Qatar is making significant strides to establish itself as a global technology hub, showcasing its commitment to innovation through events like the Web Summit Qatar 2025. Held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center from February 23 to 26, 2025, this prominent technology summit gathered over 25,000 attendees from more than 120 countries, highlighting Qatar's attractiveness as a burgeoning center for technology and entrepreneurship.
The event was inaugurated by H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, who articulated Qatar's bold vision for economic diversification and technological advancement. During his keynote address, the Prime Minister drew parallels between Qatar and startups, emphasizing how hard work and creativity can yield transformational results. “Being a small state like Qatar is similar to being a startup... opportunity is open to you,” he remarked, stressing the importance of supporting innovation to create prospects for future generations.
At the heart of Qatar's investment strategy is the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), which established a substantial $1 billion fund aimed at fostering technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Announced at the summit, this initiative supports both regional and local startups. H E Sheikh Mohammed affirmed, “Each of them will open offices or their regional headquarters in Qatar, so all of the MENA region can benefit from their expertise and investments.” The Prime Minister pointed out Qatar’s substantial leap to the 11th position on the global startup ecosystem index, securing its place as the highest-ranking country among the top 100.
This year’s Web Summit witnessed participation from over 1,520 startups and more than 600 investors, showcasing the rising interest and investment opportunities available within Qatar and the wider MENA region. According to Paddy Cosgrave, CEO and Founder of Web Summit, “It’s been the best decision we’ve ever made... More than 25,000 attendees are here from around the world—beyond anything we could have expected.”
The summit also spotlighted local success stories, such as Lillia, an AI-enabled healthtech startup founded by Sujit Chakrabarty. Recently, Lillia secured a $1.7 million grant from the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council for its cutting-edge platform aimed at managing chronic diseases. Chakrabarty noted, “Diabetes and related chronic conditions are the world’s biggest healthcare challenge... Lillia exists to lower the chronic disease burden for the world.” Lillia plans to leverage this funding to expand its services across the MENA and Southeast Asia regions.
During the event, Nada Al-Olaqi, the Director of Innovation Development and Piloting Programs at QRDI Council, expressed the organization’s commitment to support innovative technology solutions. “We’re proud to support Lillia as they push the boundaries of healthcare innovation with their AI-driven digital twin technology,” she stated, indicating QRDI’s dedication to fostering local startups and enhancing Qatar's position within the global tech ecosystem.
The Web Summit Qatar 2025 served as more than just an event; it illustrated Qatar's strategic investment and regulatory reforms aimed at facilitating private sector growth. With initiatives like the Startup Qatar Investment Program attracting thousands of applications from around the globe, Qatar is not only enhancing its national strategy but is also creating pathways for future innovations.
Qatar has made it clear through the summit and its numerous commitments to innovation—carried out with strong support from its leadership—that it is serious about becoming the top regional destination for startups and technology companies. This ambitious endeavor is reflective of the nation's broader vision to transform its economy and reinforce the message of collaboration, opportunity, and growth.
With such ambitious plans underway, will Qatar successfully solidify its role as the gateway between East and West within the tech industry? All eyes will remain fixed on this tiny yet mighty nation as it endeavors to shape the future through innovation and entrepreneurship.