Doha: The Permanent Web Summit Qatar Organizing Committee has continued its preparations for the third edition of Web Summit Qatar (WSQ), scheduled for early February 2026.
According to Qatar News Agency, during its regular meeting, the committee reviewed the latest updates related to the global event, which include confirmed speakers, strategic international partnerships, and attracting global trade delegations. The meeting also discussed the outcomes of Qatar's participation at Web Summit Lisbon 2025, which concluded last week.
The Qatari delegation presented a comprehensive showcase of investment opportunities and national initiatives that support innovation and entrepreneurship, reaffirming the nation's standing as a leading destination for technology and innovation. In this regard, Director of the Government Communications Office and Chairman of the Permanent Web Summit Qatar Organizing Committee, Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al-Thani, stated: "We are committed to strengthening Web Summit Qatar's position by enabling startups and investors, and providing an ideal platform for the exchange of ideas and for shaping the future digital economy regionally and globally."
Sheikh Jassim further noted the growing momentum for Web Summit Qatar each year, citing the strong interest from global stakeholders at the Startup Qatar pavilion during their participation in Web Summit Lisbon. This confidence, he said, inspires the committee to deliver an exceptional edition that surpasses expectations next year.
The committee confirmed that IBM will be the official artificial intelligence partner for Web Summit Qatar 2026 and announced the launch of the IBM Sports Tech Challenge at the summit. This competition is designed to spotlight startups developing enterprise-grade sports technology and AI solutions, beginning at Web Summit Qatar 2026 and culminating with finals at Web Summit Lisbon 2026.
The initiative will offer participating startups expert mentorship, international visibility, and the chance to compete for a paid proof of concept valued at up to USD 100,000, along with potential venture funding for future growth.
Additionally, the committee announced the participation of new high-profile global figures and provided updates on the growing number of partners, now totaling 119. New trade delegations from Turkiye and Switzerland have also confirmed their participation.
On the media front, the committee highlighted the inclusion of a new group of media professionals who will moderate summit sessions. Efforts continue to attract more participants, investors, and partners to ensure a high-impact global edition that reinforces Qatar's position in the digital economy sector.