Qatar Rising: Inside the Nation Powering an Intelligent Economy

Qatar’s startup landscape is entering a new phase of maturity. Startups sit at the heart of global growth acting as a key driver for breakthrough innovation, enhancing economic dynamism and contributing to a global startup economy valued at $7.6 trillion between 2021 and 2023. With deep sovereign capital, world-class digital infrastructure, and the strategic direction of Qatar National Vision 2030, the country is building the foundations of a knowledge-based economy.

This transformation will take centre stage during 4YFN at MWC25 Doha, where global founders, investors, and policymakers will connect in the heart of the Middle East’s fastest-growing innovation hub.  

Policy is the driving force. The Third National Development Strategy (2024–2030) identifies innovation and entrepreneurship as key pillars of diversification. The Qatar Investment Authority’s $1 billion Fund-of-Funds and Qatar Development Bank’s Startup Qatar Investment Program (offering up to $500,000 for new startups and $5 million for expanding ones) are creating a powerful financial ecosystem aligned with national goals.  

The results are visible. Qatar now counts over 1,000 startups, operating in sectors across fintech, health tech, AI, and climate tech - the core themes of 4YFN Doha. Institutions such as Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), Qatar Business Incubation Center (QBIC), and the Digital Incubation Center (DIC) provide mentorship, funding, and research facilities that rival global innovation hubs. The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology’s recent programmes -including Scale Now and Idea Camp, which incubated 15 startups from over 370 applicants - underline this momentum. 

The country’s $2.5 billion AI incentive package, announced at the Qatar Economic Forum 2024, reinforces that drive. According to the Global Innovation Index 2025, Qatar now ranks 48th in the Global Innovation Index, placing 14th worldwide for infrastructure and 17th for institutional strength - strong foundation for what’s next. 

That “next” will be on full display at 4YFN in Doha 2025. In sessions such as AI & Fintech Beyond Borders: Innovation for Inclusive Growth and When Startup Ecosystems Thrive, thought leaders including Philippe Bellordre (GSMA Innovation Fund), Rana Abdel Latif (SpeedInvest), Mohammed Suleiman (KARTY), Mal Filipowska (Seedstars International Ventures), and Miquel Martí (Tech Barcelona) will explore how capital, policy, and technology combine to unlock scalable innovation. From cross-border innovation to the rise of globally connected startup ecosystems, these discussions will highlight how Doha is emerging as a key meeting point for founders, investors, and enablers transforming industries and shaping resilient economies that set a global standard.  See the full 4YFN agenda now.   

Qatar’s rise as an intelligent economy is the fusion of policy, capital, and creativity and 4YFN in Doha 2025 is where that story comes alive.  

Join us live in Doha this November - use code 4YFN25DB50 to get 50% off your pass. Register now.