- Web Summit Qatar 2025 will take place from February 23–26, building on the success of the inaugural event in 2024, with over 15,000 attendees expected.
- Web Summit Qatar 2025 will focus on strengthening Qatar’s position as a global hub for tech innovation, connecting entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders from across the region.
- Qatar Development Bank (QDB) introduced the Startup Qatar Investment Programme to support local startups, offering strategic backing and solidifying 24 new partnerships.
- Web Summit Qatar has become a significant event for startups, with several local companies sharing success stories and expanding their networks after attending the previous summit.
As the year draws to a close, Qatar is already setting the stage for what promises to be one of the region’s most exciting tech events: Web Summit Qatar 2025, scheduled for February 23–26.
To build momentum, the latest Runway to Web Summit event offered a glimpse into the innovations and opportunities awaiting attendees, while celebrating Qatar’s growing prominence as a global hub for technology and entrepreneurship.
The event was held at M7. It was hosted by Scale7 that is an incubator supported by Qatar Development Bank (QDB) and M7, Qatar’s epicenter for innovation and design. This gathering of tech leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors underscored Qatar’s dedication to fostering creativity and collaboration across its burgeoning startup ecosystem.
Champions of Innovation Take the Stage
The latest Runway to Web Summit was graced by influential figures in the tech and startup ecosystem, including Paddy Cosgrave, co-founder and CEO of Web Summit, and Abdulrahman Hesham Al-Sowaidi, CEO of Qatar Development Bank. Both leaders emphasized the transformative potential of Web Summit Qatar in shaping the region’s tech future.
Several Qatar-based startups also took the spotlight during a lively panel discussion. These included:
- Adeer: An AI-driven business management platform.
- Kafy: A food-tech solution reimagining restaurant operations.
- SkipCash: A mobile payment app that simplifies transactions with QR-based solutions.
- Wqtah: A platform that connects users with unique local experiences.
The panel was moderated by Hamad Al-Amari, a Qatari comedian and entrepreneur whose global experiences in Ireland and the United States added a unique perspective to the discussions.
Al-Amari encouraged the founders to share personal insights into their entrepreneurial journeys, highlighting their challenges and successes within Qatar’s vibrant business ecosystem.
Web Summit 2025
Reflecting on the success of the inaugural Web Summit Qatar earlier this year, Cosgrave expressed excitement for the upcoming event.
“We are thrilled to be in Doha today, witnessing the incredible talent and ambition in Qatar’s tech community,” Cosgrave said. “Last year’s event was a game-changer, and it’s amazing to see many participants from 2024 returning as partners for 2025. This shows the strength of Qatar’s ecosystem and the immense potential we’re nurturing here.”
The inaugural event in 2024 attracted over 15,000 attendees, establishing Qatar as a key player in the global innovation landscape. This year’s edition aims to surpass those numbers, bringing together startups, investors, and thought leaders from across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.
Qatar Development Bank
Qatar Development Bank continues to play a pivotal role in transforming the nation into a global innovation hub. During the February event, QDB introduced its Startup Qatar Investment Programme, designed to provide strategic support to startups looking to establish or expand operations in Qatar. The program also facilitated the signing of 24 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), solidifying partnerships to further strengthen the country’s tech ecosystem.
Speaking about the Web Summit’s impact, Abdulrahman Hesham Al-Sowaidi, CEO of QDB, remarked:
“Web Summit Qatar is a powerful testament to our country’s emergence as a leader in global innovation. We’ve created an environment where startups thrive, where government backing fuels entrepreneurial spirit, and where groundbreaking ideas find the support to become global solutions. Qatar is now a launchpad for transformative innovations, connecting visionaries with unparalleled opportunities.”
Spotlight on Homegrown Talent
The event highlighted how Qatar’s startup ecosystem has evolved over the past year, with several companies sharing their growth stories:
- SkipCash, which won the Best Smart Solution Award at the Qatar Digital Business Awards 2024, reflected on how participating in Web Summit Qatar 2024 opened doors to partnerships and new opportunities.
- Wqtah, recognized as the Best Company in Digital Commerce, shared its journey from attending last year’s summit as a startup to returning as a partner.
- Adeer, crowned Best Mobile App at the Qatar Digital Business Awards, discussed its recent participation in Web Summit Lisbon, showcasing its AI-powered platform on a global stage.
- Kafy, which continues to gain momentum in the food-tech sector, demonstrated how its AI solutions are helping restaurants optimize operations, reduce waste, and cut costs.
These success stories serve as a testament to the impact of Web Summit Qatar in accelerating the growth of local startups and positioning them for international success.
A Platform for Collaboration and Growth
Qatar’s role as a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship is increasingly recognized, as noted by Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al Thani, Chairman of the Permanent Web Summit Organizing Committee.
“The success of Web Summit Qatar 2024 underscores our nation’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration,” Sheikh Jassim said. “This event has become one of the fastest-growing in the region, attracting global attention and creating opportunities for startups to connect with investors and partners. The 2025 edition will build on this momentum, enabling deeper partnerships and greater progress in the tech and innovation sectors.”
Web Summit Qatar 2025 aims to further enhance these connections, empowering entrepreneurs with the resources and networks needed to scale their ideas into impactful solutions.
The Runway to 2025
The latest Runway to Web Summit gathering demonstrated the importance of preparatory events in building excitement and engagement. It provided a platform for startups to showcase their innovations while fostering meaningful discussions about the future of tech in Qatar.
Qatar’s efforts to strengthen its startup ecosystem are aligned with its broader vision for economic diversification and technological advancement. By hosting events like Web Summit, the country is not only solidifying its role as a regional leader but also bridging the gap between global innovators and local talent.
About Web Summit Qatar
Scheduled for February 23–26, 2025, Web Summit Qatar will mark its second edition in Doha. The event is part of Web Summit’s global portfolio, which includes flagship events in Lisbon, Rio de Janeiro, Vancouver, and Asia. Designed to connect tech communities across the Middle East, Africa, and India, Web Summit Qatar serves as a platform for fostering collaboration and showcasing the region’s role in the global innovation ecosystem.
With over 15,000 attendees expected, the event will feature a mix of startup founders, investors, CEOs, and industry thought leaders, making it a must-attend for anyone invested in the future of technology and entrepreneurship.
About Web Summit
Web Summit is renowned for hosting the world’s largest technology conferences, bringing together the people and ideas shaping the future. From its humble beginnings as a 150-person conference in Dublin in 2009, it has grown into a global phenomenon, connecting half a million people across its events in Europe, North America, South America, and Asia.
The inclusion of Qatar in Web Summit’s portfolio reflects the country’s rising influence as a center for tech innovation and entrepreneurship. As Qatar prepares for Web Summit 2025, it is clear that the nation’s ambitions extend far beyond its borders, positioning it as a catalyst for change in the global innovation landscape.
Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter for startup & business news and inspiring stories of MENA businesses, entrepreneurs, startups, innovators, investors, and change-makers.
To report any issue or error in the story, please email us editor [at] rasmal [dot] com.
Last Updated on December 3, 2024 by Safiya K
