Startups welcome

Qatar makes bid for young tech firms ahead of Web Summit

More than 1,100 startups from 80 countries are expected next week at the Mideast edition of the industry-leading conference in Doha

Doha is preparing to host Web Summit Qatar. (Photo: Getty Images)

Qatar's capital city Doha (Photo: Getty Images)

As Qatar prepares to host next week’s Web Summit extravaganza, government planners are trying to attract early-stage tech companies to set up shop in the country.

One of those efforts, Startup Qatar, was rolled out on Wednesday, offering free visas, tax waivers, licenses, office space and funding to promising tech firms.

All the services are described and accessible through the campaign’s website and will be promoted heavily at Web Summit Qatar.

The conference, which opens Feb. 26 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, expects more than 1,100 startups from 80 countries. Tickets are already sold out.