The inaugural edition of MWC Doha brings together global leaders to accelerate investment, partnerships and innovation in AI, 5G and smart infrastructure.
November 25, 2025, Doha: GSMA MWC25 Doha, held in partnership with Qatar's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), brings together global leaders from government, technology and industry to explore how the region's accelerated digital transformation can unlock $470 billion in economic value by 2030. The inaugural edition highlights the Gulf's growing leadership in advanced connectivity, offering an important platform for new partnerships, demonstrations and collaboration across the region.
Under the esteemed patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, MWC Doha officially opened with HE the Prime Minister formally opening the event, accompanied by Vivek Badrinath and John Hoffman of the GSMA on stage to welcome delegates to MENA's first MWC.
Across MENA, governments and businesses are accelerating the shift towards smart networks and next-generation digital services spanning healthcare, mobility, logistics, financial services and customer experience. At MWC Doha, expert-led sessions, summit discussions and a dynamic exhibition hall will bring together regional and global players to highlight how key technologies, including artificial intelligence, cloud computing, satellite connectivity and data-driven solutions, are driving economic transformation and reshaping industries.
Vivek Badrinath, Director General of the GSMA, said: “MWC Doha represents an important moment for MENA and the global connectivity community. Across the region, we are seeing world-class investments in networks, artificial intelligence and digital services, and this visible ambition is creating new opportunities for societies and economies. At the same time, much of the region remains disconnected and closing that gap must be a shared priority. The conversations that begin here in Doha can guide the next phase of progress and inspire many geographies. I look forward to working with partners across the region to help ensure the benefits of digital transformation reach everyone..”
On this occasion, His Excellency Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology of the State of Qatar, underlined the importance of the event for the region, stating: “Hosting MWC25 Doha reaffirms the growing importance of the Middle East and North Africa within the global telecommunications landscape. Bringing this international event to the region provides a broader platform for direct engagement with industry leaders, policymakers and digital decision-makers around the world, while enabling closer alignment with the latest advances in communications networks and the development of new avenues of collaboration that strengthen the region's readiness for the next phase of connectivity. We value our partners' trust in the GSMA by selecting Doha as the venue for the event. First regional edition of the MWC series.”
Findings from key GSMA regional reports
Released today, the GSMA MENA Mobile Economy Report 2025 reveals how growing digital adoption in the Gulf and North Africa is helping to expand access to vital services and unlock new opportunities. Also released today, the GSMA report, Accelerate digital industries in the GCC and wider MENA region, shows that Qatar ranks first globally in enterprise use of AI, big data and private 5G. Insights from both reports have found that:
- The mobile sector will contribute $470 billion for MENA economy by 2030compared to $350 billion in 2024.
- 5G adoption is rapidly accelerating in MENA, with 5G expected to increase from 7% of total connections in 2024 to 48% in 2030.
- Mobile Internet use continues to expand and users will increase from 308 million in 2024 to 378 million in 2030although progress varies by region.
- Artificial intelligence, mobile connectivity and related devices will account for almost 45% of all digital transformation spending in MENA through 2030.
- Business spending on digital transformation will average 9.8% of revenue in MENA between 2025 and 2030.
Supporting the region's inclusive digital future
While the Gulf continues to set the pace of digital transformation, MWC Doha also supports the shared responsibility of driving more inclusive digital growth across the region, so that the benefits of progress reach everyone. More than 340 million people in MENA remain disconnected despite having access to mobile broadband coverage, a gap that can be reduced through collaborative investments in affordable devices, relevant digital content and digital skills.
Through initiatives such as GSMA Mobile for Development, the GSMA is working with governments, donors and industry partners to promote practical solutions that address these barriers. MWC Doha provides a valuable opportunity to share lessons from successful models, explore new partnerships and support efforts to ensure the benefits of connectivity reach all communities as the region's digital economy continues to take shape.
MWC Doha will be held at the Doha Convention and Exhibition Center on November 25 and 26. Live and streaming keynote sessions are available throughout the event. on the websitewith all press releases and press materials published at MWC Doha press area.
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About the GSMA
The GSMA is a global organization that unifies the mobile ecosystem to discover, develop and deliver critical innovation for positive business environments and social change. Our vision is to unlock the full power of connectivity so that people, industry and society thrive. Representing mobile operators and organizations across the mobile ecosystem and adjacent industries, the GSMA offers its members three broad pillars: connectivity for good, industry services and solutions, and outreach. This activity includes advancing policy, addressing today's biggest societal challenges, supporting the technology and interoperability that make mobile devices work, and providing the world's largest platform to convene the mobile ecosystem at the MWC and M360 series of events.
We invite you to learn more at gsma.com
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