Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), has announced that it will host MWC Doha for five consecutive years, marking a historic first for the Middle East and North Africa region.
Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, along with CEO of the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) John Hoffman, signed the official hosting agreement during a ceremony at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona, which was attended by senior GSMA officials, QNA reported.
Event as a platform for collaboration and digital transformation
Minister Al Mannai emphasized that this event serves as a global platform to promote collaboration and knowledge exchange among companies and experts. He noted that this initiative will accelerate digital transformation and solidify Qatar’s position as a global hub for digital innovation, aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030.
“Qatar is preparing to host MWC Doha for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa region. This milestone reflects our commitment to accelerating the adoption of digital solutions and enhancing our leadership in the ICT sector. Hosting this event represents a strategic opportunity to attract investments and support the implementation of the Digital Agenda 2030. This event will enhance collaboration among leading sector companies, opening new horizons for growth and innovation in the region,” Al Mannai said.
Inaugural MWC Doha event scheduled for November 2025
The inaugural edition of MWC Doha, set for Nov. 25-26, 2025, will spotlight the latest breakthroughs in mobile technology, artificial intelligence, financial technology, and smart connectivity. The event will also explore crucial topics such as digital inclusion, sustainability, and future technologies, providing a unique platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange.
In turn, CEO of GSMA John Hoffman remarked: “We are delighted to welcome MWC25 Doha to our world-renowned MWC Series. Our vision is for MWC Doha to become integral to Qatar’s emerging role as a global hub for digital innovation, showcasing the Middle East’s digital transformation across AI, advanced 5G and smart mobility.” Qatar’s hosting of MWC Doha is anticipated to significantly boost the country’s economy by attracting thousands of visitors and participants from around the world, including top executives, experts, and investors in the telecommunications and information technology sector. This global influx will serve as a powerful catalyst for economic growth, a bridge for international cooperation, and a platform to showcase the technological capabilities of Qatari and regional companies. It will further solidify Qatar’s position as a leading hub for digital innovation and investment in the region and globally.
Attracting foreign direct investment and driving partnerships
Additionally, this hosting is set to attract foreign direct investment to Qatar by providing international investors with the opportunity to explore the country’s attractive investment environment, which includes advanced infrastructure and a supportive regulatory framework for entrepreneurship and digital ventures. It is also expected to open new avenues for strategic partnerships between Qatari and global companies, reinforcing Qatar’s standing as a regional and global center for technology and digital innovation.
Opportunities for local businesses and knowledge exchange
Moreover, MWC Doha will provide government entities and local businesses with a valuable opportunity to engage with leading global experts, exchange knowledge, and stay up to date with the latest technological trends that can be implemented locally to support digital transformation and build a knowledge-based economy.
Furthermore, it will serve as a crucial platform for local and regional companies to showcase their solutions and products on the global stage, interact with industry leaders and innovators, and enhance their competitive edge. This engagement will help these companies expand into new markets and strengthen their position in the international arena.
The GSMA has regional editions of MWC to promote innovation globally, including MWC Shanghai, MWC Las Vegas, and MWC Kigali. MWC Barcelona is held annually by the GSMA and is the world’s largest and most influential connectivity event. This year’s edition will feature a broad range of topics reflecting the latest trends and technologies in the mobile industry.
MWC Barcelona 2024 attracted over 101,000 participants from 205 countries and territories, with more than 2,700 exhibiting companies, showcasing the significant economic and technological impact of this event.
