Ambition, Drive, Solution-Driven: Capital for a Growth Story
Mohab Mohammed Kamal, Founder and CEO of ConnectED, Doha, Qatar. At 16, Mohab Mohammed Kamal has already done what most founders spend years trying to do — find a real problem, build a real product, and make people care. Meet the founder of ConnectED. By Aparajita Mukherjee About the founder: Mohab Mohammed Kamal, 16 years old. Founder and CEO of ConnectED — a platform connecting high school students, schools, and universities globally. Founded in May 2025. Based in Doha, Qatar. The Problem Nobody Had Solved It started with a feeling every high school student knows — the overwhelming, directionless confusion of figuring out what to do with your life. Mohab Mohammed Kamal was 15 when he felt it. He had questions and nowhere to go for answers. What is my passion? What should I study? How do I even reach out to a university? The platforms that existed were dense, outdated, and built for someone else. Handshake, for example, connects university students to employers. Nobody was connecting high school students to universities — at the moment they needed it most. So Kamal built it himself. “ConnectED is a three-sided marketplace connecting high school students, schools, and universities. The problem exists on every side simultaneously — students are lost, schools have no real infrastructure to guide their students, and universities have no efficient way to reach the right students early. We fix all three in one platform.” After surveying over 200 students who shared the same struggle, the idea became a mission. Built by Gen Z, for Gen Z — the way this process should have always worked. BL: How do schools and universities benefit from ConnectED? Schools finally have a real tool. Right now counsellors are managing hundreds of students with no structured system — they can’t track where each student is in their individual journey, what they need, or where they’re headed. ConnectED gives schools full visibility and control over that entire process. For universities, the benefit is access. They currently spend enormous resources on recruitment with no efficient channel to reach the right students early. ConnectED gives them a direct line to motivated, relevant students at exactly the right moment — before those students have already decided to go somewhere else. BL: With no paid advertising, how are you managing growth? We built something people actually wanted to talk about. 706 users came through word of mouth, competition exposure, and the Web Summit platform. When you solve a real problem and you’re a 16-year-old who built it himself, people share it. That’s not a strategy you can manufacture — it comes from the product being real and the story being genuine. On top of that, we have a full organic marketing strategy ready to execute — social media videos, content, posts — all designed to grow the platform without relying on paid advertising. We’re just getting started on that front. BL: Talk us through your experience at Web Summit 2026. It was something truly amazing — and hopefully we’ll be back next year. Being the youngest exhibitor in the room, surrounded by some of the most serious founders, investors, and operators in the world — and holding our own — was one of the most defining moments of building ConnectED. The video that went viral gave us an enormous push. It made the platform more well-known across Qatar — students, institutions, and people we’d never reached before started finding us. We even had people reaching out wanting serious discussions about the platform off the back of it. That exposure proved that the story resonates well beyond just our immediate network. BL: What do your awards and competition wins mean for the journey ahead? They do two things. First, credibility — when you’re 16 and telling investors and institutions you’ve built something real, third-party validation matters. Winning against 200+ teams at Al Fikra, advancing at INJAZ Mubadara, the Lenabtaker Excellence Award — these aren’t participation trophies, they’re proof points. Second, network. Every competition puts you in a room with mentors, investors, and operators you wouldn’t otherwise have access to. That network compounds over time. BL: Do you plan to take ConnectED beyond Qatar? ConnectED was never a Qatar-only idea. The problem — students navigating university admissions with no real support — exists everywhere. Every country, every education system. Qatar is where we’re starting because it’s where we are, where we have traction, and where we can build the model properly before scaling. But the roadmap is global. The platform, the infrastructure, the marketplace model — it all travels. BL: With 706 registered users, how many have been accepted to a university? The honest context here is important. The 706 students came to the platform when it was still a prototype — when we only had the student side built. There was no school or university side yet, meaning the actual connection between students and institutions hadn’t been made yet. What we proved was demand — students found us and signed up organically. Right now we’re rebuilding the full