras Energy’s portfolio in Qatar reflects a robust and diversified production base, supported by joint ventures and Nebras Power, its wholly owned international investment arm. The company’s operational capacity currently stands at: These assets underpin Qatar’s energy and water security while supporting Nebras Energy’s growing international footprint. Governance and Next Steps The company’s new visual identity and rebranding will be presented to shareholders at an Extraordinary General Assembly meeting on 8 January 2026, where final approval will be sought. A Future-Focused Energy Leader As Nebras Energy, the company enters a new chapter aligned with Qatar’s long-term economic and energy objectives—focused on sustainable growth, international investment, and reliable infrastructure delivery. The transformation reinforces Qatar’s position as a trusted global energy partner and highlights how legacy institutions can evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing energy landscape.
VoPay Establishes Global Headquarters in Qatar, Strengthening Doha’s Role as a Global Fintech Infrastructure Hub
VoPay International Inc., a leading global financial infrastructure platform, has officially established its global headquarters in Qatar, positioning Doha as the company’s primary hub for advancing digital financial infrastructure across MENA, Africa, Southeast Asia, and other high-growth markets, while continuing to support operations in North America, Europe, and Latin America. The strategic move reinforces Qatar’s growing status as a regional and global centre for fintech, cross-border payments, and financial system modernisation, aligned with the country’s long-term economic diversification agenda. Doha as the Engine of VoPay’s Global Expansion From its Doha headquarters, VoPay will expand and operate core financial infrastructure that supports central banks, financial institutions, governments, public-sector entities, and large enterprises. The platform enables institutions to modernise legacy financial systems, improve interoperability, and connect regional markets with global financial ecosystems through secure, scalable, and intelligent infrastructure. As part of its long-term commitment, VoPay plans to hire more than 400 highly skilled professionals in Qatar over the next three years, spanning engineering, technology, cybersecurity, compliance, data, and platform operations—further strengthening Qatar’s role as a sustainable hub for financial infrastructure development. Alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030 VoPay’s decision closely aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030, which prioritises economic diversification, digital transformation, and the development of a knowledge-based economy under the leadership of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Commenting on the announcement, VoPay Founder and CEO Hamed Arbabi stated that Qatar offers a unique platform for scaling financial infrastructure that connects regions, institutions, and markets with resilience and intelligence—making it a natural choice for the company’s global headquarters. Strategic Support from Invest Qatar and QFC VoPay’s expansion into Qatar has been supported by Invest Qatar, which played a key role in facilitating the company’s market entry and long-term growth strategy. Operating within the ecosystem of the Qatar Financial Centre, VoPay benefits from a robust regulatory framework designed to attract global financial technology leaders. Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani, CEO of Invest Qatar, noted that VoPay’s investment further reinforces Qatar’s commitment to building a diversified, innovation-driven economy and positioning the country as a global hub for advanced financial technologies. Qatar’s Rise as a Global Financial Infrastructure Platform By anchoring its global headquarters in Doha, VoPay is contributing to Qatar’s emergence as a trusted platform for digital financial infrastructure, enabling cross-border financial coordination, institutional collaboration, and large-scale interoperability across regions. The Doha headquarters will serve as a strategic coordination centre for initiatives supporting financial system modernisation throughout the Gulf, MENA, Africa, and Southeast Asia—enhancing capital flows, data connectivity, and secure financial operations across borders. Powering the Future of Finance from Qatar Through applied artificial intelligence, mature infrastructure technology, and global financial connectivity, VoPay’s platform bridges regional financial systems with international banking frameworks. This enables institutions operating from Qatar to integrate seamlessly with global markets, reinforcing Doha’s role as a convening point for resilient, intelligent, and future-ready financial infrastructure. As Qatar continues to attract global fintech leaders, VoPay’s decision marks a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward becoming a world-class hub for digital finance and financial innovation.