Doha: Web Summit, in collaboration with the Government Communications Office and Qatar Development Bank, organised the Runway to Web Summit Qatar kick-off event for the second edition of the summit, set to be held in Doha from 23 to 26 February. Hosted at M7 in Msheireb Downtown Doha, the event featured panel discussions with Paddy Cosgrave, founder and CEO of Web Summit, Abdulrahman Hesham Al Sowaidi, CEO of Qatar Development Bank, and participants from Qatar-based startups. According to Qatar News Agency, discussions at the event highlighted the startups' participation in the first edition of the summit. Speakers also focused on the progress in preparations for Web Summit Qatar 2025, alongside discussions on the future of technology and the vital role startups play in shaping Qatar's economic future. HE Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al-Thani, Director of the Government Communications Office and Chairman of the Permanent Web Summit Organising Committee, stated that the success of the first Web Summit Qatar showcased the potential of Qatar's entrepreneurial ecosystem. He emphasized that the success of Web Summit Qatar 2024 underscores Qatar's role as a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, highlighting exceptional talent and opportunities across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. He added that the 2025 edition aims to foster deeper partnerships, empower more startups, and drive greater progress in the tech and innovation sectors. Paddy Cosgrave, founder and CEO of Web Summit, anticipated a larger turnout for the second edition of Web Summit Qatar, remarking that this growth speaks to the attractiveness of Doha as a prime location for hosting international events. He also noted that the event serves as a gateway to the region and a market beyond, reaching billions of people, and expressed excitement about the success of such a global event in Qatar. Abdulrahman Hesham Al Sowaidi, CEO of Qatar Development Bank, noted that the Web Summit Qatar represents a powerful testament to Qatar's emergence a s a global innovation hub, particularly in supporting startups. He emphasized that the next edition will demonstrate real progress. He further explained that this shift is part of a comprehensive strategy focusing on innovation and positioning Qatar as a destination for new ideas. He also mentioned that Qatar Development Bank's current strategy supports Qatar-based companies, ensuring an inclusive and diverse business environment. The Web Summit is the world's largest technology event, bringing together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors. Web Summit Qatar 2025 will feature top global speakers and address key issues in technology and innovation. Web Summit's five-year presence in Qatar highlights the country's ongoing efforts to establish itself as a leader in entrepreneurship, innovation, and the tech sector. The summit is a vital catalyst for attracting foreign investment, boosting the tourism industry, and enhancing the business environment, all of which support Qatar's broader goals for econom ic diversification as part of the Qatar National Vision 2030. The first edition of Web Summit Qatar, held earlier this year, achieved significant milestones, including a record number of startups participating, with remarkable attendance from African startups.