Name: Web Summit Qatar
Start: 2026-02-01
End: 2026-02-04
Location: Doha Exhibition & Convention Center

The Opening Night of Web Summit Qatar 2026 takes place on Sunday, February 1.

Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with great speakers, games, networking, and more. It’s all happening at DECC.

Your Opening Night entry includes:
✔ An early sneak peek of the show floor and our global partners.
✔ DJ performance by Oscar-winning, Emmy-nominated filmmaker and co-founder of the legendary hip-hop group The Roots: Questlove.
✔ Centre Stage streamed live across the entire venue. (Please note: Centre Stage seating is invite-only.)
✔ Food Summit, serving global cuisine from across the world.
✔ Access to Night Summit - an exclusive open-air festival taking over DECC Park.

Doors open at 16:30. We can't wait to celebrate with you! 

Doha Exhibition & Convention Center (DECC)

Centre Stage

Opening Night

Join us for a display of the capabilities of robots by Unitree Robotics!

For English to Arabic translation, click this link: https://livevoice.io/listen/501512

(Please note: Centre Stage seating is invite-only.)

Humanoid agent AI avatar

G1 Robot

New Creature of Embodied AI

Go2 Robot

Robots in motion

Opening remarks from Web Summit CEO, Paddy Cosgrave

For English to Arabic translation, click this link: https://livevoice.io/listen/501512

(Please note: Centre Stage seating is invite-only.)

CEO & Founder

Paddy Cosgrave

Welcome to Web Summit Qatar 2026

Join us for opening night at Web Summit as His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani takes the stage to share a visionary address on the future of Technology, innovation, and global collaboration. In a world rapidly transformed by digital advancements, His Excellency will explore how nations, industries, and individuals can harness the power of technology to drive progress, foster inclusivity, and tackle the greatest challenges of our time.
For English to Arabic translation, click this link: https://livevoice.io/listen/501512

(Please note: Centre Stage seating is invite-only.)

Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs

His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani

An address by His Excellency the Prime Minister

Venture capital, on the whole, has rebounded since the post-Covid downturn with $97 billion deployed in Q3 of 2025. However, this rebound has been driven largely by AI, with nearly half of all VC going to AI companies. This trend has led to mega-rounds becoming the new norm, and early stage funding drying up. Join us as Midas List investor Larry Li unpacks the trends and makes predictions for the future.

For English to Arabic translation, click this link: https://livevoice.io/listen/501512

(Please note: Centre Stage seating is invite-only.)

Founder & Managing Partner

Larry Li

Executive Producer & Presenter

Laila Humairah

The view from the Midas List

ElevenLabs Co-founder Mati Staniszewski shares how his team moved from research breakthroughs to powering conversational agents at Deutsche Telekom and Revolut. Discover how ElevenLabs is reimagining human-technology interaction and building for a world where technology finally works on our terms.

For English to Arabic translation, click this link: https://livevoice.io/listen/501512

(Please note: Centre Stage seating is invite-only.)

Co-Founder

Mati Staniszewski

Publisher

Nicholas Johnston

Breaking the sound barrier: The voice agent era

UpScrolled hit #1 in app stores across multiple countries as users fled platforms that treat them as products. Founder Issam Hijazi explains why transparent moderation, chronological feeds, and data protection shouldn’t be revolutionary—and how his team proved it’s possible.

For English to Arabic translation, click this link: https://livevoice.io/listen/501512

(Please note: Centre Stage seating is invite-only.)


Founder & CEO

Issam Hijazi

Middle East Correspondent

Gregg Carlstrom

Building the platform Big Tech won’t

Get ready to witness a showcase of tomorrow's industry leaders, as innovative startups pitch their disruptive ideas and cutting-edge technologies. 

For English to Arabic translation, click this link: https://livevoice.io/listen/501512

Co-founder & CEO

Ranime El Skaff

Hassan Albalawi

Wisam Costandi

Breakout Startups

For English to Arabic translation, click this link: https://livevoice.io/listen/501512

Co-host

Casey Lau

Opening remarks

Her Highness will address the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, emphasising the importance of human values, ethics, and accountability. The speech will reflect on AI’s impact on societies and the need for responsible, human-centered leadership with a long-term vision to shape the future rather than merely react to it.

