Web Summit Qatar 2025, the largest startup event in the Middle East, attracted 25,747 attendees from 124 countries. The event hosted 1,520 startups, 723 investors, and 168 global partners, including Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, and Huawei. A total of 381 speakers covered topics ranging from AI to climate change. 47% of startups were founded by women—a 51% increase from last year—and women made up 37% of attendees.

The event featured 228 startups from Qatar, with 85% of participants coming from around the world. Early-stage startups from the 2024 edition raised $120 million in the following year. Additionally, more than 120 meetups were organized through Web Summit’s AI-powered platform, connecting attendees with shared interests in topics like women in sustainability and AI in business.

Marking the first anniversary of its $1 billion Fund of Funds program, Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) highlighted its role in strengthening the local startup ecosystem. AI-dominated discussions focus on its transformative impact across industries. It also emerged as the leading sector among startups, followed by SaaS, Healthtech, Fintech, and Education.