Web Summit Qatar, the inaugural edition of the region’s most anticipated event, has kicked off with resounding success.
In a groundbreaking moment for the technology and innovation landscape in the Middle East, Web Summit Qatar, the inaugural edition of the region’s most anticipated event, has kicked off with resounding success. With an impressive attendance of 15,453 participants from 118 countries, the event has firmly established itself as a global hub for exchanging ideas, networking, and investment opportunities.
The CEO of Web Summit, Katherine Maher, expressed her excitement on the event’s opening night, highlighting the growing influence of the Middle East in the tech sphere. She emphasized the importance of fostering connections among entrepreneurs, investors, and changemakers, setting the stage for Web Summit Qatar to become a catalyst for transformative innovation.
Under the patronage of Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al Thani, Director of the Government Communications Office and Chairman of the Web Summit Qatar 2024 Organizing Committee, the event symbolizes Qatar’s commitment to shaping the future of technology.
Sheikh Jassim underscored Qatar’s emergence as a nexus for innovation, showcasing its potential as a haven for SMEs and visionaries. The record-breaking attendance on the first day, coupled with milestones such as the largest startup participation in a debut edition and a significant presence from Africa, underscores the event’s monumental impact.
With the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) as its backdrop, Web Summit Qatar has brought together a diverse array of attendees, including founders, investors, journalists, and thought leaders. The event serves as a melting pot of creativity and entrepreneurship, offering a platform for startups to showcase their vision and connect with potential partners and investors.
Among the highlights of the event are the participation of 1,043 startups from 81 countries, selected from a pool of nearly ten thousand applicants. Notably, 10 percent of the startups represent Qatar, reflecting the country’s burgeoning tech ecosystem. Additionally, the event’s Impact program, focusing on tech for good, has attracted significant interest, with 10 percent of startups participating through this initiative.
Web Summit Qatar also boasts a robust lineup of activities, including Mentor Hours sessions and the prestigious PITCH competition, where early-stage startups vie for attention from global investors. With 401 investors from 46 countries in attendance, the event provides an unparalleled opportunity for networking and deal-making in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets.
The stellar speaker lineup further enhances the event’s appeal, featuring luminaries such as His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, comedian Trevor Noah, actress Nora Fatehi, and industry leaders from companies like WPP, Whoop, and Groq.
Moreover, Web Summit Qatar serves as a platform for strategic partnerships and business opportunities, with 148 exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations and technologies. Major tech players including Microsoft, Snap, TikTok, and Meta are among the event’s partners, underscoring the significance of the Middle East as a burgeoning tech market.
Diversity and inclusion are also at the forefront of Web Summit Qatar, with 37 percent of attendees and 30 percent of speakers being women. Initiatives like the Women in Tech Lounge aim to amplify the voices of women in the industry, fostering a more inclusive tech ecosystem.
In a significant announcement, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, unveiled a US$1 billion investment in venture capital funds. This landmark initiative, led by the Qatar Investment Authority, aims to fuel innovation and support the growth of the tech sector in the country, further cementing Qatar’s position as a global innovation hub.
As Web Summit Qatar continues to unfold, it exemplifies the Middle East’s rising prominence in the global tech landscape. With its unprecedented scale, diverse participants, and groundbreaking initiatives, the event is poised to shape the future of technology and entrepreneurship in the region and beyond.