Washington:The Government Communications Office (GCO) and the Embassy of the State of Qatar in the United States organized an event to foster US involvement in the upcoming Web Summit Qatar, scheduled for January 31 to February 3, 2027, in Doha.
According to Qatar News Agency, the event featured participants from major companies like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Berkshire Hathaway Energy, and TechMet, in addition to investors, entrepreneurs, and start-ups. The discussions focused on global partnerships, innovation, growth, start-up success stories, and the role of smart capital in supporting new companies.
The initiative aimed to build on the strong US participation from the previous summit and deepen connections with the US technology and investment sectors. It also sought to encourage international participation and create opportunities for companies, investors, and entrepreneurs from both Qatar and the United States.
Qatar's Ambassador to the US, Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad Al-Thani, emphasized the strategic partnership between Qatar and the United States, highlighting technology and innovation as crucial areas of cooperation. He noted the strong presence of US companies in the previous summit and the potential for further growth and partnerships in 2027.
Director of Studies and Strategic Planning at the GCO, Soud Ahmed Al Boinin, remarked on the success of last year's event and the expansion of the Runway series to other cities, including Paris. He noted that 40% of last year's attendees traveled to Doha, highlighting the strong US presence at the summit.
Invest Qatar's Chief Strategy Officer, Dr. Hamad Rashid Al Naimi, discussed the advantages for US companies in Qatar, such as connecting with the local ecosystem and scaling projects regionally. He encouraged founders to leverage Web Summit Qatar as a platform to engage with stakeholders and explore market opportunities.
Web Summit's Chief Events Officer, Craig Becker, praised Qatar's infrastructure and community energy, noting the country's commitment to fostering business opportunities and easing barriers for startups.
Breshna.io's Founder and CEO, Mariam Nusrat, credited Qatar with significantly contributing to her company's growth, emphasizing the support for entrepreneurs in the region.
Future Runway events are planned in Paris, Berlin, Dusseldorf, and Stockholm, aiming to unite technology communities and leaders before the Doha summit, which aligns with Qatar's goal of establishing a robust digital economy and becoming a hub for innovation.