platform with a professional development agency, adding the school and university layers properly. Before we launch, we’re going out to schools and universities directly to get them onboarded so that when we go live, the full flow is ready from day one. That’s when we’ll be able to track outcomes end-to-end — and it will become one of our strongest proof points. BL: Once you go to university yourself — how do you plan to sustain ConnectED? I have two options — either stay in Qatar and continue running ConnectED from here, or take it with me to whichever university I end up at. Either way, my goal is to have the entire business sorted, structured, and self-sustaining before I head to university. The team, the processes, the partnerships — everything in place so that ConnectED can manage itself whether I’m in Doha or anywhere else in the world. The company shouldn’t depend on me being in one place. That’s
Qatar’s Investments in Uzbekistan Are Sending a Strong Signal Towards Robust Bilateral Equations
Dr Ashraf Khodjaev, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Qatar, in conversation with Business Leaders Qatar. Dr Ashraf Khodjaev, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Qatar, in an exclusive conversation with Business Leaders Qatar, reflects on his career path, Qatar’s multi-pronged investments in Uzbekistan, and the roadmap of bilateral relations between the two countries. About the interviewee: Dr Ashraf Khodjaev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Uzbekistan to Qatar. Uzbekistan’s first resident Ambassador in Doha, appointed in early 2024. A Career Built on Diplomacy and Economic Engagement Dr Ashraf Khodjaev has a long diplomatic career spanning analytical roles to economic diplomacy — a journey that has given him both a diverse perspective and a deep appreciation of how international relations are shaped in practice. A defining chapter was his service in Uzbekistan’s diplomatic missions in New York and London. In his words: “Those years were an invaluable school — professionally and personally — and played a key role in shaping how I approach diplomacy today.” At the beginning of 2024, Dr Khodjaev reached an important milestone — appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and becoming Uzbekistan’s first resident Ambassador in Doha. “I consider myself particularly fortunate — not only to serve in a country as wonderful as Qatar, but also to become Uzbekistan’s first resident Ambassador in Doha. It is a historic moment, and one I see not just as an honour, but as a responsibility. I am proud to contribute to deepening the partnership between Uzbekistan and Qatar and to building lasting bridges between our countries.” Establishment of the Diplomatic Mission in 2023 The relationship between Uzbekistan and Qatar has gained remarkable momentum in a relatively short period — a development that reflects, above all, the strong political will and forward-looking vision of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and His Highness The Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Since the establishment of Uzbekistan’s diplomatic mission in Doha in 2023, bilateral ties have entered a new phase — more structured, more active, and increasingly results-oriented. High-level engagements have become more frequent and substantive, signalling a shared commitment to elevating the partnership and translating it into concrete cooperation. Economic cooperation has become more targeted and pragmatic, with a clear focus on energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and digital technologies — sectors where both countries see clear complementarities and opportunities. “Facilitating business partnerships and enabling investment flows has become a central priority. Another important dimension is the growing emphasis on people-to-people connections. There is a recognition that long-term partnerships are not built on economics alone, but on mutual understanding — through education, culture, and direct human exchange.” A Strong Investment Pipeline Dr Khodjaev is clear on what investment means in this context: “What matters is not just the volume of investment, but the signal it sends — and Qatar’s early investments are sending a strong one.” A notable example is the entry of Nebras Power, a leading Qatari international energy company. “Its involvement marks an important milestone, particularly in the strategically critical energy sector. Through its participation in power generation projects, Nebras Power is contributing to the modernisation of Uzbekistan’s energy infrastructure — supporting growing demand while also advancing efficiency and the adoption of more sustainable technologies. Beyond the projects themselves, this kind of engagement plays an important role in building confidence for other international investors.” The investment pipeline is expanding further, with projects currently under discussion across transport infrastructure, real estate, hospitality, education, agriculture, and IT. Uzbekistan’s resource base adds further weight to its investment appeal. The country ranks second globally for gold, seventh for copper, eighth