DOHA: Doha took centre stage in global diplomacy, innovation, and development throughout 2025 as Qatar hosted an unprecedented series of high-profile international conferences and forums, reinforcing its position as a key global convener of dialogue on the most pressing issues of the 21st century.
The year began with a strong focus on sustainability and food security when Qatar hosted the 12th Qatar International Agricultural Exhibition (AgriteQ 2025) in February at Katara Cultural Village. The event highlighted advanced agricultural systems and innovative solutions aimed at improving productivity, conserving water resources, and promoting sustainable development. AgriteQ aligned closely with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030, underlining agriculture as a vital pillar of comprehensive national development.
February also marked a milestone in Qatar’s growing technology ecosystem with the hosting of Web Summit Qatar 2025 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. Held from February 23 to 26, the second Middle East edition of the globally renowned technology conference attracted more than 25,000 participants from over 120 countries.
The scale and diversity of attendance underscored Doha’s expanding role as a global meeting point for innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers shaping the future of technology. As spring progressed, attention shifted to global economic challenges during the Qatar Economic Forum, organised in partnership with Bloomberg News from May 20 to 22. The forum convened world leaders, business executives, investors, and thought leaders to examine economic volatility, geopolitical shifts, and emerging opportunities, further cementing Qatar’s reputation as a venue for high-level economic dialogue.
A historic moment followed in November when Doha hosted the Second World Summit for Social Development from November 4 to 6 under the auspices of the United Nations General Assembly. Held at the Qatar National Convention Centre, the summit marked the first time such a major UN social development gathering took place outside New York or Geneva. Thirty years after the original 1995 Copenhagen summit, global leaders renewed commitments to social justice, inclusion, and sustainable development.
Later in November, Doha welcomed another landmark event with the debut of MWC25 Doha, held from November 25 to 26. This marked the first Middle East regional edition of the GSMA’s Mobile World Congress. The event drew more than 9,400 attendees from over 110 countries, including senior executives, government officials, and technology experts, highlighting Qatar’s growing influence in connectivity and digital transformation.
Running parallel to MWC25 Doha, the Qatar Travel Mart brought together global tourism and hospitality stakeholders to discuss sustainable tourism, cultural exchange, digital innovation, and emerging travel trends, supporting Qatar’s efforts to strengthen its tourism sector.
December saw the return of the Doha Forum from December 6 to 8, themed “Justice in Action: Beyond Promises to Progress.” The forum facilitated candid discussions on global governance, peacebuilding, inequality, climate challenges, and humanitarian crises, with a focus on translating principles of justice into practical policy outcomes.
Qatar’s year of global engagement concluded with the Eleventh Session of the Conference of the States Parties to the UN Convention Against Corruption (COSP11), held from December 15 to 19. Bringing together delegates from more than 170 countries, the conference reinforced international cooperation in the fight against corruption and the implementation of global governance standards.
Taken together, 2025 marked a defining chapter in Qatar’s evolution as a world-class hub for international dialogue. Across technology, economics, social development, tourism, and governance, the country demonstrated its capacity to convene diverse stakeholders and foster solutions that extend well beyond its borders, leaving a lasting legacy of global cooperation and shared progress.
