Web Summit Qatar 2026 has marked a pivotal moment in the country’s journey toward becoming a global hub for technology, innovation, and digital transformation. The third edition, which wrapped up yesterday, brought together the leaders, policymakers and some of the most exciting tech innovations and startups over four days in Doha. The summit’s scale and impact show Qatar’s growing influence on the international tech stage and reflect the strategic implementation of its broader digital agenda.
The 2026 edition attracted over 30,000 attendees from over 120 countries, including more than 1,600 startups and 900 investors. The number of attendees has soared from 15,000 when Web Summit first launched in Doha in 2024.
A key milestone unveiled at the summit was the expansion of the Qatar Investment Authority’s venture capital “Fund of Funds” programme by an additional $2bn, raising its value to $3bn and signaling a long-term commitment to nurturing the startup ecosystem.
Complementing this, Qatar introduced a 10-year residency programme for entrepreneurs and executives, aiming to attract and retain top global talent.
Officials also highlighted the summit’s alignment with national strategies. Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani described innovation as “the world’s most valuable currency” and reaffirmed that Qatar intends not just to observe technological change but to help shape it through strategic partnerships and ecosystem development.
Throughout the event, Qatar’s public and private institutions signed numerous agreements targeting digital transformation, public sector modernisation, and innovation support, demonstrating a whole-of-government approach to tech policy.
Web Summit Qatar also reinforces Qatar’s economic diversification efforts. A Silverlode report on the 2025 summit estimated QR807m in economic returns, confirming the event’s broader economic and strategic value.