for tungsten, ninth for silver, 12th for uranium, and 16th for natural gas production. Since 2017, successful economic reforms have attracted over US$100 billion (QR364 billion) in foreign investments. “To achieve the goal of doubling our GDP by 2030, our economy will require at least US$200 billion (QR728 billion) in investments. The direction is clear: from initial flagship investments toward a broader, more diversified, and increasingly dynamic partnership.” Digital Technologies: From Institutional to Ecosystem At Web Summit 2025, Invest Qatar signed agreements with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Digital Technologies — a development Dr Khodjaev describes with clear optimism. “The real shift is that this is no longer just institutional cooperation — it’s becoming an ecosystem play.” “The agreements set the foundation, but the focus since then has been on building real pipelines — of companies, capital, and capabilities. What has emerged is a more structured, execution-driven engagement. There is now active work underway to connect Uzbek tech companies with opportunities in Qatar, while also positioning Uzbekistan as a competitive destination for Qatari tech investment and partnerships.” Uzbekistan is rapidly transforming into a regional IT hub in Central Asia, targeting US$5 billion (QR18.2 billion) in IT service exports by 2030. Key advantages include zero corporate tax, zero VAT, and zero income tax for IT Park residents until 2040, alongside the Zero Risk Program offering free office space and equipment for foreign companies. “One of Uzbekistan’s strongest advantages is its English-speaking talent pool. The country is rapidly developing a young, technically skilled workforce, particularly in software development and IT services. Discussions are moving beyond traditional IT outsourcing into higher-value segments — AI, fintech solutions, and emerging areas like tokenisation. The ambition is not just to participate in the digital economy, but to co-create within it.” Roadmap of Bilateral Relations Between Qatar and Uzbekistan Over the next two years, the focus will be on consolidating recent progress and advancing a more structured, implementation-oriented partnership across key sectors. A primary objective is to further institutionalise political dialogue through regular high-level exchanges and the effective use of bilateral mechanisms, including the High-level Coordination Council for Strategic Partnership. Expanding economic and investment cooperation will remain central, with particular emphasis on energy, infrastructure, logistics, agriculture, and mining — focusing on developing bankable projects and facilitating sustained investment flows. Enhancing connectivity and trade facilitation is another key pillar — exploring efficient transport and logistics corridors linking Central Asia and the Gulf, and supporting private sector engagement through targeted business platforms. Cooperation
Hope in Action : The UNHCR–Qatar Partnership
A UNHCR staff member smiles with an internally displaced woman (IDP) inside her tent at an IDP gathering site near Kassala, Sudan. So far, 400 UNHCR tents have been erected at the site, which is expected to host some 800 families newly displaced by severe flooding in the region, as the rainy season sets in. © UNHCR/Aymen Alfadil Driving change for millions — how Qatar’s commitment to the world’s displaced is reshaping humanitarian response. By Aparajita Mukherjee Ahmed Mohsen, UNHCR Representative to the State of Qatar, in conversation with Business Leaders Qatar. BL Talk us through your career path. Ahmed Mohsen My career has been anchored in a strong commitment to human rights and advancing protection for forcibly displaced individuals. With academic degrees in international human rights law, international criminal justice, and risk, crisis, and disaster management, I have always believed that rigorous theory must be reinforced by practical field engagement. I began my journey with UNHCR as a volunteer in Cairo — an experience that shaped my understanding of community-based protection. Over the past two decades, I have served in complex operational contexts including Egypt, Eritrea, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, South Sudan, Sudan, and Syria, working across managerial, legal, protection and external relations functions. Before assuming my role as UNHCR Representative to Qatar in July 2023, I served as Deputy Representative to the GCC countries in Riyadh. BL As UNHCR Representative in Qatar — one of UNHCR’s top donors — what are the strategic priorities before you? Ahmed Mohsen UNHCR continues its efforts to sustain the long-standing strategic partnership with the State of Qatar and to expand collaboration with Qatari institutions. Qatar has long been one of UNHCR’s major donors, providing predictable and flexible contributions to life-saving programmes in the MENA region and beyond. The Office aims to expand engagement across Qatari NGOs, foundations, philanthropists, and the corporate sector — broadening collaboration to encompass resource mobilisation, advocacy, innovative financing, and sustainable humanitarian