< Overview />
Qatar is hosting the Web Summit for five years starting in 2024, aiming to become a key tech hub for diverse regions, including the Middle East, Africa and India. The Summit in Doha will leverage Qatar’s strategic position and advanced infrastructure to connect international entrepreneurs, investors and leaders.
< Why Qatar />
Qatar’s strategic vision and substantial investment in a business-friendly economy position it as a burgeoning hub for global entrepreneurs and investors.
< Industry Leaders />
< Global Trade />
Qatar believes in the power of global trade and collaboration to drive growth, peace and prosperity.
Qatar continues to provide a welcoming business environment for foreign investors, who enjoy competitive benefits, including up to 100% foreign ownership and full repatriation of profits.
Qatar actively participates in various multilateral organisations and initiatives to promote cross-border trade, including through free trade agreements.
As a global energy leader at the crossroads of east, west, and the global south, Qatar is strategically located at the centre of some of the world’s most important trade routes.
Qatar is an active member of the international community and does not wish to see geopolitical tensions disrupt international trade.
< Accessible to All and for All />
With state-of-the-art facilities, an award-winning national carrier and airport, seamless public transportation networks, open visa policies and a strategic central location, Qatar has become a key destination for businesses to grow their Middle Eastern presence.
150
Qatar Airways flies to 150 key business and leisure destinations across six continents
14,250
Qatar Airways has 14,250 daily departures
8th
Qatar is the 8th most open country in the world in terms of visa facilitation
100
100 countries granted visa on arrival
1st
Hamad International Airport was voted the Best Airport in the World 2021 and 2022
< Connecting Emerging Markets with the Rest of the World />
Qatar has strong economic ties with emerging markets across the world, we continue to explore opportunities for further collaboration across sectors.
We enjoy strong economic and diplomatic ties with key emerging market hubs in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.
Qatar Investment Authority, as well as national champions such as Ooredoo and Qatar Airways, actively explore opportunities in a range of emerging markets with attractive investment environments.
Qatar makes investment decisions based on long-term economic and financial criteria and seeks to promote sustainable development across the world.
Qatar offers seamless market access and connectivity, located at the gateway between East and West with $8.5 trillion in combined GDP all within 3,000 km.
< Why Qatar />
Qatar’s strategic vision and substantial investment in a business-friendly economy position it as a burgeoning hub for global entrepreneurs and investors.
< Economic Powerhouse />
Qatar plays an essential role in the world economy as a long-term strategic partner to nations and businesses worldwide.
Qatar Investment Authority, as well as national champions such as Ooredoo and Qatar Airways, actively explore opportunities in a range of emerging markets with attractive investment environments.
Qatar maintains a stable investment environment, facilitated by its Investment Promotions Agency and a new e-licensing system that expedites processes for tourism businesses. With additional incentives for foreign business owners, Qatar offers a competitive edge as an emerging market ripe for new ventures.
1st
1st for entrepreneurship in the Arab world (Global Entrepreneurship Index)
1st
1st investment momentum globally (fDi Intelligence)
2nd
2nd most competitive economy in MENA (IMD World competitiveness ranking)
2nd
2nd in the Middle East in Global Finance Safety Index
8%
8% Average annual GDP growth the past 20 years
4th
4th highest GDP per capita (PPP basis)
8th
8th globally for Government long-term vision (WEF)
80+
Double Taxation Agreements (DTA) with 80+ countries
1 USD
Fixed exchange rate (1USD = QR 3.64)
< Business-friendly Environment />
The State of Qatar has a business environment that is friendly and allows for the ease of operations.
The State of Qatar have multiple free zones that can be used for the opening and operating of a business. Free zones ensure a smooth setup and connect investors with opportunities and complementary businesses.
Microsoft Corp. announced the launch of the first hyperscale cloud datacentre region in Qatar with with Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365, giving organizations access to hundreds of scalable, highly available and resilient cloud services.
The State of Qatar have multiple well-designed industrial parks that offer companies an attractive environment to develop and launch a business.
Qatar Financial Centre
Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) is an onshore business and financial centre located in Doha. QFC offers its own legal, regulatory, tax and business environment and allows up to 100% foreign ownership, 100% repatriation of profits, and charges a competitive rate of 10% corporate tax on locally sourced profits.
Qatar Free Zones
Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA) was established in 2018 and oversees Qatar’s free zones as an independent regulatory body. QFZA provides infrastructure, free office space, access to a skilled workforce, 100% foreign ownership, access to investment funds, tax exemptions and partnership opportunities with Qatari entities.
Qatar Science and Technology Park
Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) is a free zone and technology park that hosts leading global tech companies, mentors and supports a network of start-ups and rising tech ventures. QSTP plays a key role in developing a technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship ecosystem in Qatar and has 4 acceleration, 1 incubation, and 2 funding programs.