For Arabic to English translation, click this link: https://livevoice.io/listen/501512

Chairperson

Her Highness Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser

Human first: Re-centering ethics in the age of artificial intelligence

This session explores B Capital’s expanding footprint in MENA, anchored by its Qatar office, and the launch of its MENA–South Asia fund. The founders share why this corridor is emerging as a powerful engine for global growth and how capital, talent, and ambition are converging to shape the next generation of category defining companies.

For English to Arabic translation, click this link: https://livevoice.io/listen/501512

Co-founder

Eduardo Saverin

Co-Founder & Co-CEO

Raj Ganguly

Co-Founder and CEO

Justin Smith

From MENA to South Asia: Building the next global growth corridor

Is capitalism in decline, or has it been replaced by something worse? As inequality deepens and tech giants amass historic wealth through data and markets, what could a future look like where tech respects our data, and the dignity of people and the planet?

For English to Arabic translation, click this link: https://livevoice.io/listen/501512

Professor, Author

Ramesh Srinivasan

Economist & Former Greek Finance Minister

Yanis Varoufakis

CNN VP and CNN Arabic Editor-in-Chief

Caroline Faraj

The end of capitalism and what comes next

AI's development has been incredibly rapid. But finding use cases that advance our economy and improve productivity is more of a challenge. In this session we are joined by a world leading expert to discuss how to make better use of this ubiquitous tool.

For English to Arabic translation, click this link: https://livevoice.io/listen/501512

Qasar Younis

Software & Services Director - TMT

Anders Mauritz Hansson

AI everywhere: Expanding AI use cases

For more than a decade, Snap has taken a different path from much of the tech industry. While others optimized for feeds, metrics, and permanence, Snapchat was built around presence, authenticity, friendships and real human connection. That philosophy became the foundation for Snap’s leadership in camera-first computing, augmented reality, and AI.
In this keynote, Resh Sidhu traces Snap’s evolution from Snapchat to Specs as the company moves toward bringing its wearable computer to consumers. Designed to fit naturally into everyday life, Specs reflect a vision of computing that supports real life rather than competing with it, helping people feel more capable, more present, and more connected to the world around them.

For English to Arabic translation, click this link: https://livevoice.io/listen/501512

Senior Global Director, Innovation, AI, AR & Specs Marketing

Resh Sidhu

From Snapchat to Specs: making computing more human

This session brings together two visionary cultural leaders to examine how culture and creativity function as core infrastructure for creative industries, technological innovation, and a knowledge-based economy.  Centered on Qatar’s approach to culture, the discussion will explore how museums drive education and social progress *while helping to shape technology-driven industries*, positioning local cultural ecosystems within a global landscape of exchange.

For English to Arabic translation, click this link: https://livevoice.io/listen/501512

Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani

CEO and Wallis Annenberg Director

Michael Govan

Investing in culture: Museums, creative industries and the knowledge economy

Join us as the Career Ladder's Max Klymenko attempts to deduce the career's of two surprise guests!

For English to Arabic translation, click this link: https://livevoice.io/listen/501512

Content Creator & Host

Max Klymenko

The career ladder

What happens when health is monitored every day, not once a year? Healthcare may stop waiting for people to get sick. Join Oura CEO Tom Hale as he breaks down why continuous, preventative care is the only scalable path forward – and how technology is finally making it possible.

