The Web Summit 2025 officially kicked off at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) on February 24, drawing a crowd of industry leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs. The event began with a keynote from Web Summit founder Paddy Cosgrave, who reflected on the summit’s growth and emphasized the Middle East’s growing importance in the tech world. The opening night set the stage for a week of forward-thinking discussions, with key insights into the future of technology, business, and global industries.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, the Prime Minister of Qatar, delivered the evening’s most anticipated speech. He shared Qatar’s ambitious plans to become a global leader in technology, sustainability, and innovation. His message underscored Qatar’s commitment to investing in the future of technology and creating a thriving environment for growth and collaboration. The Prime Minister’s words set an optimistic tone for the rest of the event, focusing on Qatar’s role as a major player in the global tech landscape.
The spotlight then shifted to Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit and venture capitalist, who was introduced by Folly Bah Thibault, Principal Presenter for Al Jazeera English. Ohanian engaged the audience with a compelling talk on the future of sports. He emphasized the growing opportunity in women’s sports, urging businesses and investors to recognize the untapped potential in this rapidly expanding market. Ohanian’s session sparked excitement about how the sports industry could evolve and the role of investment in driving that change.
Another major highlight of the evening was the session led by Alexandr Wang, CEO of Scale AI, who shared his insights on the future of artificial intelligence. Wang explained how AI is already transforming industries worldwide and discussed its potential to drive economic growth, increase innovation, and improve efficiency in various sectors. His talk offered a glimpse into the future, showing how AI will continue to play a central role in shaping the global economy.
With the opening night setting an ambitious tone, Web Summit Qatar 2025 promises to be a dynamic event that brings together leaders and innovators from across the world. Over the next few days, attendees will engage in vital discussions and collaborations aimed at defining the next wave of technological advancements.
