GCO and German Mittelstand GCC Office sign key MoU during Web Summit Qatar 2025
MoU aims to expand German Mittelstand’s participation in upcoming Web Summit editions in Qatar
The Government Communications Office (GCO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the German Mittelstand GCC Office with the aim of expanding official participation of the Federal Republic of Germany in future editions of the Web Summit Qatar. The agreement further seeks to form partnerships with German startups, investors and decision-makers, strengthening economic and technological cooperation between the two nations.
The MoU was signed on the sidelines of Web Summit Qatar 2025 by Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al Thani, Director of the GCO and Chairman of the Permanent Web Summit Organising Committee, and Gordon Pelz, Vice President and Board Member of the German Mittelstand GCC Office
In attendance were HE Dr Dorothea Schutz, Ministerial Director of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK), Saleh bin Majid Al Khulaifi, Assistant Undersecretary for Industrial Affairs and Business Development at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Thomas Triller, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Qatar and Nizar Maarouf, Liaison Director of German Mittelstand GCC Office, along with representatives from local and international media.
During the signing ceremony, Sheikh Jassim said: “Signing this MoU reaffirms the State of Qatar’s commitment to developing Qatar’s business environment and enhancing its attractiveness to startups, including German companies. It also reflects the strong relationship between the State of Qatar and the Federal Republic of Germany across all areas, but especially economic and technological fields.”
Dr Dorothea Schutz said: “We are pleased to participate in Web Summit Qatar 2025 with a delegation that includes more than 100 German companies. It is our largest participation yet in this summit, which has been gaining momentum with each edition, pushing us to make optimal use of the unique business infrastructure provided by the State of Qatar and the promising opportunities that the summit offers to companies and investors alike.”
Saleh bin Majid Al Khulaifi emphasised that the business environment and investment facilities provided by Qatar create a fertile environment for entrepreneurs and companies from around the world. He affirmed that it allows them to establish new projects in various sectors, pointing out that regulations in place support innovation and growth, which enhances Qatar’s position as a global platform for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Thomas Triller remarked: “The second edition of Web Summit Qatar 2025 is establishing itself as an international platform of great importance for startups, entrepreneurs and investors for discussion and exploring common opportunities and future cooperation opportunities.”
Nizar Maarouf added: “Following a successful inaugural edition of Web Summit Qatar, we are proud to announce the launch of the German Startup Pavilion, the first of its kind in the region. With over 100 participants from Germany, the strong interest and registrations reaffirm our strategy to foster German engagement in this dynamic market.”
Web Summit Qatar 2025 serves as a pivotal platform strengthening Qatar-German relations through its dedicated German Startup Pavilion and high-profile delegation of founders, CEOs and investors. The summit features specialised workshops and strategic panel discussions showcasing cutting-edge German innovations while facilitating valuable connections between German startups and global industry leaders.
