Author: Art Ryan

Doha – TASMU Accelerator, an initiative of the TASMU Smart Qatar programme under the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), signed a partnership agreement with DHL Express Qatar at Web Summit Qatar 2026. The agreement was signed by Eman Al Kuwari, director of the Digital Innovation Department at MCIT, and Henry Fares, managing director of DHL Express Qatar to serve as a Sector Expert for TASMU Accelerator. The announcement was made during a joint press conference held as part of Web Summit Qatar 2026. The partnership aims to support startups participating in TASMU Accelerator by enabling them to benefit…

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamad bin Zayed Al Nahyan has held talks in Abu Dhabi with the Swiss President, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, with a focus on the economy, investment and advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence. His Highness met Guy Parmelin at Qasr Al Shati, congratulating him on his election for 2026, and reaffirming the UAE’s commitment to expanding cooperation between the two countries. Discussions highlighted shared priorities in economic growth, investment and technology, as well as the role of artificial intelligence in addressing global challenges. Both sides also underlined the importance of the Global AI Summit, scheduled…

Artificial intelligence has moved decisively beyond pilots and proofs of concept, with governments now deploying it at scale as a core public service tool, senior leaders from Microsoft and Abu Dhabi-based AI firm G42 said at the World Government Summit 2026 in Dubai. Speaking on the theme “Empowering Governments, Enriching Societies: Can AI lead?”, Scott Guthrie, Executive Vice President of Microsoft’s Cloud + AI Group, and Peng Xiao, Group CEO of G42, highlighted how sovereign controls, secure infrastructure and responsible deployment are becoming central as AI shifts from experimentation to daily use in government operations. We are connecting the national power…

DUBAI – The World Governments Summit (WGS) opened in Dubai on Tuesday under the theme “Shaping Future Governments,” marking an exceptional and transformative gathering of global leadership. The event, which has firmly established the emirate as a premier global platform for policy and idea generation, convenes an unprecedented assembly of more than 60 heads of state and government from 150 nations, alongside international organisation leaders, technology pioneers, economists, and decision-makers. Reflecting the urgent tone of our times, the summit’s inaugural sessions revealed its evolution from a theoretical discussion forum into a practical “living laboratory” dedicated to testing solutions and anticipating…

The SDAIA national data and AI curriculum has been officially launched to strengthen artificial intelligence and data literacy in Saudi Arabia. The program targets undergraduate students across all academic disciplines. The announcement was made by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority during the International Conference on Data and AI Capacity Building (ICAN 2026). The event took place at King Saud University in Riyadh. The initiative aligns with national efforts to expand digital and analytical capabilities among students. SDAIA National Data and AI Curriculum Structure The SDAIA national data and AI curriculum will be implemented as a mandatory requirement in…

Microsoft at Web Summit Qatar 2026 marked a major presence for the company in the Middle East technology event. Microsoft at Web Summit Qatar 2026 took place in Doha at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. The event ran from February 1 to February 4, 2026. Microsoft presented artificial intelligence, cloud services, and partner-led enterprise solutions. AI and Cloud Technologies Microsoft at Web Summit Qatar 2026 focused on agentic AI and enterprise governance. The company demonstrated AI systems built on Microsoft Azure. These systems were designed for secure and scalable deployment. Live demonstrations showed AI agents monitoring environments in real…

Web Summit Qatar Day Three continued in Doha with a focus on startups, creative industries, and large-scale technology debates. The event brought together entrepreneurs, artists, and political figures. Sessions took place across multiple stages and exhibition areas. Attendees moved between panel discussions, live talks, and startup demonstrations. The programme combined technology, culture, and business topics. Startups at Web Summit Qatar Day Three Startups played a central role during Web Summit Qatar Day Three. Founders presented new products aimed at improving work and communication. Exhibition booths attracted visitors throughout the day. Many startups focused on workplace efficiency and collaboration tools. One…

The Google Cloud Liberty Global AI partnership marks a five-year agreement focused on artificial intelligence and cloud technology. The deal aims to modernize Liberty Global’s digital infrastructure using Google Cloud services. Both companies confirmed the partnership in February 2026. Financial terms were not disclosed. Google Cloud Liberty Global AI Partnership Overview Liberty Global will use Google Cloud’s AI and data platforms across its operations. The agreement includes access to Google Cloud infrastructure, analytics tools, and artificial intelligence services. These technologies will support Liberty Global’s broadband, mobile, and entertainment businesses in multiple European markets. The partnership focuses on improving operational efficiency…

OpenAI launches Codex app as a new desktop application aimed at software developers. The app is designed to improve access to OpenAI’s AI-powered coding assistant. It provides a dedicated environment for writing, editing, and managing code. The launch is part of OpenAI’s efforts to compete more aggressively in the fast-growing AI coding sector. The Codex app is initially available for macOS users. It builds on OpenAI’s existing Codex system, which has been accessible through web interfaces, APIs, and developer tools. The desktop version is intended to simplify workflows by keeping AI coding support in one place. OpenAI Launches Codex App…

The OpenAI Snowflake deal is a multi-year agreement valued at $200 million. The partnership focuses on integrating OpenAI’s artificial intelligence models into Snowflake’s cloud-based data platform. The goal is to allow enterprises to apply generative AI directly to their stored data. The agreement connects OpenAI’s models with Snowflake’s large enterprise customer base. The OpenAI Snowflake deal enables customers to access AI capabilities without transferring data outside Snowflake’s environment. This approach keeps data within existing security and governance frameworks. The collaboration supports AI-driven analysis across enterprise datasets. OpenAI Snowflake Deal and AI Integration Under the OpenAI Snowflake deal, OpenAI models will…

