10 Speakers You Don't Want To Miss At Web Summit Qatar 2026

Web Summit Qatar is returning to Doha for its third edition running from February 1–4, 2026, with a speaker lineup that balances international tech luminaries with influential regional voices, with this year's roster featuring innovators who have scaled billion-dollar companies, venture capitalists shaping investment trends, cultural leaders reimagining technology's role in society, as well as homegrown entrepreneurs proving the region's startup potential. 

So, whether you're a startup founder seeking investment, an investor scouting for new opportunities, a corporate exec navigating digital transformation, or a professional tracking how technology is redefining industries and societies, these speakers are set to bring firsthand experience from the frontlines, offering attendees a comprehensive view of where technology is headed, and how businesses, governments, and individuals can position themselves at the forefront of this transformation. 

Inc. Arabia is a Media Partner for Web Summit Qatar 2026--here's our selection of 10 must-see speakers at the event: 

1. HH Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser, Chairperson, Qatar Foundation

Passionate about education and social development, Qatar's HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser is known for being behind transformational initiatives like Qatar Foundation, Education City, and Education Above All. As an advocate for the UN Sustainable Development Goals, she works to expand access to education and opportunities for marginalized youth worldwide, offering a powerful perspective on how education and policy can drive inclusive, long-term development.

2. Cliff Obrecht, Co-Founder And COO, Canva 

As co-founder and COO of Canva, the global visual design and collaboration platform that is used by 95 percent of Fortune 500 companies, Cliff Obrecht has helped scale Canva to a valuation that exceeds US$40 billion and grown it to over 260 million monthly active users. His insights on democratizing technology, building products that resonate at a global scale, and accessible innovation are essential for understanding software as a service (SaaS) growth strategy. 

3. HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson, Qatar Museums 

Courtesy of Qatar Museums.

As Chairperson of Qatar Museums, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani leads one of the world’s most ambitious cultural agendas, connecting and amplifying a network of museums, heritage sites, public art, and creative programs that enrich Qatar’s cultural infrastructure and global profile. She also chairs the Doha Film Institute, advancing cinema through festivals, mentorships, and education; leads Qatar Leadership Centre in developing national talent; and heads Reach Out to Asia, expanding access to quality education for youth affected by crisis across Asia. She plays a central role in nurturing creative industries, fostering cultural diplomacy, and shaping how art and technology intersect to build community, dialogue, and sustainable growth. 

4. Eduardo Saverin, Co-Founder, Facebook And B Capital 

Facebook co-founder and early investor turned venture capitalist, Eduardo Saverin, today leads B Capital, a global venture capital firm that raised $250 million in 2022 to invest in early-stage startups across technology-enabled sectors. As an entrepreneur, angel investor, and philanthropist, Saverin offers a rare dual perspective shaped by building a company that transformed global communication and later identifying the next wave of high-growth startups, providing insight into what investors are seeking in the 2026 startup landscape.

5. Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani, CEO, Invest Qatar 

As the CEO of Invest Qatar, Sheikh Ali Alwaleed is a key architect of the country’s strategy to attract global investment and scale innovation across the region. Al-Thani also sits on the board of organizations like Doha Venture Capital, Media City Qatar, and Qatari Diar, among others, making him a go-to voice for understanding Qatar's investment climate—invaluable for anyone eyeing Middle Eastern expansion.

6. Justina Nixon-Saintil, Vice President And Chief Impact Officer, IBM 

As Vice President and Chief Impact Officer at IBM, the global technology and consulting leader pioneering enterprise artificial intelligence (AI) and hybrid cloud solutions, Justina Nixon-Saintil drives global leadership and corporate communications on topics ranging from AI and climate tech to quantum computing. Her perspective is essential for understanding how large technology companies turn AI, ethics, and inclusive innovation into real business strategy. 

7. Hassan Al-Thawadi, Secretary General, Supreme Committee For Delivery And Legacy 

Having delivered a successful FIFA World Cup in Qatar in his role as the Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, Hassan Al-Thawadi today oversees the country's infrastructure transformation and event management excellence. His expertise in using technology for massive-scale projects, sustainable development, and creating lasting economic impact makes him essential for anyone interested in sports tech, smart cities, and how major events catalyze innovation. 

8. Tom Hale, CEO, Oura 

As the CEO of Oura, the Finnish healthtech company behind the smart ring that tracks everything from sleep to activity, Tom Hale has transformed personal health monitoring through innovative design and sensors. His 30 years of experience in technology, combined with leveraging data for wellness, offer key insights as AI and wearables converge to reshape preventive healthcare and human performance. 

10. Hamad Al-Hajri, Founder And CEO, Snoonu 

An entrepreneur and startup expert with more than two decades of business innovation under his belt, Hamad Al-Hajri is the founder of Snoonu, the Qatar-based leading on-demand delivery platform connecting users with restaurants, groceries, and services. Under his leadership, Snoonu has grown into an integral player in the nation's digital economy, proving local entrepreneurs can compete with international giants. His journey from startup to market leader offers practical lessons on customer acquisition, navigating local regulations, and regional expansion, crucial insights for emerging market entrepreneurs. 

10. Colin Kaepernick, Founder And CEO, Lumi

Colin Kaepernick arrives at Web Summit Qatar as a rare figure who operates at the intersection of sports, activism, and technology. A legendary quarterback turned philanthropist and entrepreneur, he is the founder of Lumi, an AI-driven storytelling platform designed to advance literacy by empowering student expression. Through his work, Kaepernick continues to channel his influence into building tools and initiatives that promote equality and community impact at scale.

Pictured in the lead image is a scene from Web Summit Qatar 2025. All images courtesy Web Summit Qatar and/or the speakers' official sites.