Web Summit’s debut in MENA sets records

The world’s largest tech event’s debut in the Middle East and Africa, Web Summit Qatar 2024, ended on a high note at the end of February with a huge turnout from international tech giants, startups, industry experts and tech enthusiasts from all over the world. The event, held at Doha Exhibition and Convention Center, set several feats and records. Over four days the summit hosted 15,453 attendees from 118 countries, with 20% of them coming from Africa. Organisers report 401 investors, 148 partners and 380 speakers attended the event, as well as 900 tech journalists and media representatives. Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al Thani, director of the Government Communications Office (GCO) and chairman of the Web Summit Qatar 2024 Organising Committee, said: “We are proud of Qatar’s achievements across all domains. The exceptional organisation of such a celebrated global event and the huge turnout we have recorded for a first-year edition showcases our country’s capacity to further its role as a leading destination for technology and innovation in the region and in launching initiatives that advance the digital and IT sector in Qatar and beyond.” He added: “As the summit’s inaugural edition in the region, we were excited to welcome thousands of startups, investors, and tech leaders, while opening doors to networking and growth opportunities for young and aspiring entrepreneurs in Qatar and the region. With AI and other emerging technologies and business development trends dominating discussions at the summit, the event has instantly proven its ability to serve as a platform that effectively contributes to Qatar’s digital transformation and accelerate the establishment of a knowledge-based economy.” Web Summit CEO Katherine Maher said: “We had record numbers of people. It was the most international star event ever in the region in terms of startups… I am so excited to be able to come back year after year.” Qatar is keen to host tech start ups and integrate them into the wider economy. The summit also featured the signing of 24 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between Qatari institutions and prominent tech ventures toward boosting the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems in Qatar and beyond. For a final-day highlight, summit attendees flocked to the main stage where the pitch competition finalists shared the stories behind their startups and their vision for the future. The three finalists were Rhazes AI, an end-to-end AI assistant for doctors, IMAN, a super-app for halal finance and Breshna.io, a no-code game-builder, with the latter winning the competition. The summit was also attended by officials from Meta, Google, Microsoft, YouTube, Snapchat and Shell, who showcased their latest innovations in the world of tech.