Web Summit Qatar 2026 generates QAR 1.02bn in economic returns

A report issued by Silverload, a global consulting firm, revealed that the direct and indirect revenues of the third edition of the World World Summit Qatar 2026, which was hosted in Doha from February 1-4, recorded a growth of 26 percent compared to the previous edition, reaching 1.02 billion riyals.

The report indicated that the summit's contribution to GDP amounted to about 661 million riyals, an increase of 25 percent, noting that the total expenditure of visitors during the summit period amounted to about 341.1 million Qatari riyals, with an average daily expenditure per capita of 2,525 riyals, while the average per capita stay in Qatar reached 6 days, which reflects the volume of tourism and economic activity accompanying the event.

Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al Thani, Director of the Government Communications Office and Chairman of the Standing Committee for hosting the Web Summit, said: "The results of this report reflect that the summit represents a strategic platform that constitutes an economic engine that supports diversification goals and enhances the competitiveness of the national economy by attracting investments, companies and entrepreneurs from around the world. The summit also affirms the success of the State of Qatar in employing major international events as development tools that contribute to achieving a sustainable economic impact."

"This impact is an extension of Qatar's growing trust in the global business community, thanks to its advanced business environment, world-class digital infrastructure, and an integrated ecosystem that supports innovation and growth, strengthening its position as a regional and international hub for technology and entrepreneurship."

Mr. Hamad Madi Al Hajri, Member of the Standing Committee for Hosting the Web Summit, representing the Ministry of Finance, said: "The high economic return of the World Summit Qatar 2026 to more than QAR 1 billion, and its contribution to the GDP of about QR661 million, reflects the growing economic value of this global event year after year. Indicators of visitor spending and demand for hospitality, aviation and transport services also confirm the volume of economic activity resulting from the summit and its impact on multiple sectors in the national economy."

He added: "These figures underscore the importance of maximizing the economic impact of major international events by expanding their use and linking them to economic activities and sectors in the country. The Qatar Web Summit is an example of the ability of these events to stimulate economic activity and support the process of diversifying the national economy, in line with the objectives of the Third National Development Strategy, towards a more diversified, competitive and sustainable economy."

On the operational front, the report showed the summit spanning an area of 86,200 square meters, reflecting the readiness of the infrastructure and the breadth of the event, and contributing to enhancing the participants' experience and facilitating the movement of visitors and participating companies. This impact underscores the strategic value of major global events in supporting economic diversification paths, through tourism and trade spending, investment opportunities and quality partnerships, in addition to their role in stimulating sectors related to knowledge and innovation, and consolidating Qatar's position as a global destination for the digital economy and entrepreneurship, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030.

The summit also contributed to supporting the entrepreneurial environment and strengthening Qatar's innovation ecosystem by registering more than 300 companies in the QFC during the summit, as well as submitting applications for business licensing in various vital sectors, particularly digital transformation, fintech, advisory services, project management and innovation, as well as enhancing the presence of international and regional companies that use Qatar as a platform to expand in the region.

The third edition of the World Cup Qatar reflected the growing global momentum that the summit has achieved year after year, attracting more than 30,000 participants from 127 countries, in the largest attendance since its launch in Doha in 2024, confirming its position as one of the world's leading technology and innovation platforms. The summit also witnessed the participation of more than 930 investors, recording a growth of 55% compared to the previous edition, which enhanced networking opportunities between investors, startups and entrepreneurs, in addition to the participation of more than 840 media professionals, an increase of 40%.

Startups were a key focus of this year's edition, with 1,637 companies, including 247 Qatari companies, registering a growth of around 30% compared to last year, a clear indication of the growing local innovation ecosystem and its expanding presence on the global scene. The summit also reflected a remarkable diversity of speakers, government delegations, and global media, reinforcing its role as a platform that combines investment, policymaking, and innovation under one roof.

The findings of the report confirm that the World Summit Qatar continues to establish itself as one of the world's leading catalysts for innovation-driven economic growth, enhancing the country's efforts to build a diversified and sustainable economy.

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