Doha is preparing to host the third edition of Web Summit Qatar, a major global technology conference set to take place from February 1st to 4th, 2026. The event is projected to be its largest in the region to date, attracting over 30,000 attendees from approximately 120 countries. The summit will provide a critical platform for more than 1,500 startups to connect with over 600 international investors seeking promising opportunities in emerging technology sectors.
A Global Stage For Technology and Innovation
The 2026 summit will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers from the worlds of technology, business, and culture. Confirmed speakers include Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums; Eduardo Saverin, Co-founder of Facebook and Founding Partner of B Capital; Cliff Obrecht, Co-founder of Canva; and Matty Staniszewski, Co-founder of AI voice technology firm ElevenLabs. They will be joined by executives from major corporations like Omnicom and iHeartMedia.
The agenda is centered on strategic topics shaping the future, with a significant focus on the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and its applications in commerce and finance. The summit will feature dedicated tracks on the creator economy, new energy solutions, sustainability, and fintech. Key events include the “Venture Stage” for early-stage startup financing and the renowned “PITCH” competition, where startups present their innovations to a global judging panel.
Fostering The Regional Ecosystem
Hosting the global event aligns with Qatar’s National Vision 2030, which aims to build an attractive investment environment for both established technology giants and emerging startups. Initiatives like “Startup Qatar” and “Invest Qatar” are central to this strategy. The organizing committee has successfully onboarded over 130 global partners, including Amazon, Microsoft, TikTok, and Snapchat, reflecting international confidence in Doha’s infrastructure and its position as a tech bridge between East and West.
Beyond the main stage, the “Night Summit” will offer informal networking opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors at various cultural and heritage sites across Doha. This initiative provides a unique experience that blends business with an introduction to Qatari culture, aiming to transform innovative ideas into tangible economic projects that contribute to national economic diversification.
Palestinian Pavilion To Make Historic Debut
In a landmark move, the 2026 summit will feature the first-ever Palestinian pavilion, organized by Ibtikar Fund. The initiative is a collaborative effort with PalTrade, the Innovative Private Sector Development Project (IPSD II), Intersect, and Flow Accelerator.
The pavilion will provide a powerful platform for Palestinian technology companies to showcase their solutions, build international partnerships, and access a global network of investors and corporate leaders. This participation underscores a commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and innovation in Palestine and elevating the profile of its tech sector on the world stage.
About Web Summit Qatar
Web Summit Qatar is a premier global technology conference held annually in Doha. As part of a five-year partnership, the event brings together founders, investors, journalists, and tech leaders from around the world to connect, learn, and explore new opportunities. It serves as a pivotal platform for startups in the Middle East and beyond to gain global exposure, secure funding, and forge strategic partnerships, reinforcing Qatar’s growing role as a central hub for technology and innovation in the region.
Source: Fintech Gate