For English to Arabic translation, click this link: https://livevoice.io/listen/501512

Tom Hale

Senior Global Affairs Editor

Matthew Tostevin

From sick care to health care

This session brings Chris Williamson into conversation on why long-form audio continues to captivate attention in an age of constant distraction. Drawing on his experience hosting deeply immersive conversations, the panel explores how voice uniquely shapes cognition, trust, identity, and self-reflection in ways visual and text-based media cannot. From cultural influence to creator responsibility and the future of human connection in an AI-augmented world, this session examines why audio remains one of the most powerful human forms of communication

For English to Arabic translation, click this link: https://livevoice.io/listen/501512


Host of the Modern Wisdom podcast

Chris Williamson

EVP of Global Brand Partnerships

Andy Kelly

The power of voice: How audio shapes thinking, culture, and the modern mind

Principal Presenter

Folly Bah Thibault

Hollywood actor Cliff Curtis and Bloxx Founder Chris Smith reveal an ambitious new project where innovation, cultural experience, and cinematic storytelling come together to redefine what community living can be.

For English to Arabic translation, click this link: https://livevoice.io/listen/501512

Actor

Cliff Curtis

Co-Founder & CEO

Chris Smith

Social News Editor & Presenter

Ciara Riordan

Living in 4D: Culture, tech, home, and story

The Gulf possesses top-tier AI capabilities, but foundations alone don't drive an economy. This talk explores the critical role of the ecosystem: the startups and operators leveraging sovereign LLMs and government data to build defensible businesses. Join this session to learn how speed and compounding data transform infrastructure into tangible value.

For English to Arabic translation, click this link: https://livevoice.io/listen/501512

Francis Pedraza

Managing Partner

Abdulaziz Shikh Al Sagha

Namek Zu'bi

Tech Policy Reporter

Maria Curi

How AI companies scale in the gulf

Canva is arguably the world's leading design platform. Making graphic design easy, smooth, and quick. In this session we hear from cofounder, Cliff Obrecht, about what it takes to design a world leading design company.

For English to Arabic translation, click this link: https://livevoice.io/listen/501512

Co-founder & COO

Cliff Obrecht

Presenter Digital Content

Rawaa Auge

Designing a world leader

What does it take to build in the GCC and win beyond it? This conversation brings together leaders in the region to discuss scaling playbooks, cultural advantages, and the challenges of taking GCC-born companies to the world stage.

For English to Arabic translation, click this link: https://livevoice.io/listen/501512

Hamad Al-Hajri

Amal Dokhan

Gulf Editor

Mohammed Sergie

To the GCC and beyond

Storytelling doesn’t live on one platform anymore. Abir El Saghir and Prajakta Koli explore how creators can grow across formats while staying true to their voice. They’ll share honest insights on building credibility beyond social media and making purposeful career moves.

For English to Arabic translation, click this link: https://livevoice.io/listen/501512

Creator, Internet Personality & Chef

Abir El Saghir

Creator, Actor & Author

Prajakta Koli

Creator

Noel Robinson

Presenter, film-maker and producer

Nadir Nahdi

Breaking the platform mold

The era of easy money is over, and the playbook for building unicorns is being rewritten in real-time. As the industry faces a historic reset, a sharp divide is forming between the strategies of the past and the realities of the future. Join leading investors as they debate the macro shifts, the new rules of value creation, and who will ultimately win the war for returns in the next cycle.

For English to Arabic translation, click this link: https://livevoice.io/listen/501512

Co-Founder and Managing Partner

Yalda Aoukar

Deals Reporter

Lucinda Shen

The battle for the future of global VC

Technology had already radically transformed the news industry before the advent of generative AI. As we enter into a new technological epoch we are joined by two of the foremost leaders in the news industry to discuss how to future-proof the news.

For English to Arabic translation, click this link: https://livevoice.io/listen/501512

Luc Chénier

Director of AJ+

Aseel Mansour

Future proofing the news

Join Questlove for a special live recording of his podcast The Questlove Show where he sits down with Colin Kaepernick. The Questlove Show builds on the award-winning Questlove Supreme podcast, bringing listeners into intimate, one-on-one conversations with peers, influences, and friends. Hosted by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, each episode uncovers the unexpected — from morning rituals and hidden talents to the art and experiences that shaped a guest’s journey. Sometimes playful, sometimes profound, always curious, QLS offers rare insight into leaders in music, film, television, comedy, literature, mental health, and beyond. It’s a fresh, unpredictable spin from a trusted source — a place where randomness is encouraged, tangents are welcomed, and conversations are anything but ordinary.

