GCO Director speaks to QNA on Tech Live Qatar 2025

Hosted for the first time in the MENA region

Conference boosts Qatar’s global standing in technology and digital economy

Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al-Thani, Director of the Government Communications Office (GCO), affirmed that Qatar’s hosting of WSJ Tech Live Qatar 2025 marks a major milestone in the country’s strategic drive to strengthen its position as a global hub for dialogue on technology and the digital economy.

The event, the first-ever WSJ Tech Live to be held in the Middle East and North Africa, runs from December 2 to 4 and brings together leading global figures in technology, innovation and policymaking.

In remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Sheikh Jassim underscored the unique significance of WSJ Tech Live Qatar 2025, noting that the event goes beyond merely showcasing the latest technological advancements. He said it is among the few global gatherings that convene an exclusive group of leading CEOs from major international companies and institutions for in-depth strategic discussions on the future of technology, media, entertainment and finance, and their impact on the global economy. He added that the event serves as a key platform for shaping influential visions and emerging trends across these vital sectors.

Sheikh Jassim noted that Qatar’s selection to host this prominent event reflects the confidence of international institutions in the nation’s thriving technological ecosystem and its ability to attract leading investors, decision-makers and experts from around the world. He said this also underscores the competitiveness of the national economy and highlights its role in driving innovation and attracting startups and talent.

He further pointed out that the conference contributes to building bridges of cooperation and forging leading international partnerships that enhance digital transformation across the region, in line with Qatar’s strategic direction to build a knowledge-based economy and solidify its presence at the heart of the global dialogue on the future of technology.

He explained that the Qatar edition provides a unique opportunity to spotlight the country’s efforts in developing its digital environment, as well as in supporting entrepreneurship and empowering the next generation of innovators.

On the strategic importance of Doha hosting the first-ever WSJ Tech Live event in the region, Sheikh Jassim said that the conference is distinguished by its in-depth strategic discussions, driven by the high-level participation of leading CEOs, investors and decision-makers from the global technology, media, entertainment and finance sectors. He noted that this reflects the advanced position Qatar has attained as a destination for international dialogue on technology and the digital economy, as well as its success in building a sophisticated digital ecosystem, reliable infrastructure and a talent-attracting environment.

He added that the conference also addresses the rapid transformations unfolding in the talent, media and entertainment sectors, in light of the rise of digital platforms and creator-driven content models. He said this contributes to shaping forward-looking discussions on the future of these industries and their growing role in building a more competitive global creative economy, thereby reinforcing Qatar’s position at the forefront of dialogue on emerging trends in media and innovation.

He also spoke about the conference’s focus on the growing role of technology in transforming how audiences engage with sports through digital communities, noting that this contributes to shaping the future relationship between the public and the sports sector and highlights Qatar’s role in this global transformation. He added that the conference further reinforces Qatar’s position as an active partner in shaping the future of technology and as a global platform that brings together leaders and decision-makers in innovation and investment.

Reflecting on the event’s contribution to supporting Qatar’s transition toward a knowledge-based digital economy, Sheikh Jassim described digital transformation as a cornerstone of Qatar National Vision 2030. He said that WSJ Tech Live forms part of a broader strategic path pursued by the country to build a knowledge-based economy through three main tracks: attracting global technology leaders to foster high-level dialogue and open new horizons for partnerships, enabling startups and entrepreneurs to access international investors, and highlighting national experiences in digital transformation. He affirmed that the event strengthens Qatar’s competitiveness and confirms its readiness to lead the future of the digital economy.

The Director of the GCO described the opportunities that WSJ Tech Live offers to local entrepreneurs and talent as exceptional, noting that it will connect them directly with leading global figures in technology and innovation. He said participants will be able to benefit from international best practices, explore investment opportunities and strategic partnerships and expand their professional networks. He added that the panel discussions and workshops will also provide valuable insights into the latest technological trends, enhancing participants’ ability to develop innovative projects and contribute to the growth of the innovation ecosystem in Qatar and the wider region.

On the role of the partnership with Dow Jones in enhancing Qatar’s global standing in digital innovation, Sheikh Jassim noted that Dow Jones, publisher of The Wall Street Journal, is regarded as a strategic partner in supporting Qatar’s efforts to foster digital innovation and strengthen its position on the global technology and media map.

He pointed out that the GCO signed an agreement last year with Dow Jones to host the WSJ Tech Live conference in Doha, reflecting the shared commitment of both sides to establishing a permanent global platform for dialogue on innovation and technology. He added that Dow Jones has also announced its intention to open an office in Qatar, a move that will further strengthen the environment for media and technology cooperation and facilitate the transfer of global best practices to the country.

He affirmed that this partnership reflects Qatar’s broader efforts to build a sustainable knowledge-based economy, attract high-quality investments and empower local talent by connecting them with global innovation, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the country’s drive to strengthen its position as a regional and global hub for innovation and a catalyst for international partnerships across all digital sectors.

Sheikh Jassim highlighted the events and sessions of the inaugural edition noting that the calibre of participants and speakers, as well as the quality of the sessions and technologies on display, clearly distinguish it from other major technology events. He said that more than 200 senior executives from Fortune 500 companies, in addition to entrepreneurs, investors and leaders from the technology, media, entertainment and finance sectors, are taking part in the conference.

He added that the conference program features high-level panel discussions on the future of sports and media in the digital age, the future of privacy, regulation, consumer trust, talent development, content creation, financial technology and cryptocurrencies, as well as space and defence technologies. He noted that the program also includes visits to museums, heritage sites and creative institutions, aimed at fostering networking among participants and introducing them to Qatar’s rich cultural and creative landscape.

In concluding his interview with QNA, the Director of the GCO discussed the anticipated impact of Qatar hosting the conference on its regional and global standing in the technology and digital economy sectors. He said hosting the event complements Qatar’s efforts to consolidate its position as a regional and global hub for dialogue on technology and innovation.

By bringing together industry leaders, investors and experts, Qatar strengthens its active role in shaping the future directions of the technology and digital economy sectors. He added that hosting the conference also facilitates the expansion of international partnerships and the building of long-term strategic relationships with leading global institutions. This momentum, he said, supports Qatar’s vision of building a diversified knowledge-based economy, maximizing the benefits of advanced technologies, and empowering talent, thereby reinforcing the country’s position as an attractive environment for innovation and investment and a key destination for decision-makers in the digital sectors.