Doha, Qatar – Entrepreneurs, investors, and tech leaders gathered in Doha on Monday as the Web Summit, one of the world’s largest tech conferences, kicked off in Qatar’s capital. This marks the first time the event is being held in the Middle East, bringing together participants from around the globe, eager to make new connections, share insights, and seek investment opportunities during the four-day event.
Qatar’s Commitment to Innovation and Investment
Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, opened the summit by announcing that the country’s sovereign wealth fund would invest over $1 billion into regional and international venture capital funds. The “Fund of Funds” initiative aims to promote innovation by attracting top venture capitalists and entrepreneurs to Qatar and the broader Gulf region. This move supports Qatar’s goal of becoming a regional hub for technology, with Al Thani emphasizing the country’s dedication to advancing technology and fostering a creative, entrepreneurial ecosystem, making Qatar an ideal location for Web Summit.
AI at the Forefront of the Summit
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the central theme of this year’s event, bringing together international start-ups from the Middle East at a time when the region is dealing with the impact of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Amjad Masad, founder of Replit, an online programming platform, shared his enthusiasm for technology while acknowledging the broader issues. “Technology can be a force for good, but AI can’t solve all problems,” Masad said, which resonated with the audience and sparked applause.
Trevor Noah Headlines as Speaker
Former “Daily Show” host Trevor Noah headlined the opening day of the summit. Known for his humor, Noah has a deep involvement in technology and serves as Microsoft’s “Chief Questions Officer,” hosting a series that delves into AI’s role in solving global problems. At the summit, he discussed how AI could reshape human roles, urging the audience to rethink what it means for technology to “replace” us and to consider how AI will redefine what humans seek to achieve.
Networking and Collaboration Across Borders
As the conference progressed, entrepreneurs and investors from across the globe began networking at the sold-out event, exchanging QR codes instead of business cards. Over the following days, Doha’s Exhibition and Convention Center became a bustling hub for innovation and collaboration. The summit also highlighted “impact start-ups” dedicated to advancing healthcare and sustainability through technology.
Global Start-ups Seek Funding
Heidi Rus, managing director of U.S.-based Everest, attended to secure funding for her company’s water plant project in Bangladesh. Alex Chernenko, CEO of Translit, a start-up that uses AI to provide translation services, also participated, offering insights on how AI could help overcome language barriers and improve global communication.
A Full-Circle Moment for Arezu Aghasey
Arezu Aghasey, now with Crea, a San Francisco-based venture capital firm, made a return to the Web Summit after a decade. She previously attended as a scholar and now scouts for start-ups with the aim of bridging Silicon Valley and the MENA region. “I’m focused on identifying promising start-ups in the MENA region and helping them enter Silicon Valley, and vice versa,” Aghasey explained, emphasizing the importance of fostering global connections and collaboration between the two regions.