responses. “Qatar’s engagement goes beyond financial contributions — it reflects a broader approach grounded in international solidarity and responsibility-sharing.” — AHMED MOHSEN, UNHCR REPRESENTATIVE TO QATAR As winter grips Syria, displaced and returnee families continue to endure freezing conditions in damaged or inadequate shelters. UNHCR is on the ground providing winter kits and cash assistance to help the most vulnerable stay safe and warm. © UNHCR/Hameed Maarouf BL Qatar participated in the 2026 UNHCR Annual Pledging Conference in Geneva. Could you reflect on the pledge Qatar made? Ahmed Mohsen Qatar reaffirmed its support through a multi-year contribution for 2025–26, led by HE Jawhara bint Abdulaziz Al Suwaidi, Deputy Permanent Representative of Qatar to the UN. This renewed commitment comes at a time of growing humanitarian needs and widening funding gaps. For UNHCR, predictable and multi-year support is critical — it allows us to respond to immediate needs, plan more effectively, support durable solutions, and ensure continuity of assistance to the most vulnerable. BL Talk us through the National Asylum System MoU between UNHCR and Qatar. Ahmed Mohsen The MoU signed with Qatar’s Department of Human Rights at the Ministry of Interior signals a shift from access-based to system-based protection, enabling UNHCR to support the implementation of a nationally owned asylum framework aligned with international standards. This partnership positions UNHCR as a trusted technical adviser, incorporating international protection principles into Qatar’s legal and administrative systems. BL Qatar contributes to UNHCR operations in Sudan, Syria, Ukraine and for Rohingya refugees. What light can you throw on these contributions? Ahmed Mohsen Qatar’s overall contributions to UNHCR, exceeding US$440 million (QR1.6 billion) since 2010, have supported more than 9 million forcibly displaced people. These contributions fund education, healthcare, shelter, cash assistance, and livelihoods programmes — all essential to safeguarding the dignity of displaced populations. In 2025, contributions included: access to secondary healthcare for Syrian refugees in Jordan; cash assistance for displaced families in Yemen; core relief items in Chad, Djibouti, and Ghana; and cash and shelter assistance for returnees in Syria. UNHCR Distribution in Adra Saida Governorate in south Lebanon, UNHCR distributed core relief items to displaced families in a collective shelter in Saida. © UNHCR/Houssam Hariri UKRAINE RESPONSE In September 2025, UNHCR signed a US$5 million (QR18.2 million) agreement with Qatar Fund For Development (QFFD) to rehabilitate war-damaged homes and community infrastructure in Ukraine. Over 12 months, this will benefit more than 4,000 internally displaced persons and returnees — helping them return to safe and dignified living conditions. Since February 2022, close to 55,000 war-damaged homes have been repaired as part of UNHCR’s shelter programme. BL Qatar reaffirmed its support for UN refugee efforts in New York. Could you detail the ways Qatar would support this? Ahmed Mohsen During a meeting between HE Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the UN, and UN High Commissioner Dr. Barham Salih in New York in March, Qatar reaffirmed its strong and sustained support for UNHCR’s mandate. Qatar emphasised its continued backing for humanitarian operations, readiness to support global initiatives for displaced communities, and engagement with multilateral partners to address regional displacement challenges. “The High Commissioner welcomed Qatar’s ongoing humanitarian contributions and its constructive role in collective responses to refugee crises worldwide.” — UNHCR, MARCH 2026 BL On a short- to medium-term roadmap for UNHCR in Qatar, what would be the focus action areas? Ahmed Mohsen The 2026 planning figure for forcibly displaced and stateless populations stands at 136 million. UNHCR’s proposed budget for 2026 is US$8.505 billion — a reduction of US$2.1 billion versus 2025, reflecting strategic prioritisation rather than reduced need. In Qatar, focus remains on partnerships and resource mobilisation. Top countries funded by Qatari partners include Yemen, Bangladesh, and Lebanon. UNHCR has expanded Islamic philanthropy tools, including the Refugee Zakat Fund and the Global Islamic Fund for Refugees (GIFR). Since 2018, Qatari private sector partners have contributed over US$130 million (QR473.2 million) to the Refugee Zakat Fund, assisting more than 3.3 million displaced Sudan : Forcibly displaced and host communities go back to school after two years of conflict. © UNHCR/Antonia Vadala
Qatar and the Wider GCC Are Becoming Central Nodes in Global Capital
