Tribune News Network
Doha
Qatar is set to showcase its growth as a global tech leader at Web Summit Qatar 2025, building on the success of the 2024 edition. A glimpse of the upcoming event was unveiled on Monday at M7, where Scale7, an incubator by QDB and M7, hosted the latest Runway to Web Summit.
Runway to Web Summit events support local tech communities ahead of Web Summit events, fostering innovation and growth.The latest gathering brought together Web Summit founder and CEO Paddy Cosgrave, along with QDB CEO Abdulrahman Hesham Al-Sowaidi, to discuss the future of tech and its impact on Qatar’s ecosystem.
They were joined by local Qatar based startups SkipCash (mobile payment platform), Adeer (AI business management solution), Wqtah (platform for booking local experiences), and Kafy (food-tech) who shared their latest innovations and future plans.
The panels were moderated by Hamad Al-Amari, a Qatari comedian and entrepreneur with a global background, shaped by his experiences in Ireland and the USA. He encouraged participants to share their journeys and views on Qatar’s business ecosystem.
Speaking at the event, Web Summit CEO Paddy Cosgrave highlighted the potential of Web Summit Qatar 2025.
“We are delighted to be in Doha today, alongside some incredible local Qatari startups showcasing the immense talent and potential of this region—which is truly exciting.
It’s great to see some of last year’s participants returning as partners for this year’s event,” said Paddy Cosgrave, founder and CEO of Web Summit. “We’re also thrilled to be here with Qatar Development Bank (QDB), who have been such a key part in growing Qatar’s startup ecosystem by offering support and resources that entrepreneurs need. Honestly, we can’t wait for Web Summit Qatar 2025,” he added.
In 2024, Web Summit Qatar showcased the potential of Qatar’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, a foundation 2025 is set to amplify.
“The success of Web Summit Qatar 2024 highlights Qatar’s role as a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, showcasing exceptional talent and opportunities across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa,” said Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al Thani, Director of the Government Communications Office and Chairman of the Permanent Web Summit Organising Committee.
“As one of the fastest-growing events in the region, Web Summit Qatar attracts increasing global attention, underscoring its significance as a platform for innovation and collaboration.
Building on this momentum, the 2025 edition will foster deeper partnerships, empower more startups, and drive greater progress in the tech and innovation sectors,” he continued.
During the February event, QDB unveiled its latest Startup Qatar Investment Programme under the Startup Qatar platform, aimed at supporting tech startups in establishing or expanding operations in Qatar.
The event marked the signing of 24 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), fostering strategic partnerships to advance the country’s tech ecosystem.
At the Runway to Web Summit gathering in Doha today, QDB CEO Abdulrahman Hesham Al-Sowaidi emphasised Web Summit’s role in driving innovation and collaboration, reinforcing Qatar’s position as a global leader in the tech and startup sectors.
“Web Summit Qatar represents a powerful testament to Qatar’s emergence as a global innovation hub. When thousands of startups from around the globe converge here and express interest in our ecosystem, it signals something truly transformative.
We’ve successfully created an environment where innovation thrives, where government support meets entrepreneurial spirit, and where great ideas find the resources to become global
solutions.
Qatar today stands as a launch pad for innovation, connecting visionary entrepreneurs with unprecedented opportunities.
Through platforms like Web Summit, we’re actively shaping the future of global innovation and establishing Qatar as the natural home for transformative ideas in the region and beyond,” said Mr.
Abdulrahman Hesham Al-Sowaidi, CEO, Qatar Development Bank.
The latest Runway to Web Summit gathering in Qatar also spotlighted the contributions of Qatari startups through a panel where founders shared their journeys, challenges, and goals.
After attending as startups at the inaugural Web Summit Qatar in 2024, SkipCash, a QR-based mobile payment app, and Wqtah, a platform for booking local experiences, are returning as partners for the 2025 event.
Both shared how participating in last year’s event influenced their development and prepared them for future opportunities.
Notably, SkipCash was recently recognised with the Best Smart Solution award at the Qatar Digital Business Awards 2024, while Wqtah won Best Company in Digital Commerce.
Adeer, an AI-powered business management platform also just received the title of Best Mobile App at the recent Qatar Digital Business Awards and joined Web Summit Lisbon this November.
The startup panel also featured Kafy, a growing food-tech platform that shows how AI can be used to optimize operations for restaurants and food shops, tackling waste, and cutting costs.
