Web Summit CEO Paddy Cosgrave speaking during the event.
Doha, Qatar: Increasing technology entrepreneurs in the Middle East and Qatar and a paradigm shift in traditional technology interests to the East makes hosting the Web Summit in Doha next year the right decision, CEO of Web Summit, Paddy Cosgrave, has said.
Qatar will host the Web Summit, the world’s largest technology conference, on February 26-29, 2024.
Web Summit Qatar will be the first of its kind in the region, bringing together thousands of international entrepreneurs, investors, and the next generation of leaders who are reshaping the world.
In a media interaction hosted by the Government Communications Office (GCO) in Doha yesterday, Cosgrave said participation of technology entrepreneurs and investors was on the rise from the Middle East in previous Web Summit editions, which prompted the decision to hold the technology meet in Doha in 2024. He said the ambition behind organising summits was to create global tech gatherings.
“Qatar is a gateway not only to the region but also to the world. Things are moving from the West to China, India, the Middle East and Africa. Therefore, the timing for hosting Web Summit in Doha is also perfect,” Cosgrave said.
Web Summit Qatar will provide new opportunities to connect the tech world in growing ecosystems across the Middle East, Africa, and India, in addition to its established presence in Europe, North America, South America, and Asia. Qatar has a fast-growing technology ecosystem, with a rapidly expanding start-up scene, private sector, and government support for technology innovation.
Cosgrave said CEOs and investors of technology companies and tech start-ups from 64 countries have confirmed attendance for the Web Summit 2024 in Doha. He stated that Anna Fang, CEO and founding partner at ZhenFund, will also address the summit.
“With time, this number will increase, and we expect participation from over 100 countries in the summit,” Cosgrave added. The Irish tech expert also disclosed that Artificial Intelligence, the speed with which tech companies were emerging in the world and the region and several vital tech-related topics will be discussed at the summit.
He added that he is excited to hear about AI and the aviation industry, particularly about China’s company now set to compete with Western companies.
According to him, tech companies from the region will showcase their products to global investors. He called the platform a springboard for budding tech companies and start-ups with the potential to become major companies of tomorrow.
“The summit will also broaden the horizons of traditional companies on tech innovations, and we hope many investment agreements on the sidelines of the summit for technology start-ups.”
On Qatar, Cosgrave praised the country’s efforts to provide a conducive environment for the development and growth of tech entrepreneurs, particularly incubation spaces. He praised the GCO and its ‘dynamic leadership’, which he said understands the emerging opportunities in the region and the world.
According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report 2021, Qatar ranks 28th globally for its capacity for innovation, outpacing other countries in the region. The country also invests heavily in technology infrastructure, focusing on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and cybersecurity.
