Doha: Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani inaugurated Web Summit Qatar 2025, the second edition of the Middle East and North Africa's largest technology event, at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. During his keynote address, Sheikh Mohammad affirmed that Qatar continues to strengthen its position as a global platform for innovation and entrepreneurship while actively implementing regulatory reforms and creating new economic opportunities to empower the private sector.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Sheikh Mohammad emphasized that Qatar is well-positioned for a private sector take-off, built on the back of its thriving energy sector. He highlighted the launch of transformative partnerships across key sectors, including pioneering fintech solutions and groundbreaking climate technologies. The Prime Minister reiterated Qatar's commitment to supporting startups and expressed plans to renovate the entire economy to make Qatar the top regional destination for startups, creating an ecosystem for innovation and growth.
Reflecting on the progress since the first Web Summit in the MENA region a year ago, Sheikh Mohammad noted the realization of a remarkable vision, with ambitions surpassed and the future unfolding. He stressed the importance of creating opportunities for future generations, a principle deeply embedded in Qatar's national identity and domestic and international commitments. Through Web Summit Qatar, a convergence of talent, technology, and ambition is being witnessed not just in Qatar, but throughout the region.
In a significant announcement, Sheikh Mohammad revealed that the Qatar Investment Authority has fulfilled its Web Summit Qatar 2024 commitment by establishing a USD one billion Fund of Funds. This initiative aims to support startups and involves six globally recognized investment firms to deploy capital, foster innovation, and empower entrepreneurs both locally and globally. Since its launch last year, the program has attracted over 2,000 applications from 60 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Turkiye, and India.
The current edition of Web Summit Qatar welcomes over 25,000 attendees from 124 countries, featuring more than 1,520 startups, over 600 investors, and more than 380 speakers alongside 180 industry partners. The event has garnered significant media attention, with representatives from over 600 media outlets covering the proceedings. Web Summit Qatar 2025 will include panel discussions and workshops exploring advancements in technology and digital market trends.