Doha, February 19 (QNA) - The Government Communications Office (GCO) confirmed that preparations are complete for the highly anticipated 2nd edition of Web Summit Qatar, taking place from 23-26 February at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. Thousands of entrepreneurs, investors and technology leaders from around the world will gather for the region's largest tech event, reinforcing Qatar's position as a global hub for innovation.

During a press conference held in collaboration with Web Summit, the GCO unveiled final details of this year's event, which is part of a long-term partnership extending until 2028. This strategic initiative reflects Qatar's ongoing commitment to fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem and attracting the world's brightest minds to shape the future of technology.

GCO pointed out that demand for Web Summit Qatar 2025 continues to surge, over 25,000 tickets sold. The event will welcome over 1,500 startups, of which 46 percent are women-founded. In addition, Qatari startup participation has surged to 140 percent compared to last year's event.

The 2nd edition will also welcome more than 300 speakers, 600 investors, 150 partners, and 600 media representatives from across the globe. These figures underscore Web Summit Qatar's growing momentum, solidifying its status as a key meeting point for the world's technology and business leaders.

HE Director of the GCO and Chairman of the Permanent Web Summit Organizing Committee, Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al-Thani, stated: "Last year, we hosted the 1st edition of Web Summit Qatar, the largest tech event in the MENA region, and a valuable addition to Qatar's achievements. Our primary goal hosting this event centers on developing the tech sector in Qatar and reinforcing the State's standing as a leading regional hub." Sheikh Jassim added: "We firmly believe that investing in innovation and technology will contribute to sustainable development and economic growth, in line with Qatar's National Vision 2030. We are confident that this year's edition will surpass expectations, as these figures reflect strong interest from major tech leaders and entrepreneurs from across the world who are eager to participate in Web Summit Qatar 2025." In turn, Founder and CEO of Web Summit, Paddy Cosgrave, also spoke at the event, stating: "There are startups that will be exhibiting, and 85 percent of them are international. In just the space of a year, the number of startups participating in our programs has grown by more than 50 percent. The number of investors traveling from around the world has also increased sharply in a single year by around 50 percent, with roughly 90 percent of the investors flying to Qatar, to Doha from around the world," reaffirming the event's accelerated growth and importance as well as Doha's prominent standing as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship.

"More than 200 Qatari startups who will also be on the floor are a huge measure of how vibrant and rapidly the ecosystem in Doha and Qatar is changing." He added that, Web Summit Qatar "is not just a regional event. It may be happening in the Middle East, but it's a global gathering of companies and investors that I think will play a very prominent and important role in the future." Over four days, the summit will feature high-profile speakers, including HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani; HE Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al-Thani; HE President of the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau and Secretary-General of the National Planning Council, Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Mubarak Al Khalifa; CEO of Qatar Investment Promotion Agency, Sheikh Ali bin Al Waleed Al-Thani; CEO of Qatar Airways, Eng Badr Mohammed Al Meer; Secretary-General of the Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council, Eng Omar Al Ansari; Head of Technology, Media and Telecom Investments at Qatar Investment Authority, Mohammed Al Hardan; HE Chairman of Qatar Tourism, Saad bin Ali Al Kharji; CEO of Qatar Development Bank, Abdulrahman Hesham Al Sowaidi; CEO of Dow Jones and publisher of The Wall Street Journal, Almar Latour; Founder and CEO of Scale AI, Alexander Wang; and Founder and General Partner of Seven Seven Six, Alexis Ohanian.

Web Summit Qatar is supported by leading national and international partners, including the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Qatar Investment Authority, Qatar Financial Centre, Qatar Development Bank, Investment Promotion Agency Qatar, Visit Qatar, Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council, Qatar Science & Technology Park, Qatar Airways, Qatar National Bank, Ooredoo, Meta, iHeartMedia, QuantumBlack, Microsoft, Accenture, TikTok and Huawei.

This edition features an extensive program of panel discussions, workshops and keynote sessions, all designed to explore the latest advancements in technology and digital markets.

Web Summit Qatar aligns with the Third National Development Strategy, driving economic diversification by supporting innovation, launching bold new initiatives and providing key incentives for investment in advanced technologies. (QNA)