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Qatar / General

GCO, German Mittelstand GCC Office sign MoU at Web Summit 2025

Published: 25 Feb 2025 - 09:21 am | Last Updated: 25 Feb 2025 - 09:49 am
GCO Director and Chairman of the Permanent Web Summit Organising Committee H E Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al Thani and Vice Chairman and Board Member of the German Mittelstand Gordon Pelz during the signing of the agreement.

GCO Director and Chairman of the Permanent Web Summit Organising Committee H E Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al Thani and Vice Chairman and Board Member of the German Mittelstand Gordon Pelz during the signing of the agreement.

Victor Bolorunduro | The Peninsula

Doha, Qatar: In a landmark move set to bolster international collaboration in innovation and entrepreneurship, the Government Communications Office (GCO) of Qatar and the German Mittelstand GCC Office have signed a multi-year memorandum of understanding (MoU). The agreement, spanning from 2026 to 2028, establishes Germany’s official representation at Web Summit Qatar through the German Startup Pavilion .

The signing ceremony took place during a formal event attended by dignitaries, business leaders, and representatives from both nations yesterday.  Director of the Government Communications Office and Chairman of the Permanent Web Summit Organising Committee, H E Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al Thani, and Vice Chairman and Board Member of the German Mittelstand, Gordon Pelz, formalized the agreement.

At the heart of this collaboration is the German Startup Pavilion , which will serve as a dynamic hub showcasing over entrepreneurs, investors, and industry multipliers at Web Summit Qatar. The pavilion will spotlight Germany’s thriving startup ecosystem while fostering cross-border partnerships with Qatari innovators, regional stakeholders, and global tech pioneers.

The pavilion underscores Germany’s commitment to positioning itself as a leader in technological advancement and entrepreneurial excellence on the global stage. By bringing together startups, venture capitalists, and thought leaders under one roof, the initiative seeks to create synergies that drive economic growth, knowledge exchange, and mutual prosperity.

During his remarks at the signing ceremony, H E Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al Thani emphasized the significance of this partnership in strengthening ties between Qatar and Germany. “This agreement reflects our shared vision of leveraging technology and innovation to build a brighter future,” he said. “By hosting Germany’s official representation at Web Summit Qatar, we are not only promoting cutting-edge ideas but also reinforcing the strong bilateral relations between our two countries.”

H E Sheikh Jassim further highlighted how such collaborations align with Qatar’s broader strategy to position itself as a global hub for innovation and digital transformation. With Web Summit Qatar emerging as a premier platform for tech-driven dialogue, the inclusion of international pavilions like Germany’s enriches the summit’s diversity and impact.

Pelz echoed these sentiments, noting the immense potential of this partnership. “Germany’s Mittelstand companies and startups embody resilience, creativity, and forward-thinking solutions,” he stated. “Through this agreement, we aim to connect innovators with opportunities in Qatar and the wider Gulf region. This MoU marks a new chapter in our collaboration, paving the way for sustainable growth and shared success.”

The 2025 edition of Web Summit Qatar already promises to be a milestone event, with the German Startup Pavilion expected to draw significant attention. Entrepreneurs and investors participating in the pavilion will gain unparalleled access to Qatar’s rapidly evolving market, supported by government initiatives aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

This strategic alliance between the GCO and the German Mittelstand GCC Office exemplifies the power of public-private partnerships in driving global progress. For Qatar, hosting Germany’s official delegation reinforces its reputation as a convenor of world-class events and a catalyst for international cooperation. For Germany, the partnership offers a unique opportunity to showcase its innovative prowess and deepen engagement with the Middle East’s burgeoning tech landscape.