Qatar is forging stronger economic ties with Uzbekistan, with a particular focus on collaboration in the startup and ICT sectors. In an interview with Daryo, Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani, CEO of Invest Qatar, outlined how Qatar’s initiatives, such as "Startup Qatar," are playing a pivotal role in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and international partnerships, particularly with Uzbekistan.
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"Startup Qatar": A Comprehensive Support Platform for Entrepreneurs
Launched at Web Summit Qatar 2024, the "Startup Qatar" initiative represents a significant effort by Qatar to create a supportive environment for startups and entrepreneurs. Described by Sheikh Al-Thani as “a one-stop online platform designed to cater to all business requirements,” "Startup Qatar" serves as a central hub for information, support, and opportunities available to startups in the country. The platform connects businesses to various support services, funding, and incubation programs offered by key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), Qatar Development Bank (QDB), and Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP).
The initiative reflects Qatar’s commitment to fostering a tech-driven economy as part of its Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030. “Innovation is crucial in equipping the country’s growing specialized economic clusters with technology-driven competitive advantages,” Sheikh Al-Thani noted, emphasizing that "Startup Qatar" plays a key role in advancing innovation, accelerating entrepreneurship, and supporting startup growth within the country. Since its launch, the initiative has seen substantial engagement, with over 1,000 applications submitted for the Startup Qatar Investment Program and more than 250 startups registering with the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC).
Qatar's Global Presence and Strategic Partnerships
"Startup Qatar" has quickly gained international recognition. Following its successful debut at Web Summit Qatar, the initiative was showcased at Collision 2024 in Toronto, where it received significant attention from global tech innovators and entrepreneurs. Sheikh Al-Thani highlighted the importance of these events in positioning Qatar on the global stage: “Our goal was not just to showcase these opportunities but to position Qatar as a second home where global entrepreneurs and talent can live, work, and do business.”
The international presence has already led to notable outcomes, with over 20 new partnerships formed to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in Qatar. Among these agreements are an MoU with TikTok to launch a creative studio, partnerships with Ginkgo Bioworks and Doha Venture Capital to create the pioneering Center for Unified Biosecurity Excellence (CUBE-D) in Doha, and collaborations with Microsoft, Qatar Airways, and Ooredoo to leverage cutting-edge technology for digital transformation.
Expanding Opportunities Through Qatar-Uzbekistan Collaboration
Qatar's participation in ICT Week in Uzbekistan as a strategic partner reflects its commitment to deepening collaboration with Uzbekistan. Sheikh Al-Thani expressed excitement about the opportunities for engagement at the event: “Attendees will have the chance to explore cutting-edge innovations, engage with industry leaders, and learn about the extensive support available for startups in Qatar. The pavilion will serve as a dynamic platform for fostering collaboration and discussing potential partnerships.”
Highlighting the potential for synergy between Qatar and Uzbekistan, Sheikh Al-Thani noted, “In recent years, Qatar and Uzbekistan have cultivated a thriving partnership, marked by a shared commitment to economic reform and diversification.” Both countries have made substantial progress in developing their digital infrastructures, and the ICT sector presents a promising area for deeper cooperation. Sheikh Al-Thani mentioned that “Qatar’s ICT sector has grown at an average rate of 5.2% over the past five years, with an 11.1% surge in 2022.”
Qatar’s digital landscape is rapidly expanding, supported by investments in artificial intelligence, cloud services, cybersecurity, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Sheikh Al-Thani elaborated, “Today, Qatar is home to tech giants such as Microsoft’s global data centre region for Azure and 365 and the first Google Cloud region in the GCC and North Africa. The country continues to unlock new opportunities in artificial intelligence, cloud services, cybersecurity, and IoT.”
Driving Forward: Future Goals and Expansion Plans
Looking ahead, Sheikh Al-Thani shared ambitious plans for the continued growth of "Startup Qatar." “Our future goals are focused on further strengthening the startup ecosystem in Qatar and adapting to the evolving needs of startups amid global changes,” he said. Building on the momentum generated by over 1,000 applications for its investment program and the registration of more than 250 startups, "Startup Qatar" aims to expand its initiatives, enhance its support services, and foster greater collaboration within local and international startup communities.
He also highlighted Qatar's upcoming participation in Web Summit Qatar 2025, scheduled for February, where more exciting plans and announcements will be revealed. “We plan to build on this momentum by expanding our initiatives, enhancing our support services, and fostering even greater collaboration within the local and international startup communities,” he added.
Enhancing the Startup Ecosystem and Attracting Investment
Invest Qatar continues to play a central role in supporting startups and fostering innovation in the region. Sheikh Al-Thani described the organization’s comprehensive approach: “As the gateway to investment solutions, Invest Qatar connects investors to an integrated ecosystem of business and licensing platforms. The Agency partners with investors throughout their journey, from exploration and setup to expansion, ensuring their long-term growth.”
The Invest Qatar Gateway, a pioneering digital platform, is one of the many tailored services offered to support foreign investors. Sheikh Al-Thani mentioned, “This complimentary online resource empowers foreign investors and companies by facilitating connections with new business partners, uncovering opportunities across both public and private sectors, and providing essential resources for business growth in Qatar.” Additionally, Invest Qatar has launched Ai.SHA, an innovative AI-powered assistant developed in collaboration with Microsoft, enhancing the support available to investors and businesses in Qatar.
A Vision for the Future: Qatar and Uzbekistan in the Global Startup Ecosystem
Qatar’s commitment to strengthening its startup ecosystem aligns closely with its long-term vision of becoming a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship. As Sheikh Al-Thani noted, “Qatar currently hosts approximately 1,000 startups, each with significant growth potential. The country excels in global innovation indices, particularly in ICTs, ecological sustainability, and overall infrastructure.” By providing targeted support and fostering connections within a dynamic network, "Startup Qatar" aims to further elevate the country’s position as a global leader in innovation.
With a thriving partnership already established between Qatar and Uzbekistan, there is considerable potential for deeper collaboration in the ICT sector and beyond. “Our objective is to highlight the strengths of Qatar’s thriving startup ecosystem and introduce the participants of ICT Week Uzbekistan to the wide range of opportunities it offers,” Sheikh Al-Thani stated. As both countries work towards fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, the future looks promising for startups in both Qatar and Uzbekistan, with new opportunities for growth and mutual economic benefit on the horizon.
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