< Connecting Minds, Creating the Future. />
WEB SUMMIT
QATAR
A first-of-its-kind conference in the region uniting thousands of global entrepreneurs, investor and leaders, as part of a 5-year partnership designed to transform Doha into a global tech revolution hub.
< Overview />
Qatar is hosting the Web Summit for five years starting in 2024, aiming to become a key tech hub for diverse regions, including the Middle East, Africa and India. The Summit in Doha will leverage Qatar’s strategic position and advanced infrastructure to connect international entrepreneurs, investors and leaders.
< Web Summit in Numbers />
15,453
Attendees from 118 Countries
1,043
Startups from 81 Countries
896
Members of the Media
100
Startups from Qatar
200
Startups from Africa
37%
Women Attendees
380
Speakers – 30% Women
401
Investors from 46 Countries
$1bn
Announced for Investments in VC Funds
148
Partners
< Global Presence />
-
Meta
Social Media
-
TikTok
Social Media
-
Snapchat
Social Media
-
Microsoft
Information Technology
-
Amazon Ads
Advertising
-
Google
Search & Advertising Services
< Business Leader Insights />
Shadi Kandil
If you just reflect on the past four days, the energy, the buzz, the expertise from all around the world that came to share, to learn–it’s just transformative, it’s inspiring. We will build on this as much as our peers in the ecosystem will for us to create a much bigger value proposition. I’ve been standing up on two feet for more than 12 hours a day without feeling tired. The energy that got us through is just inspirational, and we really look forward to next year’s iteration.
General Manager, Global Business Solutions, TikTok Middle East, Turkey, Africa, Central & South Asia
Paul Schneider
What I really like is that people are now really open to collaborate and work together. People here are all technology enthusiasts. And I think this is really a game changer for this region and especially for Qatar. I’m really impressed with where we are and now, we go out with a bang. It’s the most exciting event in Doha.
Senior Information Risk Manager, Oil & Gas Assets at Shell
Kevin McDonald
You see participation of a lot of international speakers from international companies. You have Snapchat, TikTok, Microsoft, Amazon, to name a few. And I think they’re going to grow their teams here, and ultimately that’s going to inspire more innovation. And the work that the different organizations are doing here within the Qatar government is pretty impressive, and you’ll see more startups coming from this region. It’s breath-taking.
Chief Commercial Officer at Web Summit
Varghese Cherian
This was a great platform for us to come and see Qatar from the entrepreneurship world, and this is very exciting… That’s a big opportunity for Qatar, and I think it’s a great showcase platform for local businesses to leverage and go global. We love Web Summit for the last seven years, and we are so happy it has come to Qatar because we understood the opportunity here. Technology is evolving… So, it’s very difficult to predict what it’s going to be five years from now. But it’s a very exciting space to be in.
Senior Vice President of Builder.ai
Jonathan Ross
Such a great event. I will be happy to come back. Technology is advancing so quickly. Last year, AI chatbots had just become a thing. Now we’re demoing natural speech on stage. What’s going to happen next year? You’re going to have to come to find out. It’s thought-provoking.
Founder and CEO at Groq
< Access to Investment />
Launched at Web Summit Qatar 2024, Invest Qatar unveiled “Startup Qatar” – a ground-breaking online platform that invites international startups to set up their next venture in the heart of Doha, offering a unique springboard to the expansive regional markets.
< Startup Spotlight />
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Investor Diwan
FinTech
-
Siha
Health Analytics
-
Avey App
AI Health
-
Urban Point
Discount Offers
-
Wakilni
Courier Services
-
Fatora
Online Payments
-
Haris | حارس
Security Management
-
The Monet Platform
Artists & Writers
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Tashyeed App
Construction Management
-
Science Play
Edutainment
< Summit Highlights />
Qatar kicked off Web Summit’s Middle East debut by announcing a $1 billion investment to support entrepreneurs and startups in the region, under the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to support local and regional entrepreneurs.
