Doha, Qatar: The world’s largest global technology event series, Web Summit, is gearing up for its highly anticipated second edition in Qatar, scheduled for February 23-26, 2025. This year, the event will feature none other than Oscar-winning Hollywood superstar Will Smith, who is set to share his insights on the intersection of media, culture, health, and technology.
Taking place at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC), Web Summit Qatar is expected to attract over 25,000 technology and business leaders, founders, 600 world-leading investors, and more than 1,500 startups from around the globe. By comparison, the inaugural edition featured 1,000 startups, marking significant growth and interest in this international event.
Will Smith, known for his expansive career as both an actor and entrepreneur, will take the Centre Stage for discussions with global bestselling author and podcast host Jay Shetty. Together, they will explore Smith's successful career, the challenges he's faced, and his relentless pursuit of excellence both on and off-screen. This conversation promises to provide valuable insights on success from the perspective of a global icon, encouraging attendees to push their own boundaries.
Smith’s presence is just one highlight of the star-studded lineup. Renowned tech and venture capital leaders such as Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit; Eduardo Saverin, co-founder of Facebook; and others will contribute their expertise and experiences. The inclusion of bestselling authors and podcast figures like Malcolm Gladwell and Laura Chambers, CEO of Mozilla Corporation, indicates the diverse range of discussions expected at the event.
The rise of Web Summit Qatar is also evidenced by the record international representation among participating startups. An impressive 46 percent of the 1,500 startups expected are women-founded, showcasing the growing diversity and inclusiveness within the startup community. Startups from 90 countries will participate, adding to Qatar’s reputation as a global showcase for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Among the planned activities is the Startup Programme, where participants will exhibit their innovations on the show floor and connect with hundreds of partners. Some notable partners include tech giants like Meta, Huawei, Microsoft, TikTok, and Qatar Airways. This platform serves as not just a marketplace for ideas but also as a venue for forging global partnerships.
Investors from different parts of the world, including Qatar itself, will be on hand to connect with these startups, ensuring significant funding opportunities for promising ventures. Venture capitalists such as Noor Sweid from Global Ventures and Kevin Gasque from Greycroft will play roles in fostering relationships between startups and potential backers, signaling confidence in the Qatari startup ecosystem.
Qatar’s current focus on becoming a technological and business hub aligns perfectly with the ambitions of Web Summit Qatar. The event promises not only to spotlight local talents but also to bring global attention to the ever-growing Qatari market.
Meanwhile, the Qatar ExxonMobil Open, upgraded to ATP 500 for 2025, has also garnered significant praise for its organization and player experience, firmly marking Qatar’s place on the international sports calendar. Carlos Alcaraz, the top seed at the inaugural ATP 500 event, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I love the tournament. Everything for the players is really easy.” This event's success complements the business, culture, and technology narrative Qatar is cultivating.
Notably, the foundation set by events like Web Summit and the Qatar ExxonMobil Open presents Qatar as not just a destination for sports and entertainment but as the center of innovation and global business discourse.
The blend of technology, culture, and international business positions Qatar as a forward-thinking nation, eager to engage with and learn from global innovators. Web Summit Qatar serves as the perfect opportunity for fostering discussions and collaborations, paving the way for the next generation of entrepreneurs.
With its rapid development and heightened international profile, Qatar continues to attract global events, reflecting its commitment to becoming a leading hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Attendees at the Web Summit Qatar can expect not just to network, but to gain transformative insights, celebrate innovation, and appreciate the shared global vision for the future of tech and business.