Doha, 01 Jan. 2026 (QNA)

Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani inaugurated today the third edition of Web Summit Qatar, the fastest-growing technology event in the Middle East and North Africa, taking place until February 4 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC).

The opening ceremony was attended by a distinguished group of ministers and senior officials, along with global innovators, investors, decision-makers, and technology leaders from around the world.

In his keynote address, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to playing an active role in shaping the future of global innovation. He emphasized the importance of strengthening international partnerships and supporting a vibrant technology ecosystem and startup community.

He noted that innovation has become the world’s most valuable currency, stressing that Qatar does not intend to simply observe the future, but to help shape it in collaboration with partners worldwide. He added that, in just two years, Web Summit Qatar has firmly established itself as a key reference point for the global technology community, influencing dialogue, partnerships, and investment priorities. He described the event’s momentum as extraordinary.

Highlighting the accelerating pace of innovation, the Prime Minister pointed out that global research and development spending is approaching USD 3 trillion annually, while artificial intelligence startups attracted around one-third of global venture capital investment in 2024. He also noted that nearly six billion people are now connected online, including 1.2 billion young people aged between 15 and 24, underscoring the need to build skills across fields such as coding, technology, and finance.

In this context, he announced the launch of “QAI,” Qatar’s national artificial intelligence company, which will deliver sovereign AI infrastructure and software systems. The initiative aims to strengthen national capabilities while supporting partners worldwide and ensuring sustainable innovation.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani also highlighted Qatar’s competitive advantages, citing its strong global connectivity. He noted that the country is physically connected through its award-winning airline and airport, digitally supported by subsea cables and high-performance computing infrastructure, and financially positioned as a safe, tax-efficient environment where capital can grow and scale.

He further announced a significant expansion of Qatar’s support for startups and venture capital through the extension of the Qatar Investment Authority’s Fund of Funds program. Building on the initial USD 1 billion commitment—which has already attracted 12 major venture capital firms to Doha—the program will be expanded by an additional USD 2 billion.

Additional measures include dedicated computing credits for Qatar-based startups, an eightfold increase in startup incentives, and the extension of Qatar Development Bank’s “Start from Qatar” program through 2026. He also announced the launch of a 10-year residency program for entrepreneurs, founders, investors, and senior executives, alongside streamlined procedures allowing company formation, banking, and residency to be completed within days.

Concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister emphasized that the future belongs to those who build together with openness and trust, expressing confidence in the partnerships and achievements ahead and welcoming participants to Qatar.