More than 1,600 startups will attend the Doha gathering, underscoring Qatar’s growing pull as a global technology and investment hub.
Web Summit Qatar has announced that its startup programme for the 2026 edition is officially sold out, with more than 1,600 startups from over 120 countries confirmed to attend. The event floor has also reached full capacity, signalling one of the strongest demand cycles since the conference launched in Doha.
The four-day event will take place from 1 to 4 February 2026 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center, and is expected to attract more than 30,000 attendees, including founders, investors, policymakers, and technology leaders from across the globe.
Rising demand from startups and global partners
According to organisers, interest from startups has reached an unprecedented level, reflecting both the maturation of the regional tech ecosystem and Qatar’s growing visibility as a convening point for global innovation.
The event floor will host a broad mix of international technology companies and regional partners, including IBM, Microsoft, TikTok, Huawei, Qatar Airways, and Snapchat, among others. Organisers indicated that general attendee tickets are also expected to sell out in the coming weeks.
A Web Summit spokesperson said the sell-out reinforces the conference’s positioning as a meeting ground for emerging technologies and decision-makers shaping the next decade of innovation.
Qatar’s role as a regional technology gateway
Now entering its third edition in Doha, Web Summit Qatar has become a focal point for conversations around digital transformation, economic diversification, and emerging technologies across the Middle East and beyond.
The surge in demand follows a landmark 2025 edition, which Rasmal previously reported as a pivotal moment for homegrown talent and the wider regional ecosystem:
The event’s continued growth aligns with Qatar’s broader strategy to position itself as a regional hub for technology, entrepreneurship, and knowledge-based industries, particularly in areas such as smart cities, fintech, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing.
Thousands of entrepreneurs and investors are expected to use the event as a platform to explore cross-border partnerships, market entry opportunities, and capital deployment across the Gulf, Africa, and Asia.
AI, fintech, and frontier technologies in focus
Artificial intelligence is expected to dominate the agenda at Web Summit Qatar 2026, with discussions examining not only technological advances but also governance, funding, and real-world deployment across sectors including healthcare, energy, sport, and government.
The programme will also feature dedicated tracks covering fintech, new energy, health, government technology, sport, and advanced manufacturing, alongside sessions on quantum computing and the evolving creator economy.
Organisers noted that the breadth of topics reflects growing convergence between technology, policy, and industry, particularly in emerging markets.
High-profile global and regional speakers
The speaker lineup includes a mix of global executives, policymakers, and cultural figures, such as:
- Sheikha Al Mayassa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums
- Cliff Obrecht, Co-Founder and COO of Canva
- John Wren, Chairman and CEO of Omnicom Group
- Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani, CEO of Invest Qatar
- Natasha Jen, Partner at Pentagram
- Abir El Saghir, chef and digital creator
- Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Morocco’s Minister of Digital Transition
Further speakers from technology, government, design, and industry are expected to be announced ahead of the event.
Community-driven networking through meetups
Web Summit Qatar will also expand its curated meetup programme, designed to facilitate smaller, personalised gatherings among attendees. Powered by the event’s proprietary software, the meetups aim to connect founders, investors, and operators based on shared interests and strategic relevance, offering a more targeted alternative to large-scale networking.
A signal of ecosystem momentum
The sell-out of the startup programme, combined with a fully booked exhibition floor, points to growing momentum in the regional and global tech ecosystem at a time when venture markets remain selective.
For founders, the Doha event offers exposure to international investors and enterprise partners. For policymakers and corporates, it provides a window into how emerging technologies are reshaping industries and economic models worldwide.
As Web Summit Qatar approaches its February opening, attention will now turn to deal-making activity, partnership announcements, and whether the strong pre-event demand translates into lasting ecosystem impact.
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Last Updated on January 11, 2026 by Safiya K
