Web Summit Qatar, one of four regional offshoots of the global technology conference launched back in 2009, is coming to Doha for the second time. The event or rather dozens of different events, dedicated to venture capitalism, breakthrough technologies, and even the future of our planet, will take place on Feb 23-26 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC).
Whether you’re interested in meeting one of the Reddit co-founders, learning about the next big thing (or two) in tech, uncovering the secrets of the international product leads, or striking the jackpot deal for your own project, Web Summit Qatar is likely the best occasion for any of it in the next twelve months. The 2024 edition was a huge success, attracting more than 15,000 people from 118 countries, and instantly raising more than $1.5 billion for the winners of its PITCH contest. This time the list of official partners features TikTok, Huawei, Meta, Microsoft, Snapchat, Mastercard, and dozens more, including regional champions such as QIC and Qatar Airways.
QIC at the Web Summit Qatar
Qatar Insurance Company, one of the country’s first corporations and a leader in digitalizing the national economy, is hosting its program at Web Summit Qatar. It will include dozens of workshops and panels, spread throughout all three days of the event, as well as its own networking zone for startups and investors. At the QIC Pavilion, the company executives and industry leaders will discuss emerging trends (think parametric insurance), new insurance products in MENA, investment strategies, and much more.
Whether you work in insurance or have a general interest in the digital transformation that QIC brings to the region, here are five events we genuinely recommend:
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Innovating for Tomorrow: The Future of Insurance in a Digital-First World. Feb. 24, 10:30 AM
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Navigating Rising Trends: Parametric Insurance. Feb.24, 11:25 AM
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Revolutionizing InsurTech: Bridging Financial Services and Insurance for Better Coverage. Feb. 25, 10:30 AM
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Fireside Chats: StartUp and Mental Health. Feb.25, 12:45 PM
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Trends, Impact and Destiny of Embedded Insurance. Feb.26, 2:00 PM
All the events mentioned will take place at the QIC Stage, occupying booth number 1212-02, right next to the Growth Lounge.
Where Else to Go at the Web Summit Qatar
Not sure which talks to attend? That’s understandable, given the scope of the schedule. Here’s what we may recommend personally, depending on your area of interest:
Money & Finance
Is Paper Money Becoming Extinct?
Most Brits believe cash will be obsolete in their country by 2030. Australian Commonwealth Bank predicts a shift to a cashless society as early as next year. In Qatar, only 23% of day-to-day payments are being made in bank notes. Are we that near to the brave new world of fully digitalized consumer finances? Hopefully Yasin Oral, a chief executive of the Turkish cryptocurrency exchange Pariby, will provide some answers.
Where: Stage 6
When: Feb 24, 1:55 PM
The Money Mindset of Gen Z
Those born between 1997 and 2012 prioritize quality over price, shop mostly with their smartphones, and store their money in neobanks. If you’re eager to know more about the money habits of a generation that will be gaining more and more purchasing power in the next few decades, that’s tour talk.
Where: Stage 6
When: Feb 24, 3:05 PM
From Barter to Coins: The Past, Present, and Future of Money
Humans have used all kinds of things as money — take salt, dolphin teeth, and even giant stone discs, to name a few. Today, there are many alternatives to traditional banknotes and it’s not just crypto or central bank digital currencies. CEOs of leading European digital payment platforms, Revolut and payabl., will provide an overview of our monetary future.
Where: Stage 6
When: Feb 24, 12:35 PM
Artificial Intelligence
Building Cultural Bridges Between AI and Human Teams
AI and humans don’t have to be rivals. But could they be colleagues? That might take some effort on behalf of management, as the chief executives of the leading businesses in Qatar, India, and Switzerland will explain at this panel.
Where: Stage 3
When: Feb 24, 10:45 AM
AI-driven consumer protection
One trillion U.S. dollars. That’s slightly less than the total amount of money, siphoned by scammers worldwide in 2024. From fraud detection to smart contracts and real-time price monitoring, AI offers numerous ways to enhance consumer protection. Learn more from Mashael Al-Sabah, a senior scientist at Qatar Computing Research Institute.
Where: Stage 3
When: Feb 24, 12:00 PM
Global Opportunities
Why the Gulf Countries Are a Key Growth Market for Tech
According to the PwC, the tech market in the Gulf could triple by 2030. The regional executives of Amazon, Meta and X (former Twitter) will discuss the opportunities for a digital market breakthrough in the MENA region.
Where: Stage 6
When: Feb 25, 2:05 PM
Funding India’s Future
Indian startups raised almost $17 billion in venture capital last year. Join the session with the founders of leading Indian venture funds to navigate investment opportunities in one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.
Where: Stage 5
When: Feb 24, 3:10 PM
What’s Next for VC in China?
Venture capital in China has actually dropped in 2024 but what does 2025 hold? Harry Man from Matrix Partners China will offer his insights on the future of VC in China and how the market might turn around.
Where: Stage 5
When: Feb 24, 11:35 AM
Future
Climate Education as a Catalyst for Change
Talking business and tech is exciting, but we can’t no longer ignore the pressing issues of climate change. Nations like Qatar are especially attentive to the subject, given their geographical location. Educate yourself on how climate education works with Dana Thomas from Vogue UK.
Where: Stage 3
When: Feb 26, 2:40 PM
Financing Climate Solutions in MENA
What if the right venture capital investments could fuel MENA’s transition to renewable energy? Join Danijel Višević from the World Fund as he discusses the strategies for financing climate solutions that can accelerate sustainability and drive change in the region.
Where: Stage 3
When: Feb 25, 11:40 AM
Who’s Coding Your Future?
Code still pays well and it can provide jobs for any community. The examples of the Black Girls Code initiative and Ukrainian SET University will prove the point at one of the most inspiring sessions at the Web Summit Qatar.
Where: Stage 6
When: Feb 26, 12:05 PM
