GCO Director Interviews with Qatar News Agency

Interview highlighted the GCO’s concerted efforts in collaboration with other state entities, partners and stakeholders ahead of Web Summit Qatar 2025

Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al Thani, Director of the Government Communications Office and Chairman of the Permanent Web Summit Organising Committee, highlighted Web Summit’s global reach and its role in bringing together thousands of stakeholders in the technology sector. These include leaders, entrepreneurs, startups and investors from around the world under one roof.

He added that Web Summit serves as an ideal platform for showcasing ideas and projects, fostering relationships and building partnerships.

In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), Sheikh Jassim stated that Web Summit is one of the largest global technology events, offering innovators and startups opportunities to secure funding to launch or expand their businesses.

Since its inception in 2009, the summit has attracted over a million participants, underscoring its significance and global impact.

Qatar is hosting the summit for five years until 2028, reflecting confidence in the country’s ability to host major global events. It is the first nation in the Middle East and North Africa to do so.

Sheikh Jassim explained that Web Summit’s goals align closely with Qatar’s priorities, contributing significantly to the Qatar National Vision 2030 by supporting efforts to diversify the national economy.

The summit also reinforces Qatar’s focus on the technology sector as a key pillar for building a knowledge-based economy. It supports the objectives of the Third National Development Strategy, which aims for sustainable economic growth, an advanced digital economy and a robust infrastructure that fosters innovation and advanced businesses.

Hosting Web Summit enhances Qatar’s position as a major hub for technology and innovation in the region. The event attracts global tech leaders and stakeholders, offering them opportunities to explore Qatar’s advanced infrastructure, investment-friendly regulatory system, resilient economy, high living standards and access to local and global talent. Qatar is one of the most attractive destinations for talent, furthering its transformation into a global leader in tech and innovation.

On the topic of knowledge exchange and developing local talent, Sheikh Jassim emphasised the summit’s role in achieving the Third National Development Strategy, which aims to build a future-ready workforce. The event provides national startups and innovators with opportunities to network, gain experience and connect with leading global institutions while staying updated on the latest technological advancements. This facilitates knowledge transfer, localises advanced technologies and stimulates innovation in Qatar.

Sheikh Jassim highlighted Web Summit’s contribution to Qatar’s National Vision by supporting digital transformation, fostering innovation, attracting investments, empowering startups and Qatari youth, and shaping the future of Qatar’s digital economy. These efforts align with ongoing initiatives to diversify the national economy.

He confirmed that the summit aims to boost economic development and stimulate the digital economy in Qatar, attracting international investors seeking promising markets, particularly in technology. The presence of global companies in Qatar will create a competitive environment that drives innovation in products and services.

Local companies will have the opportunity to showcase their innovative projects and ideas to investors, accelerating the growth of national startups and expanding their operations regionally and globally. The summit will also help develop new sectors, particularly artificial intelligence, creating jobs, training specialised personnel and diversifying revenue streams to enhance economic sustainability.

Sheikh Jassim noted that startups are among the primary beneficiaries of Web Summit, with over 200 Qatari startups participating this year.

Hosting the summit in Qatar provides Qatari startups with solutions to key challenges, such as accessing investors, global markets and essential funding. Major tech companies attending the event come not only as participants but also as potential investors.

Startups will have access to the latest research, studies and best practices in technology, including AI, fintech, cloud computing and e-commerce, enabling them to stay ahead of global trends and upgrade their products to meet international standards.

Sheikh Jassim highlighted that last year’s summit saw significant investment in startups, with over QR 68 million invested through the Startup Qatar Investment programme. Additionally, the Qatar Financial Centre registered 863 new companies in 2024, a 156% increase compared to 2023.

The previous edition of the summit set several records, including the largest participation of startups in its history and unprecedented attendance from African startups.

Sheikh Jassim expressed confidence that this year’s edition will be even more exceptional, with indicators reflecting participants’ trust in Qatar as a hub for creative minds and a leading centre for technology and innovation, both regionally and globally.

He mentioned that all tickets for the upcoming summit have sold out, with attendance expected to exceed 25,000, a nearly two-thirds increase from last year. Over 1,500 startups from more than 90 countries will participate, including over 200 Qatari startups, a 140% increase from the previous edition, with 46% of companies founded by women.

The number of investors attending has risen to around 600, a 50% increase from the last edition, with 90% coming from outside Qatar. The summit will feature over 300 prominent speakers, 150 partners, 300 volunteers and 600 media representatives from across the globe.

These figures reflect Web Summit’s prestigious status and global attention, as well as the trust that individuals, companies and investors place in Qatar as an ideal destination for technology and innovation. Qatar’s success in hosting this major global event is the result of a well-planned strategy and underscores its status as a leading destination for international events.

Sheikh Jassim concluded by noting that Qatar is focused on boosting investment in the information technology sector, advancing the digital economy and developing strategic capabilities in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, in line with the Third National Development Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030.

This demonstrates the trust international partners place in Qatar’s exceptional assets, including its strategic location, advanced infrastructure, strong business ecosystem and other factors that foster innovation and attract high-quality investments.