Doha, July 07 (QNA) - The Permanent Web Summit Organising Committee held its annual strategic meeting in Doha, bringing together partners to guide the next phase of Web Summit Qatar's growth as preparations continue for its fourth edition, which will take place from 31 January to 3 February 2027.

The meeting was chaired by HE Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al-Thani, Director of the Government Communications Office and Chairman of the Permanent Web Summit Organising Committee. It was attended by committee members representing the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Visit Qatar and Invest Qatar. Representatives of Qatar Investment Authority and Qatar Airways also attended the meeting alongside Web Summit founder and CEO Paddy Cosgrave and senior members of the Web Summit team.

The committee reviewed the growing impact of Web Summit Qatar as a platform for entrepreneurship, investment, and innovation. Since the 2025 edition, 69 startups participating in Web Summit Qatar's Startup Programme have collectively raised more than USD 205 million in funding, reflecting the programme's role in connecting founders with global investors.

During Web Summit Qatar 2026, more than 300 companies registered with Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), contributing to a 57% year-on-year increase in QFC registrations during the first quarter. These outcomes have supported Qatar's continued rise as a regional innovation hub, with the country achieving its highest-ever ranking in the StartupBlink Global Startup Ecosystem Index.

Building on these outcomes, the committee set priorities for the year ahead, with a focus on strengthening international participation, attracting leading startups, investors, and technology companies, increasing opportunities for Qatari entrepreneurs and ensuring the event continues to deliver long-term economic and ecosystem impact.

HE Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al-Thani said: "Web Summit Qatar has become an important platform for connecting entrepreneurs, investors, and technology leaders from around the world while supporting Qatar's digital economy. As we prepare for the fourth edition, we remain focused on building on that momentum and ensuring the partnership continues to create long-term opportunities for Qatar and the wider region."

Paddy Cosgrave, founder and CEO of Web Summit, said: "Each edition of Web Summit Qatar has demonstrated the strength of our partnership with Qatar and the growing international interest in the event. We're looking forward to building on that success and welcoming the global technology community back to Doha in 2027."

Web Summit Qatar will return to Doha from 31 January to 3 February 2027, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, technology leaders, and policymakers from around the world. Through the continued partnership between the Permanent Web Summit Organising Committee and Web Summit, the event will build on the outcomes of previous editions while creating new opportunities for startups, investment, and international collaboration. (QNA)