MWC26 Doha kicks off, highlighting AI and 6G as top priorities

Doha, Qatar: The second edition of Mobile World Congress (MWC) Doha opened yesterday amid a major shift in global telecommunications priorities, with artificial intelligence (AI), next-generation 6G networks and resilient connectivity emerging as key themes shaping the industry’s future.

As intelligent AI agents drive demand for more advanced computing and network capabilities, discussions at the event focus on strengthening connectivity infrastructure, diversifying network routes and accelerating the integration of terrestrial, submarine and satellite networks to support the growth of the digital economy.

MWC26 Doha is being held under the theme ‘The IQ Era’. The three-day conference organised by GSMA and in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) was attended by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, H E Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al-Thani; Minister of Finance H E Ali bin Ahmed Al-Kuwari; Minister of Communications and Information Technology H E Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, along with other delegates, senior officials and experts from the telecommunications and technology industry.

Addressing the gathering during the opening ceremony, Minister Al-Mannai underscored the need for enhanced collaboration to adapt to the ongoing transformations in the tech sector.

“The second edition of MWC Doha takes place at a time when the requirements of telecommunications infrastructure are undergoing fundamental change,” the Minister said. “As artificial intelligence advances towards executing tasks through intelligent agents, the need for more resilient networks and advanced computing capabilities continues to grow.”

He noted that uncertainties and challenges across the globe highlight the need to expand connectivity pathways and maintain uninterrupted service.

“These developments are creating new priorities for the telecommunications sector, including the development of 6G networks, greater integration between terrestrial, submarine and satellite networks, and expanded access to computing capabilities,” Minister Al-Mannai said.

“These issues are central to discussions at MWC Doha, providing an opportunity to strengthen cooperation among telecommunications operators, technology companies and investors, and accelerate the development of practical solutions that support the growth of the digital economy.”

He further added, “In Qatar, we continue to invest in these areas under the Digital Agenda 2030, strengthening our national capabilities and creating new opportunities for innovation and investment.”

The event also witnessed a fireside chat between the Director General of the GSMA, Vivek Badrinath, and  Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Doreen Bogdan-Martin, emphasisng MENA’s evolving connectivity landscape, cross-border network standardisation, wider internet access and efforts to bridge the digital world.

Badrinath stated: Progress only counts if everyone shares in it. That means two things: global standards that keep networks, services and devices working across borders, and a concerted effort to connect the people who are still offline.”

Additionally, the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference will be held alongside MWC26 Doha, convening global digital leaders and fostering collaboration and policy innovation.

“As the ITU Plenipotentiary continues, we are confident that the enhanced dialogue that our co-location has allowed will feed into the important conversations taking place,” Badrinath added.

At MWC26 Doha, GSMA released two reports on the MENA mobile economy and 5G growth. Highlights include mobile contributing $380bn to the region’s 2025 GDP, projected to reach $470bn by 2030, and 5G connections expected to rise from $67m to $350m by 2030.