DOHA, February 23 – Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, inaugurated Web Summit Qatar 2025 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. This marks the second edition of the largest technology event in the Middle East and North Africa.
In his keynote address, Sheikh Mohammad highlighted Qatar’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship on a global scale. He emphasized the country’s ongoing regulatory reforms and the creation of new economic opportunities designed to empower the private sector. “Built on the back of our thriving energy sector, we are positioned for a private sector take-off,” he asserted. “This launch will include even more transformative partnerships across key sectors, from pioneering fintech solutions to groundbreaking climate technologies.”
The Prime Minister underscored Qatar’s dedication to supporting startups and cultivating an ecosystem where they can thrive. “We plan to renovate our entire economy to make Qatar the top regional destination for startups and create an ecosystem for startups to innovate and thrive,” he stated. He further elaborated, “A year ago, we gathered here for the first Web Summit in the MENA region. Today, as we look across the same space, we see something remarkable: a vision realized, ambitions surpassed, and the future unfolding before our eyes. We want to create opportunities for future generations, and this runs deep within our national identity, reflected in many of our domestic and international commitments. Through the catalyst of Web Summit Qatar, we are witnessing a convergence of talent, technology and ambition – not just in Qatar, but throughout the region.”
Sheikh Mohammad also announced the successful fulfillment of the Qatar Investment Authority’s (QIA) commitment from Web Summit Qatar 2024. A USD one billion Fund of Funds has been established to support startups, with six globally recognized investment firms selected to deploy capital, foster innovation and empower entrepreneurs both locally and globally. The program, launched last year, has attracted over 2,000 applications from 60 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Turkiye, and India.
The expanded Web Summit Qatar 2025 expects to welcome over 25,000 attendees from more than 124 countries, featuring over 1,520 startups, more than 600 investors, and over 380 speakers, along with 180 industry partners. The event has also generated considerable media attention, attracting representatives from over 600 media outlets. The summit will include panel discussions and workshops exploring advancements in technology and digital market trends. (end)
