Doha – Hollywood superstar and Academy Award-winning actor Will Smith is set to take center stage at Web Summit Qatar 2025, marking one of the most highly anticipated appearances at this year’s premier technology event. Scheduled to be held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC) from February 23-26, the event promises an unparalleled fusion of technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
A Star Among Innovators
Web Summit Qatar, the Middle East and North Africa’s (MENA) largest technology gathering is expected to attract over 25,000 attendees, including industry leaders, founders, investors, media professionals, and over 1,500 startups. This year’s summit will feature discussions on emerging trends shaping the global business and technology landscape, making Smith’s presence an exciting highlight.
Beyond his iconic career in film and music, Smith has solidified his position as an entrepreneur. In 2019, alongside his wife Jada Pinkett Smith, he co-founded Westbrook, a multifaceted entertainment company dedicated to supporting creative talent in film, television, new media, and consumer goods. His insights into media, culture, health, and technology will take center stage in an engaging conversation with renowned author and podcast host Jay Shetty.
The discussion will explore Smith’s multifaceted career, the challenges he has overcome, and the broader implications of success beyond the entertainment industry. Attendees can expect to gain valuable insights into the intersection of Hollywood, business, and emerging technologies from one of the most recognizable figures in global entertainment.
A Power-Packed Speaker Lineup
Smith will join a star-studded lineup of speakers at Web Summit Qatar 2025. Key participants include:
- Alexis Ohanian – Co-founder of Reddit and Seven Seven Six
- Eduardo Saverin – Co-founder of Facebook and B Capital
- Malcolm Gladwell – Bestselling author and podcast host
- Laura Chambers – CEO of Mozilla Corporation
- Brian Robbins – CEO of Paramount Pictures
The event will also host over 600 world-leading investors seeking to connect with promising startups. Major investment firms and global organizations such as Meta, Huawei, Snap, Microsoft, TikTok, and Qatar Airways are among the key partners supporting the event.
Startups and Innovation Take Center Stage
The second edition of Web Summit Qatar will showcase 1,500 early-stage startups from 90 countries, with an impressive 46% led by women founders. Approximately 85% of the participating startups hail from international markets, while 15% represent Qatar’s burgeoning tech ecosystem. The event serves as a vital networking platform for startups, connecting them with potential investors, partners, and industry leaders.
Startups will participate in the Startup Programme, where they will have the opportunity to present their innovations to an influential audience. This global gathering underscores Qatar’s growing reputation as a major hub for technological advancement and entrepreneurship in the MENA region.
Will Smith: A Career Beyond Hollywood
Will Smith’s journey to global stardom spans over three decades, with a career that has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. He has earned four Grammy Awards as a musician and starred in blockbuster franchises such as Bad Boys and Men in Black. In 2022, he secured his first Academy Award for his performance as Richard Williams in King Richard, a film that chronicled the rise of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams.
Smith’s early career began as a rapper under the moniker The Fresh Prince, before skyrocketing to fame with the hit sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. His transition to Hollywood superstardom was marked by a series of box-office hits, including Independence Day, Ali, and The Pursuit of Happyness. His ability to reinvent himself across multiple industries has made him an influential figure in both entertainment and business.
Web Summit’s Role in Shaping the Future
Web Summit Qatar is part of a five-year partnership with the State of Qatar, designed to position Doha as a leading global tech hub. The event fosters innovation, encourages investment in startups, and connects key players across industries.
Since its inception as a 150-person conference in Dublin in 2009, Web Summit has grown into one of the world’s most significant tech event series, spanning continents. In addition to Qatar, the summit also takes place in Lisbon, Rio de Janeiro, and soon Vancouver in May 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Will Smith will speak at Web Summit Qatar 2025, sharing insights on media, business, and success with Jay Shetty.
- The event will host 25,000 attendees, including world-renowned investors, business leaders, and 1,500 innovative startups.
- Qatar is emerging as a global tech hub, attracting top-tier partners, entrepreneurs, and investors from across the world.
As anticipation builds for Web Summit Qatar 2025, the event promises to be a defining moment for technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation in the MENA region. With Will Smith’s headline appearance, the summit is set to deliver thought-provoking discussions that bridge the gap between entertainment, technology, and business.
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