In a groundbreaking move, the Web Summit, one of the globe’s premier tech conferences, made its debut in the Middle East, drawing participants from numerous countries eager to forge new connections, exchange insights, and secure investments.
Against a backdrop of pulsating lights, entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders convened in central Doha as the conference kicked off, signaling Qatar’s emergence as a key player in the tech landscape.
Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani announced a landmark commitment, with Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund pledging over $1 billion to international and regional venture capital funds under the “Fund of Funds” initiative.
The initiative, aimed at fostering innovation, underscores Qatar’s ambition to become a regional IT hub and attract top-tier venture capital funds and entrepreneurs to the Gulf region.
The conference’s focus on artificial intelligence (AI) takes center stage this year, coinciding with the largest gathering of international start-ups in the Middle East.
Against the backdrop of ongoing regional tensions, tech luminaries like Amjad Masad, founder of Replit, emphasized the potential of technology for positive change while acknowledging the pressing humanitarian issues in Gaza.
Trevor Noah, the celebrated comedian and tech investor, delivered a keynote address, highlighting the intersection of AI and global challenges.
As participants engaged in networking and discussions, the event promised to be a melting pot of innovation, with QR code scans replacing traditional business cards.
From impact start-ups driving advancements in healthcare and sustainable technologies to entrepreneurs seeking funding for transformative projects, the Web Summit in Doha embodies the spirit of technological innovation and global collaboration.