Technology and innovation have become central pillars of economic growth worldwide, and both Qatar and Ukraine recognise their importance in building knowledge-based economies, an industry expert has said.
Daria Revina, co-founder and vice chair of the Qatar-Ukraine Business Forum (QUBF), told Gulf Times that Ukraine has long been strong in Information Technology (IT), ranking among the “top five globally in terms of graduates and expertise.”
“In recent years, driven by necessity, Ukraine has also emerged as a leader in defence technology and drone innovation—transforming from a virtually nonexistent domestic drone industry in 2022 to an exporter of advanced solutions abroad.
“This expertise aligns naturally with Qatar’s drive to diversify its economy and strengthen its tech and startup ecosystem. That’s why we established the Qatar-Ukraine Tech and Innovation Committee, bringing together government and private sector partners from both countries,” Revina pointed out.
According to Revina, the QUBF established the Qatar-Ukraine Tech & Innovation Committee, a platform to connect players, explore collaboration opportunities in areas like AI, automation, and robotics, and develop sector-specific initiatives.
“Our key partner in Ukraine is Unit.City, the largest tech and innovation hub in Eastern Europe. It is often described as the region’s Silicon Valley. Through their network, we engage a wide range of innovators in joint projects and challenges. For example, automation and robotics are a global priority, closely tied to the AI revolution.
“Ukraine has produced promising robotics companies, and we see strong potential for their solutions in Qatar, particularly in the warehousing and logistics sectors, where automation can reduce reliance on imported labour,” Revina explained.
During Web Summit Qatar 2026, QUBF announced a partnership with Snoonu, led by its founder and CEO, Hamad al-Hajri, who is also a QUBF board member.
Revina said, “His newly-formed venture capital, X2 Ventures, is investing in Ukrainian robotics, reflecting his belief that talent is the foundation of innovation. Together, this collaboration supports Qatar’s vision for automation and robotics while connecting it to Ukraine’s cutting-edge expertise.”
Revina pointed to cybersecurity as a critical sector within tech and innovation, which QUBF views as one of the most important areas the organisation has prioritised.
She said, “Ukraine has some of the most advanced expertise globally. We’ve identified promising Ukrainian cybersecurity startups and are currently working to raise funding for them here in Qatar.
“While details are still in process and cannot yet be disclosed, the goal is to relocate these companies to Qatar, where they can establish themselves and use the country as a launch pad for global expansion.”
