Doha, Qatar: The much-anticipated Web Summit Qatar 2025, scheduled from February 23 to 26 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), promises to be a landmark event showcasing cutting-edge innovations and fostering global business partnerships. The Government of India is set to make its mark by leading a delegation of dynamic startups under its Startup India initiative, aiming to connect with investors and expand their reach, especially within the MENA region.
During the launch of the Indian Country Pavilion, Ambassador of India to Qatar H E Vipul emphasized the strong ties between India and Qatar, particularly within tech and entrepreneurship. “This event provides Indian startups with the perfect platform to explore new markets and collaborate across borders,” he stated. The delegation includes startups from various sectors, showcasing innovations ranging from AI-driven SaaS solutions to smart travel technology.
These participants are representative of India’s third-largest startup ecosystem globally, which boasts over 1.59 lakh recognized startups and more than 100 unicorns. The increasing global relevance of Indian technology and innovation was underscored by the Ambassador’s keynote address, which focused on the “Gateway to GCC Growth for Indian Startups,” hosted by the Qatar Research Development and Innovation Council.
Ambassador Vipul recalled the recent state visit of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to India, highlighting the pivotal nature of India-Qatar relations. He encouraged Qatari institutions to seek partnerships with Indian incubators for mutual growth, marking the Summit as not only a networking opportunity but also as pivotal for engaging high-impact business discussions.
Now, amid the vibrant backdrop of Qatar’s economic activities, the Governor of the Qatar Central Bank, H E Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud Al Thani, participated in discussions centered on digital transformation and financial growth. His participation reflects the broader regional focus on geopolitics and digitalization, aiming to adapt financial strategies to the rapidly changing global environment.
Visit Qatar, another key participant, takes pride in its role, sponsoring the VIP Lounge at the Summit. This lounge will serve as an exclusive networking space, underscoring Qatar’s commitment to melding tourism and technology. H E Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, articulated the importance of the Web Summit for showcasing Qatar’s emergence as a global tourism destination enriched by digital services.
Recognized for its excellence, Visit Qatar has recently secured several awards including the Microsoft AI Excellence Award for its GenAI Travel Concierge, attesting to its innovative strides. The Visit Qatar mobile app, integrating the Visit Qatar Pass for significant savings on experiences, reflects the national vision of digital innovation leading to enhanced visitor experiences, ensuring seamless trip planning for both tourists and residents.
Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar, echoed these sentiments, presenting the Summit as not just a platform for tourism but also as significant for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions). He noted, “The summit amplifies our vision to position Qatar as an integral player on the global MICE stage. We’re continually enhancing our offerings for visitors, ensuring memorable experiences through advanced digital services.”
Meanwhile, Anatoly Motkin, President of StrategEast, highlighted Qatar’s aspirations to become not only an economic powerhouse but also a technological superpower, capitalizing on its national vision for 2030. He remarked on the growing significance of the Web Summit: “The presence of senior government officials this year is indicative of our serious commitment to innovation and technology. Qatar is paving the way for digital transformation, and events like the Web Summit accelerate this growth, fostering collaboration between diverse regions such as the Caucasus and the Gulf.”
This steady momentum positions the Web Summit Qatar 2025 as not merely another tech event but as a global gathering point for leading business minds and innovators. The synergy between various global entities and local businesses promises collaborative ventures, positioning Qatar as a hub for digital development and cultural exchange.
With its ambitious objectives, Web Summit Qatar 2025 is set to redefine the entrepreneurial and technological landscapes of both Qatar and the broader MENA region. It stands as evidence of the collective effort to build bridges between nations through innovative thinking and collaborative entrepreneurship, paving the way for sustainable development and economic growth.
Vodafone Qatar COO Baran Yurdagul and other representatives of Vodafone Qatar and SAWAA Technology for Mobility Services at the MoU signing. Doha: Voda
Sheikh Ali bin Jabor bin Mohammad al-Thani, CEO of Ooredoo Qatar, and Ghassan Kos
Mohamed Mohsin Alyafei, acting enterprise business unit director at Vodafone Qata