Figma: “Web Summit was key to meet the ecosystem of the region”

Figma’s presence at Web Summit Qatar successfully captured upwards of 500 high-quality leads.

Figma’s evolution from a design tool into a comprehensive digital product platform is a global mission. To deepen its roots in the Middle East, Figma partnered with Web Summit Qatar to engage directly with Doha’s tech community.

“EMEA and the Middle East specifically are very ‘handshake cultures,’” explains Pedro Hernandez, Figma’s Advocacy Manager. “You need to see people eye-to-eye, shake hands. Being on the ground is key for us to understand who is partnering with whom.”

Figma joined our event in Doha to connect with what they call the local ‘Friends of Figma’ communities in Qatar, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and India.

“Web Summit Qatar served as the ultimate bridge to the Middle East, resulting in over 500 high-quality leads and a deeper connection with the local community.”

The Figma team engaging with founders and creators on the ground at Web Summit Qatar.

Scaling a global partnership to the Middle East

Following successful partnerships in Web Summit Lisbon, in Portugal, and at Web Summit Vancouver, in Canada, Figma identified the Middle East as a priority region for this year.

“Web Summit brings that one-to-one attention to everybody. In a world of AI and digital tools, people miss that. Here, they get our full attention.”

At Web Summit Qatar, Figma turned a curious visitors into a high-intent lead in minutes.

“For Figma, success is measured by both the tangible leads we bring home and the depth of our connection to the community”, explains Pedro. “Web Summit was key in meeting the community and understanding the ecosystem of the region”.

With a team focused on high-level contracts and new business leads during Web Summit Qatar, Pedro was surprised with the outcome.

“While our Sales and Marketing teams focus on the high volume of leads, my goal is building long-term relationships. I’m leaving with a robust list of potential speakers and a much clearer path to engaging with local designers across the region”.

This presence was bolstered by two “packed-to-the-rim” masterclasses. These sessions allowed Figma to demonstrate Figma Make, the company’s AI-powered prototyping tool.

Luis Ouriach, Designer Advocate at Figma, connected with the Middle Eastern tech community during a masterclass.

A major theme for Figma at Web Summit Qatar was the introduction of its “eight products” ecosystem. The power their tools was was best illustrated by a founder who visited the Figma stand at Web Summit Qatar.

“A founder took a screenshot of his current site on his phone and sent it to me. I put it in my laptop, injected it into Figma Make, and we created a working website file on the spot. He said, ‘This is exactly what I need.’ We put him in front of a sales rep immediately”, highlights Pedro.

Building the future of design on a global stage with Web Summit

As Figma looks toward the rest of 2026 with eyes potentially on Web Summit Rio and Web Summit Vancouver, the success in Web Summit Qatar stands as a testament to the power of being present in the world’s fastest-growing tech hubs.

Are you looking to expand your brand’s reach into new markets? Discover Web Summit partnership opportunities here.