The investment works in synergy with the Startup Qatar incentives package to help international startups launch their visions from Qatar and propel them into the wider regional market.
On its very first day, Web Summit Qatar 2024 broke several records, instantly becoming the largest gathering of international startups in a Web Summit debut, with an unprecedented presence by startups from Africa.
- 24 Memoranda of Understanding were signed (between leading Qatar-based and international entities) during the Summit’s four-day run, driving the startup and innovation ecosystems in the region forward.
- Doha to host TikTok’s first Creative Studio in the region, expanding Qatar’s digital footprint worldwide and boosting its creator economy.
- The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology launched the Digital Agenda 2030 during the Summit. Through 23 strategic programs, the agenda draws a clear roadmap to realise Qatar’s vision of a knowledge-based digital economy.
A Summit highlight, the sold-out Women in Tech program mirrors the overwhelming participation of women in the event—31% of startups, 30% of speakers, and 37% of attendees.
Qatari Officials' Insights
HE Mohammed bin Ali bin Mohammed Al Mannai
The digital economy on its own is not for the government to drive. It’s mainly for the private sector to drive. So, our relationship is built around cooperating with the private sector.
Minister of Communications and Information Technology
Mohammed Al Hardan
In the realm of AI investment, we’re witnessing a unique convergence: tech companies disrupting incumbents while simultaneously challenging each other. It’s a testament to the dynamic nature of innovation, urging us to stay ahead of the curve.
Head of Technology, Media & Telecom Investments Qatar Investment Authority
Mohammed Al Sowaidi
The engagement of various sovereign wealth funds and government entities in the venture funds industry affirms the value of venture capital in the MENA region and showcases the potential to build scalable businesses here.
CIO of the Americas, Qatar Investment Authority
HE Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al Thani
At Invest Qatar, our role really sits at the business development front and fostering this triple helix of government, academia and industry collaboration, to try to tackle certain challenges.
CEO, Invest Qatar
< The GCO’s Strategic Partnerships />
During the event’s four-day run, Chairman of the Web Summit Qatar 2024 Organising Committee Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al Thani toured the exhibition with a number of Their Excellencies Ministers of Qatar and met with tech giants and rising startups to forge new partnerships.
Sheikh Jassim also inked an MoU with TikTok to establish the region’s first creative studio. The studio will advance local talent through workshops and high-impact TikTok campaigns, while boosting Qatar’s digital footprint and creator economy.
The Chairman’s engagements featured one-to-one and multilateral meetings with senior representatives from:
- Meta
- Amazon
- Whoop
- TikTok
- Snap Inc.
- Web Summit
- Omnicom Group
The meetings underscored the importance of strategic partnerships and solidified Qatar’s growing industry role as well as the summit’s momentum as a key platform for fostering global tech collaborations.
< Web Summit in the Media />
2,000+ Articles
Web Summit Qatar welcomes over 15,000 participants from 118 countries to Doha
28/02/2024
QFC signs Memoranda of Understanding during the Web Summit Qatar 2024
28/02/2024
QIA to invest over $1 billion in venture capital funds
27/02/2024
Startup Qatar’ sees strong interest from attendees at Web Summit Qatar
03/03/2024
Qatar to host Web Summit for first time in MENA region next year
07/04/2023
Qatar hosts first Web Summit in the Middle East
01/03/2024< Why Qatar />
Qatar’s strategic vision and substantial investment in a business-friendly economy position it as a burgeoning hub for global entrepreneurs and investors.
< Global Trade />
Qatar believes in the power of global trade and collaboration to drive growth, peace and prosperity.
Qatar continues to provide a welcoming business environment for foreign investors, who enjoy competitive benefits, including up to 100% foreign ownership and full repatriation of profits.
Qatar actively participates in various multilateral organisations and initiatives to promote cross-border trade, including through free trade agreements.
As a global energy leader at the crossroads of east, west, and the global south, Qatar is strategically located at the centre of some of the world’s most important trade routes.