Laura Merlini, Managing Director EMEA, CAIA Association, speaks exclusively to Business Leaders Qatar. CAIA Association’s landmark global study, The World Rewired, reveals how geopolitics, technology, and organisational change are reconstructing the architecture of capital markets — and why Qatar sits at the centre of it all. By Aparajita Mukherjee About the interviewee : Laura Merlini, Managing Director EMEA, CAIA Association. Leading regional strategy since 2012, and a senior alternatives professional and frequent speaker on governance, responsible investing, and industry trends. About the study: CAIA Association — a global network of investment professionals redefining the future of capital allocation — has released a new global study, The World Rewired, highlighting how the investment landscape is undergoing a “wholesale rewiring” as geopolitics, technology, and organisational capabilities reshape how capital is raised, allocated, and managed. BL: How is the investment landscape of today distinct from what it was five years back? Five years ago, most of us still assumed a world of low rates, ample liquidity, and relatively benign globalisation. Today, that framework no longer holds. We are operating with higher and more uncertain real rates, sharper geopolitical fault lines, and a more fragmented map of trade and capital flows. At the same time, what we used to call “alternatives” has moved to the centre of many institutional portfolios. Value creation and governance are increasingly happening in private markets, often long before a company considers listing — if it lists at all. Public and private markets are converging, which challenges traditional 60/40 thinking and pushes us toward a genuine total portfolio mindset. In developing The World Rewired report, we listened closely to senior leaders and CAIA members, and a consistent insight emerged: this is not just another cycle. The underlying logic of how markets work is shifting. BL: How does the troika of geopolitics, technology, and organisational capabilities impact the investment landscape? Geopolitics has moved from background noise to a core input in the investment process. It now influences which deals get done, where firms place talent, and how capital flows across regions. We see regional clusters of capital across the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Latin America, each with distinct rules and sovereign priorities. Technology is the second force. Two innovations are racing toward the same goal of broadening access to private markets. Semi-liquid fund structures work within today’s infrastructure, while tokenised products could redefine that infrastructure entirely. Whether these approaches ultimately complement each other or collide remains an open question. The third force is organisational capability. Firms are moving toward flatter and more agile models to keep pace with regulatory and technological change. The skills gap is no longer just technical. It is about judgment under complexity, geopolitical awareness, and digital fluency. Many leaders quietly admit their organisations are not fully ready. BL: Coming to Qatar and the wider GCC, what is the outlook on investments and capital raising today? From an EMEA perspective, Qatar and the wider GCC are becoming central nodes in global capital — not peripheral markets. In Qatar, policy anchored in Vision 2030 is channelling capital into technology, health, education, and digital infrastructure, supported by the Qatar Investment Authority and development bank platforms. Recent forecasts point to real GDP growth of around 4 percent in 2025, and above 5 percent in 2026, driven by LNG expansion and diversification into advanced industries, logistics, the digital economy, and financial services. Across the Gulf, sovereign wealth funds have emerged as a new centre of gravity in state capital. In 2025, Gulf sovereign investors deployed approximately US$119 billion (QR422.16 billion) — roughly 43 percent of all capital invested by state-owned funds worldwide. By the end of that year, global sovereign wealth assets stood at around US$15 trillion (QR54.6 trillion), with Gulf-based funds accounting for an estimated US$6 trillion (QR21.8 trillion). When you raise capital from a Gulf sovereign fund, you are aligning with returns, national development, and geopolitical positioning at the same time. The architecture of this capital is also evolving — as seen in Abu Dhabi’s restructuring into a three-pole system with distinct global, industrial, and domestic development mandates. For global investors and issuers, the GCC offers deep and increasingly sophisticated capital, but it demands serious engagement with local mandates and governance. BL: What is the definition of long-term today, given that geopolitics is at its most delicate juncture? In this environment, “long term” is less a fixed number of years and more a mindset and governance choice. It means being willing to stay invested through policy shifts, technological disruption, and geopolitical episodes instead of reacting to every headline. Practically, that requires portfolios and institutions that can absorb shocks without being forced into pro-cyclical behaviour. Robust liquidity planning, diversified funding sources, and the thoughtful use of private markets across regions all play a critical role. We need scenario-based thinking and investment committees empowered to lean into dislocations when risk premia widen. That might include long-dated infrastructure, energy transition projects, or digital assets in reforming markets — always with managers