Qatar to host first MENA edition of WSJ Tech Live next week

Global event brings together top investors and tech leaders to explore international collaboration, attract strategic investments and support the growth of digital sectors

Qatar is set to welcome Wall Street Journal Tech Live for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa, reinforcing the country’s growing position as a global hub for technology and innovation. The Government Communications Office (GCO) announced the completion of preparations for the global event, which will convene top executives, investors and technology leaders from around the world at the Waldorf Astoria Lusail Doha from 2–4 December.

The international conference comes as part of Qatar’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its position as a global hub for innovation and technology, spotlight emerging trends in the digital economy and connect local talent with leading international companies. The event will support national efforts to promote global partnerships, attract strategic investments and advance the country’s digital-sector initiatives, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.

Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al Thani, Director of the GCO, affirmed that hosting the event reinforces Qatar’s position as a hub for global innovation and technology and enables the State of Qatar to leverage its strategic location as a meeting point for trade, entrepreneurship and international partnerships, while attracting startup leaders and investors from around the world. This, in turn, supports the nation’s innovation journey, empowers national talent and broadens the scope of international cooperation in alignment with Qatar’s economic and strategic objectives.

He added: “Hosting WSJ Tech Live for the first time in the MENA region reflects Qatar’s growing reputation as an attractive destination for international events and conferences in the fields of technology and innovation. It underscores the country’s continuous efforts to build an advanced digital ecosystem that supports a knowledge-based economy and reflects Qatar’s commitment to strengthening its position in the global digital landscape.”

Exclusive and invitation-only, the event will gather more than 200 Fortune 500 CEOs, entrepreneurs, investors and global leaders in technology, media, entertainment and finance. Participants will have access to startup success stories, collaboration and partnership opportunities and direct engagements with influential tech leaders and experts from around the world.

The inaugural MENA edition will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers, including Serena Williams, global tennis icon, Michael Rubin, Founder and CEO of Fanatics, David Kramer, CEO of United Talent Agency, Alexis Ohanian, Co-Founder of Reddit, Founder and General Partner of Seven Seven Six and Jamie Salter, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Authentic Brands Group, a global leading company in intellectual property rights across the fields of sports, lifestyle and entertainment.

The line of speakers also includes artist, actor and entrepreneur Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization, Johanna Faries, President of Blizzard Entertainment, Phillipa Leighton-Jones, Senior Vice President of The Trust, a WSJ affiliate, Bob McCooey, Vice Chairman of Nasdaq and Wen Sang, Co-Founder and COO of US based Genspark.ai, in addition to presidents and leaders of global companies in various sectors.

The conference program includes specialised panel discussions on the future of sports and media in the digital era, data privacy and consumer trust, talent development and content, latest developments in fintech and digital currencies, AI applications and space and defence technologies.

The conference agenda also highlights the nation’s cultural landscape by organising curated visits to museums, heritage sites and creative institutions, promoting greater dialogue and openness among participants and showcasing Qatar’s rich cultural heritage alongside its advancing innovation and technology landscape.

Guests will also attend the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix, taking place from 28 to 30 November, offering them the opportunity to experience Qatar’s world-class infrastructure that enables it to host top global sporting events and its proven capability to organise major international events.

The launch of WSJ Tech Live in Qatar further underscores the nation’s commitment to supporting digital innovation, accelerating the shift towards a knowledge-based economy and reinforcing Qatar’s position as a leading global destination for high-level technology events, advancing the national ambition to be a premier hub for technology and innovation in the region and the world.