Qatar is an active member of the international community and does not wish to see geopolitical tensions disrupt international trade.
< Accessible to All and for All />
With state-of-the-art facilities, an award-winning national carrier and airport, seamless public transportation networks, open visa policies and a strategic central location, Qatar has become a key destination for businesses to grow their Middle Eastern presence.
150
Qatar Airways flies to 150 key business and leisure destinations across six continents
14,250
Qatar Airways has 14,250 daily departures
8th
Qatar is the 8th most open country in the world in terms of visa facilitation
100
100 countries granted visa on arrival
1st
Hamad International Airport was voted the Best Airport in the World 2021 and 2022
< Connecting Emerging Markets with the Rest of the World />
Qatar has strong economic ties with emerging markets across the world, we continue to explore opportunities for further collaboration across sectors.
We enjoy strong economic and diplomatic ties with key emerging market hubs in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.
Qatar Investment Authority, as well as national champions such as Ooredoo and Qatar Airways, actively explore opportunities in a range of emerging markets with attractive investment environments.
Qatar makes investment decisions based on long-term economic and financial criteria and seeks to promote sustainable development across the world.
Qatar offers seamless market access and connectivity, located at the gateway between East and West with $8.5 trillion in combined GDP all within 3,000 km.
< Economic Powerhouse />
Qatar plays an essential role in the world economy as a long-term strategic partner to nations and businesses worldwide.
Qatar Investment Authority, as well as national champions such as Ooredoo and Qatar Airways, actively explore opportunities in a range of emerging markets with attractive investment environments.
1st
1st for entrepreneurship in the Arab world (Global Entrepreneurship Index)
1st
1st investment momentum globally (fDi Intelligence)
2nd
2nd most competitive economy in MENA (IMD World competitiveness ranking)
2nd
2nd in the Middle East in Global Finance Safety Index
8%
8% Average annual GDP growth the past 20 years
4th
4th highest GDP per capita (PPP basis)
8th
8th globally for Government long-term vision (WEF)
80+
Double Taxation Agreements (DTA) with 80+ countries
1 USD
Fixed exchange rate (1USD = QR 3.64)
Qatar maintains a stable investment environment, facilitated by its Investment Promotions Agency and a new e-licensing system that expedites processes for tourism businesses. With additional incentives for foreign business owners, Qatar offers a competitive edge as an emerging market ripe for new ventures.
< Business-friendly Environment />
The State of Qatar has a business environment that is friendly and allows for the ease of operations.
The State of Qatar have multiple free zones that can be used for the opening and operating of a business. Free zones ensure a smooth setup and connect investors with opportunities and complementary businesses.
Microsoft Corp. announced the launch of the first hyperscale cloud datacentre region in Qatar with with Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365, giving organizations access to hundreds of scalable, highly available and resilient cloud services.
The State of Qatar have multiple well-designed industrial parks that offer companies an attractive environment to develop and launch a business.
Qatar Financial Centre
Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) is an onshore business and financial centre located in Doha. QFC offers its own legal, regulatory, tax and business environment and allows up to 100% foreign ownership, 100% repatriation of profits, and charges a competitive rate of 10% corporate tax on locally sourced profits.
Qatar Free Zones
Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA) was established in 2018 and oversees Qatar’s free zones as an independent regulatory body. QFZA provides infrastructure, free office space, access to a skilled workforce, 100% foreign ownership, access to investment funds, tax exemptions and partnership opportunities with Qatari entities.
Qatar Science and Technology Park
Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) is a free zone and technology park that hosts leading global tech companies, mentors and supports a network of start-ups and rising tech ventures. QSTP plays a key role in developing a technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship ecosystem in Qatar and has 4 acceleration, 1 incubation, and 2 funding programs.