who understand local complexity. Long-term today is about resilience and flexibility. BL: How will the IPO scenario be affected in this climate? Higher rates, valuation discipline, and geopolitical uncertainty have made IPO markets more cyclical and selective. The GCC illustrates this well. In 2025, IPOs in the region raised approximately US$5.1 billion (QR18.6 billion) from around 40 deals — a clear step down from US$13.2 billion (QR48.04 billion) in 2024, despite the number of listings remaining reasonably healthy. The engine is still there, but investors are more demanding on quality and pricing. Looking ahead, the outlook is cautiously positive. The GCC pipeline is broad — spanning energy-adjacent sectors, financials, logistics, technology, and consumer businesses supported by privatisations and family listings. Success will depend on timing, valuation, and post-listing execution. Crucially, IPOs are now one of several liquidity options. Many companies will remain private longer, funded by private equity, venture capital, and sovereign investors. That reinforces a key theme from The World Rewired — public and private markets are converging, and
Qatar’s Window to the Universe
The Blue Horsehead Nebula (IC 4592), captured over seven nights from Sawda Natheel, southern Qatar. Image courtesy: Rabeea Alkuwari / NASA APOD A striking deep-space image captured from Qatar’s desert skies by astrophotographer Rabeea Alkuwari, selected as NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day. Qatari astrophotographer Rabeea Alkuwari has once again captured the world’s attention — and NASA’s — after his breathtaking image of the Blue Horsehead Nebula (IC 4592) was selected as NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day, marking his third such recognition from the world’s most celebrated space agency. Shot across seven painstaking nights from Sawda Natheel in southern Qatar, the image required two adjacent frames stitched together to capture the nebula’s full scale — a technical feat that reflects both the complexity of deep-sky imaging and the extraordinary clarity of Qatar’s desert skies. The subject, IC 4592 — the Blue Horsehead Nebula — is a reflection nebula in the constellation Scorpius, illuminated by the bright star Nu Scorpii. Its delicate blue hues and vast celestial structure make it one of the most visually striking deep-sky objects, and one of the most technically demanding to photograph. “Being able to share my work from the premium skies of Qatar with the world is always a pleasure.” -RABEEA ALKUWARI, ASTROPHOTOGRAPHER A mechanical engineer by profession and a stargazer by passion, Alkuwari’s achievement is a powerful reminder that world-class scientific artistry can emerge from right here in Qatar — from its silent desert plains, its expansive dark skies, and from the quiet ambition of those who look upward and refuse to stop reaching. WHY THIS MATTERS FOR QATAR Alkuwari’s recognition places Qatar on the global map of scientific and creative achievement — not through imported expertise, but through homegrown talent. His work demonstrates that Qatar’s people are capable of contributing to humanity’s greatest pursuit: understanding the universe. NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day programme, running since 1995, features a single image each day selected by professional astronomers for its scientific and artistic merit. To be selected once is remarkable. To be selected three times — from the same patch of desert sky in southern Qatar — is extraordinary. In a nation building its future across technology, science, education and culture, Alkuwari’s lens has become one of Qatar’s most powerful instruments of achievement — pointing not inward, but outward, into the infinite. “World-class scientific artistry can emerge from right here in Qatar.” -BUSINESS LEADERS QATAR
Oil Prices Surge as Strait of Hormuz Disruptions Rattle Global Markets
Crude oil markets had been jolted at the start of the week as escalating security risks in the Middle East triggered a sharp supply-shock response. Brent crude briefly surged to around $119.50 a barrel before easing back near $113, while U.S. benchmark WTI also spiked close to $119 and later traded near $110, reflecting rapid repricing as traders assessed disruption risk to production and shipping routes. A major pressure point had been the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint through which roughly 15 million barrels per day—about one-fifth of global oil flows—typically moved. With tanker movements reportedly slowing amid heightened threat perceptions, the market had quickly priced in tighter near-term availability. Regional producers, including Iraq, Kuwait, and the UAE, had reportedly reduced output as storage filled and export capacity tightened—an operational reality that often follows when crude cannot move efficiently to market. For businesses in Doha, the message had been clear: volatility was not noise—it was a signal to stress-test costs, logistics, and cash flow before the next swing.
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.
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.
