Web Summit Qatar is being held in Doha in its largest edition so far, with more than 30,000 attendees, over 1,600 startups, and nearly 1,000 investors from 127 countries gathering at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre. The growth in participation highlights Qatar’s increasing prominence as a meeting point for regional and global technology and investment communities.

Attendance has doubled over the past two years, reflecting rising interest from entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers seeking partnerships and opportunities in the region. The program features a strong international startup presence, a broad investor base, government delegations from multiple countries, and participation from global technology companies and media organizations.

The summit featured remarks by His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, Prime Minister of Qatar, who highlighted the country’s ambition to position itself as a global hub for innovation. He announced an expansion of the Qatar Investment Authority’s Fund of Funds Program, alongside the introduction of a long-term visa initiative aimed at attracting international entrepreneurs.

Web Summit CEO Paddy Cosgrave said the event’s rapid growth reflects shifting global technology dynamics, pointing to increased investor participation and the diversity of startups exhibiting at the summit. He noted that global innovation is increasingly shaped by a multipolar environment, with emerging regions playing a larger role.

The Startup Program is fully subscribed, with companies from around the world presenting technologies across artificial intelligence, healthtech, fintech, software, and education. Artificial intelligence remains the most prominent sector, reflecting its expanding influence across industries and policy discussions.

Investor participation has reached record levels, with venture capital firms from the US, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East represented, alongside regional and national investment entities. Discussions focus on emerging technologies, tech geopolitics, and the future of innovation-led growth.

The summit features more than 400 speakers across multiple tracks, addressing topics including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum technologies, the creator economy, and climate innovation.

Speakers include technology founders, investors, policymakers, and public figures such as Canva co-founder and COO Cliff Obrecht, Facebook co-founder and B Capital co-CEO Eduardo Saverin, economist and former Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis, and Twitch streamer and political commentator Hasan Piker.

Alongside the main program, Web Summit Qatar hosts community-led meetups and initiatives to foster inclusion and collaboration across the tech ecosystem. Through its IMPACT program, the summit also provides a platform for organizations working in sustainability, digital skills development, and social innovation, supported by extensive international media coverage.