Since its inception, QSTP has:
50+
Supported over 50+ companies
22+
Incubated 22+ Qatari companies
31
Developed and commercialised 31 products for the Qatari market through investments and incubation opportunities
115
Made 115 investments in regional companies through its partnership with Silicon Valley-based venture fund 500 Startups
$1.2 B
Invested over 1.2 billion USD in research, development, and innovation activities by international companies registered at QSTP
< Access to a Strong Talent Pool />
The State of Qatar provides access to diverse talent pool, with access to education and research centres, making it one of the world’s most attractive countries for talent.
Backed by state-of-the-art educational infrastructure, research programmes and business excellence, Qatar has established the peninsula as a global research pioneer, and a true destination for the world’s best and brightest talent.
Thanks to its open economy and investor-friendly climate, international companies, today, can become part of a knowledge-based economy where they can cultivate their people with world-class education, training, and research.
- 1st Pre-university and Higher Education systems in the GCC (Global Knowledge Index 2022)
- 1st globally for attractiveness to international students (INSEAD 2022)
- 4th most attractive country in the world for talent (INSEAD 2022)
- 4,800+ research projects funded by Qatar Foundation
- 2,000+ STEM graduates annually
< Infrastructure />
The State of Qatar has technologically advanced infrastructure across all modes of transport. Qatar has an integrated and advanced highway system, as well as modern and accessible public transport.
In consideration of the factors that matter most for hosting major conferences and business events, Qatar has all angles covered:
Qatar has been ranked first in the Middle East by hospitality and travel data providers Olery
Qatar is ranked the safest country in the world by the Numbeo, for the fifth year in a row.
Qatar Airways flies to 150 key business and leisure destinations across six continents. Qatar Airways has won the title of ‘Airline of the Year’ by Skytrax many times over and boasts unmatched service and network coverage making it the airline of choice for today’s business traveller.
Hamad International Airport has also been voted the Best Airport in the World for two years in a row. Qatar sits at the crossroads between East and West and its convenient location means it is six to eight hours away from most major cities across the globe.
During the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the Doha Metro and tram network carried more than 18.2 million passengers.
During the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the Doha bus network carried more than 7.7 million passengers.
Doha Metro in Qatar is a 75 km mass rapid transit system with 37 stations and 3 lines.
The State of Qatar wants to increase the information technology sector by 50 percent by 2024, having achieved almost comprehensive broadband coverage, access to every home, 5G coverage, and the nearly 100 percent internet usage for individuals.
< Tourism and Event Hosting />
Qatar is a leading global destination with a proven track record of successfully hosting major events and attracting investors to support these events.
Qatar has established itself as a beacon of peace and security, enhancing its prestige on the global stage in political, economic, and security arenas, and emerging as a major tourist destination. The country’s tourism sector is burgeoning rapidly across diverse industries, offering substantial opportunities for companies and investors. Rooted in its rich culture, Qatar is both welcoming and easily accessible to tourists, aiming to become the Middle East’s fastest-growing tourism destination by 2030. Modern advancements like its award-winning airport and new metro system contribute to its appealing image for travellers.
< High Quality of Life />
Qatar is a vibrant residential location with a distinctive artistic scene, unique culture, and home to many family-friendly attractions.
Qatar offers a great blend of Arabic heritage and modern culture, making it an equally attractive home for investors, expats, visitors and a friendly neighbourhood to raise families and build communities. Qatar’s rich artistic culture and museums celebrate the country’s vibrant heritage. You will experience a great blend of historical and modern culture and lifestyle. As one of the key pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030, development of the education sector has been at the core of Qatar’s efforts over the past few years.
The country is also home to world leading universities, hosting branch campuses of prominent international higher education institutions. Qatar also offers permanent residency, planned legal provisions for retirement, and excellent healthcare for expatriates
Doha has been named the Arab Capital of Tourism 2023.
1st
Safest country in the world
1st
Best healthcare system in the Arab World (Numbeo - Quality of Life Index 2023)
1st
Best in the GCC for pre-university and higher education (Global Knowledge Index 2022)
Top 10
Ranked in top 10 countries to live and work globally for expatriates (HSBC Expat Explorer 2021 Survey)
85+
Population diversity: 85+ different nationalities
