Web Summit Doha 2025: A Hub of Innovation Thinking
Ibtechar recently concluded a successful participation at Web Summit Qatar 2025 in Doha, an event characterised by entrepreneurial energy and forward-thinking discussions. Our team engaged in many insightful conversations with visitors to our stand, focusing on the critical themes of capacity building and the future of public sector innovation.
A recurring topic was the importance of upskilling and reskilling public sector employees to navigate the evolving digital landscape. The visitors we welcomed to our booth recognised the need for continuous learning and development to equip public servants with the skills necessary to embrace new technologies and innovative approaches. We discussed how targeted training programmes, innovation labs, and knowledge-sharing initiatives can empower public sector organisations to adapt and thrive in the face of change.
The conversations we’ve been part of over the four-day event have reinforced our belief that investing in capacity building is paramount for driving meaningful and sustainable public sector transformation in Qatar. To achieve this, the importance of a structured approach cannot be overstated — and this was reinforced at the Summit by MCIT’s masterclass on the Digital Skills Framework (DSF) developed in collaboration with Ibtechar. The interactive session allowed participants to complete a mini-assessment, and pose questions to the panel, offering first-hand, practical insight into how DSF will contribute to their skills development.
Beyond our stand, the summit provided a wealth of inspiring insights into the future of technology and its potential impact on various sectors. The partnership between MCIT and Scale AI to implement 50 AI-powered use cases by 2029 caught our attention. This commitment to practical application, moving beyond theoretical discussions, resonated strongly with our focus on delivering tangible results. The initiative’s emphasis on embedding predictive analytics and automation into government services aligns with our vision of a data-driven and citizen-centric public sector.
The launch of A-typical Ventures by Utopia Capital Management, backed by QDB and QIA, further highlighted Qatar’s commitment to fostering a thriving startup ecosystem. This initiative, providing early-stage founders with crucial support, underscores the importance of nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship — and the presence of global VC firms and innovation hubs in Doha reinforces Qatar’s growing prominence as a regional centre for technological advancement.
Another noteworthy development was Yuno’s decision to establish its MENA headquarters in Doha — reflecting Qatar’s growing appeal as a fintech hub, attracting international players and fostering a dynamic ecosystem for digital financial services. The expansion of fintech solutions aligns with the global trend towards digital transactions and highlights the importance of embracing innovative financial technologies — and government leadership will be crucial here.
Overall, Web Summit provided us — once again — with an invaluable platform for exchanging ideas, exploring emerging trends, and connecting with like-minded individuals and organisations. Exhibiting at the event has been a refreshing opportunity to get out of the office and learn from other organisations. It’s also reinforced our commitment to driving public sector innovation — centred on collaboration, capacity building, and a forward-thinking approach. We look forward to continuing these conversations and contributing to the ongoing transformation of the public sector in Qatar and beyond.