SpaceX acquires xAI in a move that brings artificial intelligence development directly under the space company. The acquisition was announced by Elon Musk on Monday. xAI becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of SpaceX. The deal aligns Musk’s artificial intelligence and space-related businesses under one corporate structure. xAI is the company behind the Grok chatbot. It was founded by Musk in 2023. SpaceX is the world’s largest private space launch provider. Musk stated that the transaction is intended to unify AI development with space exploration goals. No financial terms were formally disclosed by the companies. SpaceX acquires xAI amid reports of…

The German stand for startups at Web Summit Qatar 2026 officially opened in Doha, marking a strong German presence at the third edition of the global technology event. The stand forms part of Germany’s broader participation in Web Summit Qatar, held from February 1 to 4, 2026, and brings together German founders, investors, and innovation leaders. Organisers launched the German stand to support startup visibility and promote cross-border collaboration. The initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen economic and innovation ties between Germany and Qatar, particularly within the technology and entrepreneurship sectors. German Stand for Startups at Web Summit Qatar…

Portuguese startups at Web Summit Qatar took center stage as 23 companies from Portugal joined the international technology event in Doha from February 1 to 4, 2026. The participation highlighted Portugal’s growing presence in global innovation and entrepreneurship. The startups represented a wide range of technology sectors and business models. The delegation included companies supported by Startup Portugal and Unicorn Factory Lisboa, with five startups selected through the Business Abroad programme. Together, these companies have raised approximately €13.5 million and employ more than 100 people. Their presence aimed to strengthen international exposure and expand business networks in the Middle East.…

Web Summit Qatar 2026 served as a global platform for innovation, where Qatar Foundation (QF) presented its education, research, and technology initiatives to an international audience in Doha. The event took place from 1 to 4 February 2026 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center and attracted participants from across the global technology ecosystem. The summit gathered 30,000+ attendees from more than 120 countries, including startups, investors, policymakers, educators, and media representatives. Qatar Foundation used Web Summit Qatar 2026 to highlight how education and innovation intersect with entrepreneurship and emerging technologies. Qatar Foundation Participation at Web Summit Qatar 2026 During…

AI in scientific discovery was a central topic during a gathering of Nobel Prize winners held in Dubai as part of the World Laureates Summit, alongside the World Governments Summit 2026. More than 150 scientists, researchers, and Nobel laureates attended the event to discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping modern research while redefining the role of human scientists. Speakers examined how AI tools already support scientific work across multiple disciplines. They focused on how technology accelerates research timelines and expands analytical capabilities in laboratories worldwide. How AI Is Accelerating Scientific Research Nobel laureate Ardem Patapoutian highlighted how AI in scientific…

Doha, Qatar — During a candid and confrontational appearance on Centre Stage at Web Summit Qatar, Issam Hijazi, Founder and CEO of UpScrolled, delivered a sharp critique of major technology companies, questioning their ethical priorities and calling for platforms designed to genuinely serve humanity rather than profit alone. Notably, Issam Hijazi spoke at Web Summit Qatar and his remarks resonated with many in the tech industry. “They’re not really creating something for humanity,” Hijazi said. “They’re creating something to generate more revenue.” A Direct Challenge to Big Tech’s Ethical Framework In his remarks, Hijazi argued that over the past several…

Doha, Qatar — Speaking at Web Summit, Mati Staniszewski, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of ElevenLabs, shared a powerful reflection on the company’s journey — from exhibiting as a small startup to taking Centre Stage at one of the world’s most influential technology gatherings. Notably, Mati Staniszewski Spoke at Web Summit Qatar, marking a milestone for the company. “This is my second Web Summit,” Staniszewski said during his appearance. “In 2022, we were a small booth, a small startup. I remember sitting in the audience and thinking about the stage — and fast forward to today, it’s an honour to…

Doha, Qatar — Opening Web Summit Qatar, Paddy Cosgrave, Founder and CEO of Web Summit, delivered a keynote that framed the summit not just as a technology event. Instead, he described it as a reflection of a profound shift underway in the global tech landscape. It is notable that Paddy Cosgrave Opens Web Summit in a way that signals a pivotal moment for the region. “In three short years, the technological centre of the world has begun to change,” Cosgrave told a packed audience, pointing to the rapid emergence of a multipolar global technology ecosystem—one no longer dominated by a…

Doha, Qatar — February 1, 2026 — Web Summit Qatar 2026 is officially underway today, as the world’s technology community converges in Doha for four days of high-impact dialogue, deal-making, and global collaboration. Hosted at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) from February 1–4, 2026, the third edition of Web Summit Qatar opens at a defining moment for technology—when artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and frontier innovation are reshaping economies, governance, and society at scale. A Sold-Out Global Convergence Begins With participants arriving from more than 120 countries, Web Summit Qatar 2026 has reached full capacity, underscoring its rapid rise…

Doha, Qatar — TeKnowledge, a global expert technology services company specializing in helping organizations become AI First, will join Microsoft at WebSummit Qatar 2026 to demonstrate how enterprises can move from AI experimentation to execution—safely, swiftly, and at scale. The company will showcase Agentic AI adoption services and across a variety of sectors, including government, healthcare, banking and financial services and telecommunications , illustrating how companies and countries can navigate the complexities of becoming AI First by managing the full lifecycle—from data and security to adoption, skilling, and ongoing support —while augmenting staff and optimising business processes with AI agents. These solutions…