Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) Tech Live Qatar 2025 conference started on Tuesday in Doha, marking the first time this high-profile technology event is hosted in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The event was attended by HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, along with over 200 leaders, including top CEOs, investors, and experts from technology, media, finance, and entertainment sectors worldwide.
WSJ Tech Live is a major global platform to discuss the growing role of technology in shaping business, regulatory policies, and innovation. The conference began with a panel discussion featuring HE the Prime Minister, moderated by Dow Jones CEO Almar Latour. The discussion focused on digital transformation, economic diversification, and the use of technology to enhance Qatar’s competitiveness across multiple sectors.
HE Sheikh Mohammed highlighted that Qatar has grown as a bridge between East and West, becoming a regional hub in logistics, aviation, diplomacy, and energy. He emphasized that hosting WSJ Tech Live in Doha reflects Qatar’s commitment to economic diversification and fostering a culture of innovation. The country has hosted several technology events in recent years, such as the Mobile World Congress and the Web Summit, attracting global participants to explore regional opportunities.
The Prime Minister stressed that while Qatar’s economy was historically dependent on hydrocarbons, non-hydrocarbon sectors now lead growth. Qatar Investment Authority is playing a major role in diversifying income sources and expanding the economy into new areas. HE Sheikh Mohammed also emphasized the importance of establishing a strong technology sector, which supports critical areas like health, education, logistics, and financial services. This aligns with Qatar’s goal of becoming a service-driven economy and a leader in AI-powered solutions.
The Prime Minister mentioned that Qatar has developed global national entities, such as Qatar Airways, Qatar Energy, Qatar National Bank, and Ooredoo, which contribute to the country’s international influence. Adding a technological focus will further enhance Qatar’s economic performance and strengthen digital infrastructure. With one of the world’s most advanced 5G networks, Qatar is creating a technology-friendly environment that enables innovation and growth.
Artificial intelligence adoption is a priority, with Qatar already implementing AI technologies across government agencies. Agreements with international companies aim to develop AI-driven public services, targeting 50 AI-based services by 2029. The country is also exploring AI applications in sectors with leading national entities, including aviation.
Almar Latour, CEO of Dow Jones, praised Qatar’s role in advancing AI and highlighted the strategic importance of hosting the conference in the region. The three-day event will feature sessions on the future of fintech, digital currencies, sports, media, talent development, space, and defense technologies. Global leaders, including Serena Williams, Alexis Ohanian, and Michael Rubin, will participate in these discussions.
The conference is part of a long-term partnership between the Government Communications Office and Dow Jones. It demonstrates Qatar’s growing reputation as a hub for global technology events and provides local companies and talents the chance to connect with international investors, decision-makers, and technology pioneers.
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