- Additional USD 2 billion added to Fund of Funds program
- Ten-year residency for entrepreneurs, founders, and senior executives
- Facilitating business setup for Web Summit Qatar participants
Doha: His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, inaugurated Web Summit Qatar 2026, the fastest growing tech event in the MENA region, at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center.
The opening ceremony drew the participation of ministers, senior officials, innovators, decision-makers, investors, and technology leaders from across the globe.
In his opening remarks, HE the Prime Minister affirmed that Qatar is committed to playing an active role in shaping the future of global innovation by strengthening international partnerships and supporting the technology and startup ecosystem.
“We meet at a moment when innovation has become the world’s most valuable currency. In Qatar, we do not wait for the future to arrive. We work to shape it, alongside partners from around the world.”
HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister of the State of Qatar:
HE noted that in just two years, Web Summit Qatar has become a leading platform for the global technology community and a reference point shaping dialogue, partnerships, and investment priorities for the year ahead, stressing that the momentum witnessed at this year’s summit is exceptional by all measures.
HE the Prime Minister explained that global spending on research and development is approaching USD 3 trillion annually, noting that in 2024, artificial intelligence startups accounted for nearly one-third of global venture capital investment. He further highlighted the scale of digital participation worldwide, saying: “There are close to six billion internet users globally, including 1.2 billion young people between the ages of 15 and 24.”
Amid rapid AI transformation, HE underscored the importance of building capabilities, from coding to financing, to keep pace with future developments. He announced the recent establishment of ‘Qai’, a national artificial intelligence company, noting that it will provide sovereign infrastructure and software systems to strengthen Qatar’s artificial intelligence capabilities and support innovation.
HE the Prime Minister also highlighted Qatar’s competitive advantages in global connectivity, driven by its award-winning national carrier and international airport. On the digital front, he noted that Qatar offers subsea cables and high-performance computing capabilities to meet AI demands. Financially, HE affirmed that Qatar offers a safe, tax-efficient environment that enables capital to grow and scale.
HE added: “This year, we move from momentum to scale, reinforcing Qatar’s commitment to the global startup ecosystem.”
He announced the expansion of the Fund of Funds program launched by Qatar Investment Authority, which has already anchored 12 major venture capital funds in Doha. The program will receive an additional USD 2 billion in investments, building on its initial USD 1 billion allocation.
HE also announced dedicated computing credits for startups in Qatar to pair capital with technical capability. The measure will be supported by an eightfold increase in startup incentives, following a year that saw startup registrations double and applications exceed 6,000.
HE the Prime Minister announced the expansion of the Startup Qatar Investment Program of Qatar Development Bank for 2026, alongside the launch of a 10-year residency program for entrepreneurs, founders, and senior executives. He noted that the initiative is designed to enable them “to put down roots and grow alongside a nation that invests in their future.”
HE affirmed that company establishment procedures have been streamlined, enabling founders who register during Web Summit Qatar to complete company formation, open bank accounts, and obtain residency within days.
HE concluded: “The future belongs to those who build together with openness and trust. To those who choose to invest, create, and grow with us: I look forward to what we will achieve together.”
The opening night featured centre stage sessions, followed by an evening program of meetings and social activities, providing a dynamic setting for networking and partnerships, in preparation for the summit’s specialised sessions and tracks in the days ahead.
Web Summit Qatar 2026 is set to host an extensive three-day program spanning over 14 tracks, with panel discussions, workshops, and interactive dialogues that convene global leaders, experts, and entrepreneurs to explore the latest developments and challenges in technology and innovation.
Covering areas including artificial intelligence, fintech, government, health, creative technologies, entrepreneurship, and startup growth, the summit’s tracks highlight its global role in knowledge exchange, shaping the future of technology, and enabling cross-border partnerships.
The third edition of the summit brings together more than 30,000 participants from 124 countries, including over 1,600 startups, more than 800 investors, over 400 speakers, and more than 180 partners, in addition to wide international media coverage with over 600 media professionals in attendance.
Source: GCO
