Doha, February 03 (QNA) - A specialized session at the Web Summit Qatar 2026 today examined vulnerabilities in advanced semiconductor supply chains and explored prospects for international cooperation, amid surging global demand for chips and the need to build resilient supply networks to support growth and innovation.

Discussions focused on strengthening partnerships, investment, and research and development to mitigate supply risks, while enabling regions such as the Middle East to establish themselves as emerging players in the global semiconductor ecosystem.

CEO of the Investment Promotion Agency Qatar, Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani, said the country is moving toward a knowledge-based economy with a strong emphasis on human capital development and investment in advanced technology sectors, particularly semiconductors, noting that the semiconductor sector presents a global challenge due to the complexity of the value chain.

He noted that Qatar is prioritizing chip design over manufacturing, given its reliance on skilled talent, and is investing heavily in education to attract and nurture expertise, adding that the country aims to be a destination for talent, not just a transit point.

He highlighted three key factors for the success of new projects: competitive sustainable energy, access to capital from both public and private sectors, and human capital development locally and regionally. He pointed out that Qatar’s national incentive program, managed by the Investment Promotion Agency, currently supports 18 diverse projects with funding of around USD 1 billion.

Executive Vice President and Chief Global Development, Partnerships and Venturing Officer at Imec Center, Max Mirgoli, described semiconductors as a strategic industry now as vital as basic commodities. He noted that despite decades of existence, the sector remained largely outside public attention until the COVID-19 pandemic exposed its importance, when chip shortages disrupted car and appliance production.

Artificial intelligence, he added, has further underscored the centrality of semiconductors, with the industry valued at about USD 700 billion in 2024 and projected to reach USD 1.6 trillion by 2030, growth in just a few years equal to that of the past four decades combined.

Senior Vice President, Vertical Business Units and President of EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) at Analog Devices, Martin Cotter, said the semiconductor sector is experiencing an unprecedented acceleration, with data now considered "the new oil" of modern industries.

He emphasized that progress in semiconductors is no longer limited to hardware, but is directly tied to the ability of data centers to harness big data for solving real-world problems. He stressed the importance of advanced technologies, energy management, and data center infrastructure, noting that maintaining efficiency and sustainability requires specialized expertise within a complex, multi-layered ecosystem. (QNA)