Web Summit Qatar 2026 has drawn widespread praise from international participants, who say its organisation, scale and energy rival the world’s top technology gatherings and cement Doha’s status as a global events hub.
Business leaders, founders and investors highlighted not only the summit’s professional execution and high-calibre attendance, but also Qatar’s growing appeal as a destination for innovation, investment and quality living.
They told Gulf Times that Doha has established itself as a global hub for the effective organisation of high-end international events, as this summit – which has gathered industry pioneers, startups, established businesses and experts in one place – has provided excellent business opportunities and an active platform to connect with others in the industry.
Faisal Amir Malik, chief technology officer, solution sales and marketing, Huawei Enterprise Business, said the summit has been a great opportunity to reach out to potential partners, as Huawei aims to provide complete and comprehensive ICT solutions with adequate infrastructure for Accelerate Industrial Intelligence (ACT). This, he noted, will enhance government tech services and speed up digital transformation. He described Web Summit Qatar as among the best globally in its field, citing the great turnout and strong participation from both the government and private sectors.
Adrien Dubuisson, regional marketing manager at Figma, a French design and prototyping company, praised the layout and organisation of the stalls and pavilions, which make participants easily accessible to visitors without crowding. He stressed that visitors to the summit are genuinely interested in serious business, making it a great opportunity for startups to reach potential partners and customers. He also described Doha as a safe, convenient, exceptionally clean and well-organised city where many Europeans could enjoy living, thanks to its excellent services, facilities and international community. He particularly enjoyed cycling on the Corniche and praised the transport system.
Dhrubojyoti Saha, from Sundew, India, said the summit is one of the best in its field in terms of organisation, accessibility, services and the quality of participants and visitors. He believes the general atmosphere is full of enthusiasm and offers great potential for businesses to expand and grow their reach. He expressed admiration for Doha as a city of ultra-modern architecture and infrastructure that still maintains and preserves its original identity and heritage.
Otto Korpela, from Sulvana MEA, Finland, said Qatar is an excellent market for AI, with great potential for companies to expand and grow. He noted that the summit benefits from ample, well-organised space that gives participants excellent visibility.
Vladislav Bakhtyurin, marketing manager at OnlyOffice, Uzbekistan, pointed out that the summit has dedicated open spaces for all participants, making them easily visible and accessible. He said the excellent quality of customers and business opportunities at the event has been a pleasant surprise that exceeded his expectations.
He described people as very helpful and open to co-operating with others, and praised the quiet, safe and hassle-free atmosphere of the country, where he can move freely and enjoy quality time. For business, he said, the summit is a great opportunity, and as a tourist he loved Doha – particularly the high quality of services, the friendly, welcoming atmosphere and the sense of safety and security everywhere he went.
Michael Jordan, CEO of Gem Soft, USA, said this is his third participation at Web Summit Qatar and he believes the event has become a must-attend gathering for industry stakeholders globally. He added that side events held alongside the summit help participants build networks and enhance their businesses.
He noted that Doha has developed positively in recent years to become an excellent place to live and an attractive destination for people from around the world. Travellers in Doha, he said, have easy access to all GCC countries and can attend a meeting abroad and return the same day, giving Qatar a strong advantage as a hub for business, tourism and living.
Zana Ahmed, founder of One Connect, Iraq, said Qatar is very attractive for start-ups like his company, with infrastructure and services that are excellent and promising for stronger business and work ecosystems. The event, he explained, has given his company great potential to reach government and private-sector clients and offer them tailor-made IT solutions. He observed that the Qatari government encourages such businesses and provides strong support within a very positive environment and high quality of life.
Anna Lena Grytz, general manager for international trade affairs at a German trade and investment agency, said around 21 German IT start-ups are taking part in Web Summit Qatar, calling it a great opportunity for them to reach out locally and globally, supported by positive co-operation between the Qatari and German governments. She described Doha as welcoming and generous, with an excellent atmosphere for a warm lifestyle. While the country has become an icon of modernity and sophistication, she noted that heritage and traditions are actively integrated into its fabric, citing Souq Waqif as an example. People in Doha, she added, enjoy life in a safe, convenient and easy-going way and can maintain their privacy even in public and tourist areas, with no sense of harassment or hazard, even late at night.
Karim Helbawi, from Uber Enterprises, stressed that Doha has a great network of roads and excellent transport systems. He sees strong potential for smart transportation solutions to expand in the country, given its booming economy.