Musician and Podcast Host

Questlove .

Colin Kaepernick

The Questlove Show with Colin Kaepernick

The media landscape is an increasingly competitive one. Traditional brands are having to find new ways to engage audiences, and new media brands must fight for the attention of viewers and readers. In this session we are joined by seasoned media leaders to explore what it takes to get ahead, and stay ahead, in a world of diminishing attention.

For English to Arabic translation, click this link: https://livevoice.io/listen/501512

Global Editorial Director

Katie Drummond

CEO & Editorial Director

Claus Strunz

Editor in Chief

Aby Sam Thomas

How to compete in the modern media landscape

Qatar’s launch of QAI marks a pivotal step in its ambition to become a global leader in artificial intelligence. Designed to power innovation across government, industry, and research, QAI represents a strategic investment in sovereign AI capabilities, advanced infrastructure, and talent development. This talk explores the vision behind QAI, its role in accelerating digital transformation, and how it positions Qatar as a key player in shaping the future of responsible and globally competitive AI.


For English to Arabic translation, click this link: https://livevoice.io/listen/501512

Chairman & Managing Director 

Abdullah Hamad Al Misnad

Presenter

Mohamed Hashem

Building Human Systems: How QAI is Building AI Infrastructure Systems Nationally and Globally

Language models reflect what humans already know. World models learn directly from observation. Join Runway Co-founder & CEO Cristóbal Valenzuela as he explores why raw visual experience is essential for tackling problems rooted in physics, biology, and the material world.

For English to Arabic translation, click this link: https://livevoice.io/listen/501512

Cristobal Valenzuela

Learning from the world, not just from text

Shivam Tripathi

Bilal Abou-Diab

Ziyaad Ahmed

Deputy Event Lead

Elissa Karakalla

Technology has transformed marketing, reshaping how companies engage with potential customers. Here to explore the next frontier in marketing is a marketing master, former CMO of Mastercard for 12 years, Raja Rajamannar.

For English to Arabic translation, click this link: https://livevoice.io/listen/501512

Senior Fellow

Raja Rajamannar

Marketing: The next frontier

From the locker room to the boardroom, innovation is redefining how athletes train, recover and lead. Join NBA champion Metta World Peace and entrepreneur Stephen Stokols of True Sky Ventures as they discuss how new technology, mindsets and business models are shaping the next era of human performance — on and off the court.

For English to Arabic translation, click this link: https://livevoice.io/listen/501512

NBA All-Star & Chairman

Metta World Peace

Founder, CEO

Stephen Stokols

Editor

Orianna Rosa Royle

The future of human performance: Where innovation meets the game

As compute becomes a geopolitical asset, access matters as much as capability. Join us as two leading experts examine how quantum, AI, and dual-use technologies are reshaping national strategy, and technological independence.

For English to Arabic translation, click this link: https://livevoice.io/listen/501512

Théau Peronnin

Chief Commercial Innovation Officer

Rika Nakazawa

Compute is the new oil

NBA Champion Tristan Thompson is evolving from athlete to architect of global business. Discover how Thompson is moving beyond traditional endorsements toward a strategy of ownership, venture investing, and high-level equity partnerships with global brands.
For English to Arabic translation, click this link: https://livevoice.io/listen/501512

NBA Champion

Tristan Thompson

Economics Editor

Mehreen Khan

Beyond the court: Tristan Thompson's evolution into global investing

For decades, the playbook for tech innovation was written in SF and exported globally. But with billions of capital being deployed across the globe, from MENA to India and beyond, the centre of gravity is shifting. Are emerging markets now leapfrogging the West, and where should a global investor place their bets in 2026?

For English to Arabic translation, click this link: https://livevoice.io/listen/501512

Want to see what it's like?

Meet our 2026 speakers

They've attended as partners

They came as small startups

They've attended as media

What our attendees are saying

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