Doha: HE Director of the Government Communications Office and Chair of the Permanent Committee for Hosting the Web Summit, Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al-Thani, affirmed that Web Summit Qatar 2026 has established itself as a leading global event in technology and innovation, having moved from the founding phase to one of maturity and impact.
According to Qatar News Agency, the summit recorded a record participation of over 30,000 attendees from 124 countries, including thousands of startups, investors, and international speakers. This reflects growing confidence in the summit and in Qatar as a global platform for entrepreneurs and decision-makers. In an interview at the conclusion of the third edition of the summit, His Excellency noted that the unprecedented turnout, reflected in the early sell-out of attendee tickets and the startup program, confirms Web Summit Qatar's prominent status on the international tech events map.
He emphasized that this momentum demonstrates the quality of content and the strength of the networking opportunities the summit provides. It highlights the attractiveness of Qatar's investment environment and the government's clear support for the innovation and digital economy sectors. Web Summit Qatar serves as a strategic tool to support sustainable development and diversify the national economy by attracting quality investments, enhancing international partnerships, and building a knowledge-based economy.
His Excellency stressed that the summit's positive impact extends beyond direct economic returns to reinforcing Qatar's position as a regional and global hub for technology and innovation. It also serves as a launching point for a broader agenda of specialized tech conferences and events in the future. Achieving this qualitative momentum reflects the summit's success in meeting its core objectives, supporting the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, strengthening international partnerships, and connecting the national digital economy with the global economy, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy.
Regarding the current edition's record turnout, HE Sheikh Jassim confirmed that participation was exceptional in both number and quality across startups, investors, international speakers, and partners. He pointed out that the high demand for participation reflects the global interest in the event and confirms that Web Summit Qatar has become a key destination on the international tech events calendar. This turnout is attributed to several factors, most notably the quality of content, the diversity of tracks, and the strength of the networking opportunities the summit provides.
His Excellency highlighted that the summit witnessed the signing of numerous memorandums of understanding between government entities, private companies, and international institutions. These agreements focus primarily on advanced technology, artificial intelligence, fintech, the digital economy, media, investment, and entrepreneurship. They include knowledge transfer, capacity building, digital solutions development, and enhancing public-private sector collaboration, contributing to the national innovation ecosystem and turning summit outcomes into practical partnerships with sustainable impact.
On international participation, HE Sheikh Jassim emphasized that this edition saw unprecedented global participation, reflecting growing recognition of Qatar's role as a trusted business and technology platform in the region. Key drivers for this turnout include Qatar's attractive legislative and economic environment, stability, high-quality investment opportunities, and the summit's ability to provide direct access to decision-makers and build strategic partnerships in future-oriented sectors.
Regarding iHeartMedia's announcement of launching "iHeart Arabic," His Excellency noted that this platform launch comes as part of a strategic partnership signed last year between the Government Communications Office and iHeartMedia, which includes establishing a regional podcast center in Qatar. This partnership gains additional significance with iHeartMedia being chosen as the official podcast partner for Web Summit Qatar 2026, providing the summit with a global platform to showcase high-quality Arabic content.
HE Sheikh Jassim said Web Summit Qatar is playing a direct role in strengthening innovation and the digital economy by turning ideas into projects, linking start-ups with investors, and accelerating the adoption of modern technologies. The summit's impact extends beyond its duration, creating long-term added value for the national economy, while also stimulating sectors such as tourism, aviation, hospitality, and services, and attracting high-quality investments.
He added that the summit has helped build international partnerships with major global technology companies and encouraged investors and trade delegations to explore cooperation with Qatari institutions. This year's edition has drawn more than 30,000 participants from 124 countries, including over 1,600 start-ups and 800 investors.
HE Director of the GCO Sheikh Jassim described Web Summit Qatar as an exceptional success despite being in its third year, noting that participation exceeded initial targets set for 2028. He added that the summit has enhanced Qatar's regional and global reputation as a hub for entrepreneurs and the digital economy, supported by advanced infrastructure and enabling legislation. The summit has also helped transfer best practices and international expertise into the national innovation system, introducing high-quality job opportunities in the technology and digital sectors and boosting entrepreneurship locally.
He added that this was reflected in the growth of Qatari startups participating each year, enhancing the state's digital infrastructure, and bolstering Qatar's status as a global hub for technology and innovation. This has economic and investment gains that extend beyond the days during which the summit is held.
On why tickets for Web Summit 2027 were offered early, His Excellency said that the measure was done in cooperation with the Web Summit to build on the momentum of this year's event and encourage participants to book their tickets early. This sends a strong message on the stability of the business and investment environment in Qatar and allows international companies and governmental delegations to plan for the event. This also helps in planning for the summit in terms of determining capacity and logistical services.