50+
Supported over 50+ companies
22+
Incubated 22+ Qatari companies
31
Developed and commercialised 31 products for the Qatari market through investments and incubation opportunities
115
Made 115 investments in regional companies through its partnership with Silicon Valley-based venture fund 500 Startups
$1.2 B
Invested over 1.2 billion USD in research, development, and innovation activities by international companies registered at QSTP
< Access to a Strong Talent Pool />
The State of Qatar provides access to diverse talent pool, with access to education and research centres, making it one of the world’s most attractive countries for talent.
Backed by state-of-the-art educational infrastructure, research programmes and business excellence, Qatar has established the peninsula as a global research pioneer, and a true destination for the world’s best and brightest talent.
Thanks to its open economy and investor-friendly climate, international companies, today, can become part of a knowledge-based economy where they can cultivate their people with world-class education, training, and research.
- 1st Pre-university and Higher Education systems in the GCC (Global Knowledge Index 2022)
- 1st globally for attractiveness to international students (INSEAD 2022)
- 4th most attractive country in the world for talent (INSEAD 2022)
- 4,800+ research projects funded by Qatar Foundation
- 2,000+ STEM graduates annually
< Infrastructure />
The State of Qatar has technologically advanced infrastructure across all modes of transport. Qatar has an integrated and advanced highway system, as well as modern and accessible public transport.
In consideration of the factors that matter most for hosting major conferences and business events, Qatar has all angles covered:
Qatar has been ranked first in the Middle East by hospitality and travel data providers Olery
Qatar is ranked the safest country in the world by the Numbeo, for the fifth year in a row.
Qatar Airways flies to 150 key business and leisure destinations across six continents. Qatar Airways has won the title of ‘Airline of the Year’ by Skytrax many times over and boasts unmatched service and network coverage making it the airline of choice for today’s business traveller.
Hamad International Airport has also been voted the Best Airport in the World for two years in a row. Qatar sits at the crossroads between East and West and its convenient location means it is six to eight hours away from most major cities across the globe.
During the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the Doha Metro and tram network carried more than 18.2 million passengers.
During the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the Doha bus network carried more than 7.7 million passengers.
Doha Metro in Qatar is a 75 km mass rapid transit system with 37 stations and 3 lines.
The State of Qatar wants to increase the information technology sector by 50 percent by 2024, having achieved almost comprehensive broadband coverage, access to every home, 5G coverage, and the nearly 100 percent internet usage for individuals.
< Tourism and Event Hosting />
Qatar is a leading global destination with a proven track record of successfully hosting major events and attracting investors to support these events.
Qatar has established itself as a beacon of peace and security, enhancing its prestige on the global stage in political, economic, and security arenas, and emerging as a major tourist destination.
The country’s tourism sector is burgeoning rapidly across diverse industries, offering substantial opportunities for companies and investors. Rooted in its rich culture, Qatar is both welcoming and easily accessible to tourists, aiming to become the Middle East’s fastest-growing tourism destination by 2030. Modern advancements like its award-winning airport and new metro system contribute to its appealing image for travellers.
< High Quality of Life />
Qatar is a vibrant residential location with a distinctive artistic scene, unique culture, and home to many family-friendly attractions.
Qatar offers a great blend of Arabic heritage and modern culture, making it an equally attractive home for investors, expats, visitors and a friendly neighbourhood to raise families and build communities. Qatar’s rich artistic culture and museums celebrate the country’s vibrant heritage. You will experience a great blend of historical and modern culture and lifestyle. As one of the key pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030, development of the education sector has been at the core of Qatar’s efforts over the past few years.
The country is also home to world leading universities, hosting branch campuses of prominent international higher education institutions. Qatar also offers permanent residency, planned legal provisions for retirement, and excellent healthcare for expatriates.
Doha has been named the Arab Capital of Tourism 2023.
1st
Safest country in the world
1st
Best healthcare system in the Arab World (Numbeo – Quality of Life Index 2023)
1st
Best in the GCC for pre-university and higher education (Global Knowledge Index 2022)
Top 10
Ranked in top 10 countries to live and work globally for expatriates (HSBC Expat Explorer 2021 Survey)
85+
Population diversity: 85+ different nationalities
< Attend Web Summit Qatar />
Attending the Web Summit in Qatar is an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the world’s brightest minds in technology and innovation. Qatar offers a dynamic environment where business meets culture, showcasing its position as a forward-thinking economic powerhouse.
Qatar is not just hosting an event, but an experience where professionals can expand their networks, explore ground-breaking advancements, and discover new horizons in a nation that’s shaping the future of global enterprise.
Don’t miss the chance to be part of this transformative gathering.
