HE the Director of the Government Communications Office and Chairman of the Permanent Web Summit Organising Committee, Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor al-Thani, said that the Web Summit is considered a global gathering that brings together thousands of stakeholders in the technology field, including leaders, entrepreneurs, startups, and investors from around the world under one roof. It provides an ideal platform to showcase their ideas and projects and build relationships and partnerships.In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), HE Sheikh Jassim stated that the Web Summit is one of the largest annual events specialised in technology globally, providing innovators and startups with an opportunity to obtain funding that helps them launch or expand their businesses.He added that given the number of participants in the summit since its establishment and launch in Lisbon in 2009 until today, the significance of this massive global event and its impact is understand, as the summit’s events over the years have attracted more than a million participants.He pointed out that Qatar is hosting the summit for five years until 2028, reflecting confidence in the country’s capabilities to host major global events. Qatar is the first country in the Middle East and North Africa to host this event.He explained that the goals of the Web Summit align perfectly with the country’s priorities and represent a significant contribution to achieving Qatar National Vision 2030 by enhancing efforts to diversify the national economy. It also supports the country’s focus on the technology sector as a key pillar for building a knowledge-based economy and contributes to achieving the goals of the Third National Development Strategy, aiming for sustainable economic growth, building an advanced digital economy with a strong infrastructure that supports advanced businesses and stimulates innovation, benefiting from sustainable digital investments.He also noted that hosting the Web Summit helps enhance Qatar’s position as a major hub for technology and innovation in the region. The summit attracts the attention of global technology industry leaders and stakeholders to Qatar, offering the opportunity to explore the country’s advanced infrastructure, investment-friendly regulatory system, strong and resilient economy, high-quality living standards, and access to local and global talents. Qatar is considered one of the most attractive countries for talent, all of which encourage the transformation of Qatar into a leading global destination for technology and innovation.On the subject of knowledge exchange and enhancing the capabilities of local talents, the Director of the Government Communications Office confirmed that the summit contributes to achieving the Third National Development Strategy, which aims to build a workforce ready for the future. The summit provides an opportunity for startups and innovators from the national talents to build relationships, gain experience, and network with leading global institutions while staying informed about the latest technological developments. This opens the door wide for knowledge transfer, localising various types of advanced technologies, and stimulating the innovation environment in Qatar.HE Sheikh Jassim emphasised that the Web Summit contributes to achieving Qatar National Vision by supporting digital transformation, enhancing innovation, attracting investments, empowering startups and Qatari youth, and shaping the future of Qatar’s digital economy, thus contributing to efforts to diversify the national economy and build a knowledge-based economy.He confirmed that the summit aims to significantly boost economic development and stimulate the digital economy in Qatar, as it will attract international investors looking for promising new markets, especially in the technology sector. The presence of global companies in Qatar will create a competitive environment that drives innovation in products and services. He further highlighted that local companies will have the opportunity to showcase their innovative projects and ideas to investors, accelerating the growth of national startups and enhancing their businesses and expansion in the region and globally. The summit will help accelerate the growth of new sectors in the country, especially artificial intelligence and other technology-related fields, providing new jobs, training specialized personnel, and contributing to diversifying revenue streams, thus enhancing economic sustainability in the country. HE Sheikh Jassim emphasised that startups are among the primary beneficiaries of the Web Summit. This year’s event sees the participation of more than 200 Qatari startups.He explained that hosting the summit in Qatar offers a tremendous opportunity for Qatari startups, as it provides solutions to key challenges they face, such as accessing investors, global markets, and securing essential funding. The major tech companies that attend the summit come not just as participants but also as potential investors.He noted that startups will have the chance to access the latest research, studies, and best practices in technology fields like artificial intelligence, fintech, cloud computing, and e-commerce. This will allow them to stay ahead of global developments and upgrade their products to meet international standards.He also pointed out that statistics from last year’s summit reveal that 15 startups were already invested in, with a total investment exceeding QR68mn through “Start from Qatar” investment programme. Furthermore, the Qatar Financial Centre registered 863 new companies in 2024, marking a 156% increase compared to 2023.He highlighted that the previous edition of the summit set several records, including the largest participation from startups in the event’s history and unprecedented attendance from African startups.He expressed confidence that this year’s edition will be even more exceptional, saying they are confident that this year’s edition will be more distinguished and innovative, as the figures and indicators reflect the trust participants have in Qatar’s ability to be a hub for creative minds and a leading centre for technology and innovation, both regionally and globally.In this context, he mentioned that all tickets for the summit have sold out, and the number of participants expected this year has risen by nearly two-thirds compared to last year, exceeding 25,000 attendees. Additionally, the number of startups has surged, with over 1,500 startups from more than 90 countries, including more than 200 Qatari startups an increase of 140% compared to the previous edition, with women-founded companies accounting for 46%.He confirmed that the number of investors attending has risen to around 600, a 50% increase from the last edition, with 90% of them coming from outside Qatar. The summit will also feature more than 300 prominent speakers, over 150 partners, 300 volunteers, and 600 media outlets from across the globe.He added that these numbers reflect the Web Summit’s prestigious status and global attention. They also demonstrate the trust that individuals, companies, and investors have in Qatar as an ideal destination for technology and innovation. He emphasised that Qatar’s success in hosting this major global event is the result of a well-planned strategy and reflects the country’s status as a leading destination for major international events.The Director of the Government Communications Office noted that Qatar is focused on boosting investment in the information technology sector, advancing the digital economy, and developing strategic capabilities in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, all in line with the Third National Development Strategy. This demonstrates the trust that international partners place in Qatar’s exceptional assets, including its strategic location, advanced infrastructure, strong business ecosystem, and other factors that foster innovation and attract high-quality investments.