Qatar’s Government Communications Office (GCO) has signed a multi-year agreement with TikTok to launch a long-term programme aimed at promoting and supporting creative talent from around the world. The partnership was formalised through a memorandum of understanding signed at Web Summit Qatar 2026.
The MoU was signed by HE Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al Thani, Director of the GCO and Chairman of the Permanent Web Summit Qatar Organising Committee, and Kinda Ibrahim, Regional General Manager of Operations for TikTok across the Middle East, Africa, South and Central Asia.
Under the agreement, a three-year initiative will be launched to identify, nurture, and showcase international creators from multiple industries, reinforcing Qatar’s ambition to become a global centre for creativity and innovation.
“Our continued collaboration with TikTok reflects a shared commitment to building long-term value for creators,” said HE Sheikh Jassim Al Thani.
“Qatar is creating the space, infrastructure and support for regional and international talent to develop new ideas and reach global audiences, making Doha a place where creators can develop and thrive; a reflection of the national direction for innovation and economic diversification under Qatar National Vision 2030.”
As part of TikTok’s wider participation in Web Summit Qatar, the platform hosted more than 50 leading international creators in Doha, representing a combined global following of over 156 million users. Throughout the summit week, these creators took part in a curated programme focused on creativity, culture, and collaboration.
One of the programme’s key moments was the Global Creative Excellence Gala Dinner at the Four Seasons Doha. The event brought together creators, partners, and industry leaders for an evening dedicated to storytelling, shared learning, and cultural exchange. Creators also reflected on how digital platforms help ideas travel across borders and reach new audiences.
TikTok’s growing engagement in Qatar is reflected in recent audience trends. In 2025, content consumption in the country rose by 110 percent compared to 2024, while content production increased by 150 percent year-on-year. These figures point to the rapid development of Qatar’s creator ecosystem.
During Web Summit Qatar 2026, TikTok’s presence centred on the concept of enabling environments where creativity, ambition, and community can expand globally. The activation explored the journeys of creators who have built international audiences, the role of communities in shaping culture, and how brands can drive impact through discovery-led engagement.
TikTok also hosted sessions examining the intersection of creativity and technology. Shadi Kandil, General Manager of Global Business Solutions for TikTok across the Middle East, Turkey, Africa, and Central and South Asia, joined a fireside chat discussing how brands can use AI-powered tools such as Smart+ and Symphony alongside human insight to scale storytelling and deliver measurable results.
“Qatar continues to play an important role as a regional and global meeting point for creativity, culture and innovation,” said Kandil. “Much like TikTok, it is a place where ideas take shape, brands are built, and stories can travel beyond borders. Bringing creators, partners and conversations together during Web Summit reflects our focus on supporting creative communities, meaningful exchange, and long-term growth across the region.”
Together, the partnership between the GCO and TikTok and the activities at Web Summit Qatar 2026 underline Qatar’s role as a platform for cultural exchange, innovation, and global creative collaboration.
