Doha, Qatar: Chairman of Media City Qatar and the Organizing Committee of the Qatar Economic Forum (QEF) H E Sheikh Dr. Abdulla bin Ali bin Saud Al-Thani said that the fifth edition of ‘Qatar Economic Forum, Powered by Bloomberg,’ convenes at a critical moment, shaped by deep shifts in global markets, technology, and geopolitics, which gives it increasing importance at the regional and international levels.
In an exclusive interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), he said that, “Preparations are well underway to welcome over 2,500 participants, including heads of state, senior government officials, CEOs of multinational companies, and global investors,” noting that “each edition of the forum has grown in size and relevance, and this fifth edition builds on that trajectory with broader international representation and deeper cross-sector dialogue.”
“The 2025 agenda focuses on the theme ‘The Road to 2030: Transforming the Global Economy,’ reflecting Qatar’s intention to host not just a regional economic forum, but a global platform that tackles urgent challenges — from energy transition and trade disruptions to investment in emerging technologies, sports, and entertainment,” he noted.
Sheikh Dr. Abdulla said, “Taking place just five years away from Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030), with other national development plans across the region also underway, the forum comes at a time when global conflict and division are on the rise. In this context, the act of coming together to talk, to listen, and to engage meaningfully is more consequential than ever.”
“Since its launch in 2021, the forum has brought together some of the most influential voices across government, business, media, and technology. Its ability to convene such a high-level and diverse group of participants reflects Qatar’s growing influence as a trusted venue for international cooperation,” he added.
Sheikh Dr. Abdulla said, “Beyond its convening power, the forum delivers measurable outcomes. Between 2022 and 2024, it contributed over QR177m to the national GDP and supported the creation of more than 900 full-time jobs. In 2024 alone, the event reached more than 300 million homes worldwide and generated QR67m in marketing value. Perhaps most notably, it helped drive an 18 percent improvement in the global perception of Qatar as a forward-thinking and collaborative international partner.”
He also highlighted that, “Over the past two years, the forum has facilitated more than 450 bilateral meetings, creating pathways for partnership, technology transfer, and cross-border collaboration. In 2024 alone, it led to the signing of 20 Memoranda of Understanding, with another 20 already in progress across key sectors for the 2025 edition.”
“Today, Media City Qatar is home to over 200 licensed companies. Leading international media organisations such as Euronews, CNN, Dow Jones, and dpa are establishing bases here, reinforcing Qatar’s role as a rising global media hub,” he added.
