iHeartMedia and Qatar’s Government Communications Office (GCO) have announced a partnership making iHeartPodcasts the official podcast partner for Web Summit Qatar 2026. The event, taking place from February 1-4, 2026 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, is expected to attract over 30,000 technology and business leaders, founders, investors, media professionals, and more than 1,600 startups.
As part of the collaboration, iHeartArabi will launch its first Arabic-language podcast shows. The summit will also feature an on-site iHeartPodcasts Studio where top podcast talent can record live episodes in both English and Arabic.
Attendees will have access to educational sessions and live recordings with notable figures including Conal Byrne, CEO of the iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group; Questlove; Steven Bartlett; and Islam Fawzy. These events are scheduled as part of Centre Stage programming at the summit.
Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al Thani, Director of the GCO, said: “Welcoming iHeartMedia and its globally recognized podcast talent to Web Summit Qatar 2026 reflects our broader ambition to strengthen our creative economy and to support the growth of creative and digital industries as engines of sustainable development. This partnership creates opportunities for knowledge exchange and new forms of digital expression that empower local talent and creators to strengthen Qatar’s position as a hub for global media, content creation and innovation.”
Bob Pittman, Chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia added: “At iHeart we believe in fostering conversations that lead to creative and innovative ideas and solutions, and our partnership with the GCO continues to expand the boundaries of podcasting. Our goal is to work together to generate the kind of discussions and interactions that enhance and grow the future of this medium for audiences everywhere.”
Web Summit has been held annually since its founding in Dublin in 2009 by Paddy Cosgrave. The organization hosts major technology events worldwide including gatherings in Rio de Janeiro, Vancouver, Lisbon, as well as Doha. According to Web Summit’s official schedule, this year’s event in Qatar is expected to be its largest yet with record participation from startups, partners, and media.
The Government Communications Office was established in 2015 through Amiri Decree No. (27) as Qatar’s strategic communications arm. It oversees government communication activities aligned with national objectives such as promoting good governance practices outlined by Qatar National Vision 2030.
For additional details about session times or participants at Web Summit Qatar 2026 visit the event’s website.
