Hosting the first-ever Mobile World Congress edition in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) over five consecutive years is a landmark moment for Qatar, and its significance resonates far beyond borders. The event, taking place at Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, has gathered leaders in 5G, AI, smart cities, and emerging technologies – accelerating MENA’s digital-first future and Qatar’s National Vision 2030.
Qatar is signaling its readiness to lead in shaping the next generation of digital societies.
By landing MWC in Doha, the GSMA is acknowledging the region’s maturity and relevance. Doha’s infrastructure, its connectivity, and its strategic geography make it uniquely suited as a regional tech epicentre.
Minister of Communications and Information Technology H E Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai said hosting MWC25 Doha is a way to drive forward “smarter and more efficient digital infrastructures … that support development and drive innovation at regional and international levels.” He highlighted the ambition to move beyond basic connectivity and towards networks of the future.
Another powerful dimension is digital inclusion. While the MENA region has made strides, with over 400 million mobile users and rapid infrastructure growth, Al Mannai said that not everyone is fully connected. Hosting MWC in Doha gives the region more visibility in forging strategies, policies, and investments for closing that gap.
When we consider the economic implications, the opportunity is huge. MWC25 Doha is expected to boost foreign participation, attract global investors, and strengthen the innovation ecosystem in Qatar.
But perhaps most importantly, MWC25 Doha is a reaffirmation of long-term commitment. This is not a one-off event. The five-year agreement between GSMA and Qatar underscores a shared belief that Doha will play a sustained role in global digital discourse.
In a region often defined in geopolitics, Qatar is staking a claim in technology. It’s a bet on knowledge, innovation, and connectivity. The success of MWC25 Doha could well mark the emergence of a new digital axis—one that centres in the Gulf and radiates across the MENA region and beyond.
