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Web Summit Qatar Doha Hosts Largest Startup Gathering in the Middle East with 15,453 Attendees

Web Summit Qatar Draws Record Attendance: 15,453 Gather in Doha for Largest Startup Gathering in the Middle East

Rasmal Press RoombyRasmal Press Room
February 27, 2024
in Events, News, Startup
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  • Web Summit Qatar draws 15,453 attendees from 118 countries, marking a groundbreaking platform for global innovation and collaboration in the Middle East.
  • The event features 1,043 startups from 81 countries, with significant representation from Qatar, Africa, and the wider MENA region, fostering diverse visions and entrepreneurial endeavours.
  • Women play a prominent role at Web Summit Qatar, comprising 37% of attendees and 30% of speakers, with one in three startups featuring women on the founding team. The Women in Tech Lounge provides a supportive platform for networking and empowerment within the industry.

At the inaugural Web Summit Qatar, CEO Katherine Maher celebrated the event’s launch in the Middle East, acknowledging the region’s dynamic contribution to the tech landscape. She emphasized the significance of connecting entrepreneurs, investors, and changemakers, marking a new chapter for the Summit.

Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al Thani, Director of the Government Communications Office and Chairman of the Organizing Committee, lauded the Summit as a testament to Qatar’s progressive journey. He highlighted Qatar’s emergence as a hub for innovation, evidenced by the record-breaking attendance and the event’s immediate impact on Web Summit history.

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The first day of Web Summit Qatar witnessed remarkable milestones, including unprecedented startup participation and notable representation from Africa. With such a strong start, Web Summit Qatar is poised to propel technological innovation and entrepreneurial spirit in the region.

Web Summit Qatar Attracts 15,453 Attendees from 118 Countries

The Web Summit Qatar attracted 15,453 attendees from 118 countries to the sold-out Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC). This inaugural event in the Middle East brought together founders, investors, journalists, and leaders, facilitating connections among them. 

As a pivotal force for innovation in the region, it showcased the global impact of the attendees, who are actively shaping the future. This historic gathering marks a significant step forward in fostering collaboration and advancing technological progress. Qatar’s hosting of the Web Summit signifies its emergence as a hub for innovation and highlights its commitment to fostering connections on a global scale.

The Middle East hosts the most extensive assembly of startups

The Middle East witnessed a remarkable congregation of innovation with over 1,043 startups from 81 nations converging at the event. Among them, 10 per cent hail from Qatar, while 20 per cent represent Africa and 50 per cent originate from the broader MENA region. Notably, 10 per cent of the startups are part of the Web Summit Qatar’s Impact program, dedicated to technology for societal good. 

Throughout the event, 358 startups engage in 42 Mentor Hours sessions, seizing the opportunity to learn from industry leaders and forge valuable connections. Additionally, these startups vie for recognition in the PITCH competition, powered by Jusour, showcasing their vision to prominent investors on a global stage. It’s a testament to the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and burgeoning tech landscape across the Middle East, fostering collaboration, innovation, and impact.

401 investors

401 investors from 46 countries, including prominent figures like Peak XV’s GV Ravishankar, Global Ventures’ Noor Sweid, Christine Tsai and Khailee Ng from 500 Global, and Invest Qatar’s Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani, will convene at the event. 

They aim to explore investment prospects in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets and connect with the upcoming wave of startups. This gathering promises an exchange of ideas and opportunities, fostering collaboration and innovation on a global scale.

There are 380 speakers and 896 members of the media

The event features 380 speakers, including esteemed figures such as His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Emmy-winning South African comedian Trevor Noah, and Bollywood actress and singer Nora Fatehi. 

Notable attendees also include WPP CEO Mark Read, Whoop founder and CEO Will Ahmed, Groq CEO Jonathan Ross, astronaut and Deep Space Initiative founder Sara Sabry, Replit co-founder and CEO Amjad Masad, and Builder.ai founder and chief wizard Sachin Dev Duggal. 

Soccer legends Patrice Evra, John Obi Mikel, and Gilberto Silva, along with Tabby co-founder and CEO Hosam Arab, add further prestige to the gathering. The event draws 896 members of the media, attesting to its significance and broad appeal.

Web Summit Qatar Features 148 Exhibiting Partners

At Web Summit Qatar, 148 partners, including big tech names like Microsoft, Snap, and TikTok, are exhibiting on the event floor to seize business prospects in the region and connect with emerging companies and technologies. Among the attendees are trade delegations from nations such as Canada, Türkiye, and Nigeria, keen on exploring opportunities in the Middle East. 

Notably, Qatar Investment Authority, Deloitte, and Palo Alto Networks are also showcasing their presence. Additionally, six community partners, dedicated to championing underrepresented individuals in the tech sector, are actively participating in the event, fostering inclusivity and diversity within the industry.

Women in Tech Thrive at Web Summit Qatar

At the event, 37 per cent of attendees are women, and 30 per cent of the speakers are also women. Additionally, one in three startups in the program has a woman on its founding team. The Women in Tech Lounge serves as a hub, welcoming organizations such as Women of Qatar and Women Techmakers, alongside thousands of female tech enthusiasts worldwide. 

This inclusive space fosters networking and support among women in the tech industry, standing as a testament to their growing presence and influence. It highlights their contributions and potential for further innovation and leadership.

Qatar Announces $1 Billion Investment in International and Regional VC Funds

At Web Summit Qatar 2024, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced the nation’s maiden venture capital Fund of Funds program. 

Managed by the Qatar Investment Authority, the initiative committed US$1 billion to support international and regional venture capital funds. The goal was to nurture innovation and fortify Qatar’s tech ecosystem. Emphasizing the need for ethical oversight amidst rapid technological evolution, His Excellency stressed the importance of aligning progress with moral wisdom for societal benefit.

Web Summit Qatar emerges as a pivotal event, epitomizing the Middle East’s burgeoning tech landscape. With record-breaking attendance, diverse representation, and a focus on innovation, it underscores the region’s commitment to technological advancement and global collaboration. 

From groundbreaking startup showcases to insightful panel discussions and impactful networking opportunities, the summit embodies the spirit of progress and inclusivity. With women playing a significant role and a strong emphasis on diversity, Web Summit Qatar sets a precedent for fostering an equitable and dynamic tech ecosystem. It’s a testament to the transformative power of technology in shaping a brighter future for all.

Also Read

  • Qatar’s Strategic Vision Enhanced by Web Summit 2024
  • Web Summit Qatar: The largest startup gathering in the Middle East is now sold out
  • Qatar to Host Biggest International Tech Event in 2024: Web Summit
  • ITIDA Sponsors 33 Startups Participating in the Egyptian Pavilion at the Portugal Web Summit
  • 15 Prominent Women Speakers at Qatar Web Summit 2024
  • 15 Influential Investors to Watch at Qatar Web Summit 2024
  • Elevate Your Web Summit Qatar Experience with Night Summit
  • Tabby Introduces Tabby+ During Web Summit Qatar

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 February 27, 2024 by Safiya K

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Rasmal Press Room

Rasmal Press Room

Rasmal Press Room brings you press releases and updates from a wide array of startups, businesses and tech industries in the MENA region. This section features content directly from industry leaders and organizations, providing our readers with up-to-date information on the latest news and trends. Please note that these articles are sourced externally and may not represent Rasmal's editorial perspective.

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