The Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (Invest Qatar) has announced a new partnership with human performance company WHOOP, which will establish its first international performance lab in Doha. The collaboration will support WHOOP’s expansion into the Gulf region and aims to solidify Qatar’s standing as a hub for performance science and innovation.
A New Hub for Performance Science
Modelled on the company’s flagship research centre at its Boston headquarters, WHOOP Labs Doha will be located in Msheireb Downtown Doha. The facility will focus on advancing the company’s mission to unlock human performance and healthspan through extensive research and data collection. It will also enable partnerships with local institutions to conduct sports performance research, contributing to the local academic landscape.
Strategic Location in Msheireb
The lab will be situated in Msheireb Downtown Doha, the world’s first fully constructed smart and sustainable city district. Its advanced infrastructure and commitment to digital transformation provide an ideal environment for technology-focused ventures. The district’s integrated ecosystem supports a community of startups and innovators, aligning with WHOOP’s goals to advance human performance through technology. This move reflects a broader trend where cities like Dubai are also emerging as new tech innovation hubs.
Eng. Ali Al Kuwari, CEO of Msheireb Properties, stated that the district was “purpose-built to attract pioneering companies that drive innovation forward.” He added, “This partnership reinforces our positioning as a hub for innovation in health, wellness and human performance.”
Executive Insights on the Collaboration
Leaders from all organisations involved have highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership. Sheikh Ali bin Alwaleed Al-Thani, CEO of Invest Qatar, said, “Qatar has made significant strides in its pursuit to foster and accelerate a knowledge-based, tech-driven economy.” He expressed confidence that WHOOP will “play a pivotal role in advancing sports tech and research in our nation.”
Will Ahmed, Founder and CEO of WHOOP, described Qatar as one of the company’s “most dynamic and fastest-growing markets.” He noted that the new performance lab will be “a destination for innovation, welcoming visitors, advancing research and accelerating our mission to unlock human potential and extend healthspan.”
Bolstering Qatar’s Tech Ambitions
This partnership is part of Qatar’s wider strategy to position itself as a leading destination for research and technology. The country has made strategic investments in smart cities, research institutions, and sector-specific accelerators to create an environment where global partnerships can flourish. With strong government support for digital transformation and a thriving startup ecosystem, Qatar offers fertile ground for tech companies seeking to scale their operations. The focus on health and wellness technology aligns with recent reports highlighting how Doha’s strong healthcare and positive outlook are creating opportunities for growth.
Beyond research and development, Invest Qatar and WHOOP will also undertake joint efforts to attract and cultivate local talent through the new hub. The collaboration is set to accelerate technology-driven growth in the country, enriching both WHOOP’s global endeavours and the local innovation landscape.
