Inaugural MWC25 Doha Launches Under the Patronage and with the Attendance of H.E. the Prime Minister, Marking Broad Global Participation

• The inaugural edition of MWC in the Middle East and North Africa launches with the attendance of His Excellency, the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
• E. the Minister of Communications and Information Technology: “MWC25 Doha is a dynamic platform that opens a wider space for the region to directly connect with industry leaders, policymakers, and global digital decision-makers.”
• GSMA report reveals projections for the mobile sector’s contribution to reach $470 billion in the region’s economy by 2030.

Under the esteemed patronage and with the attendance of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the first edition of MWC25 Doha held for the very first time in the Middle East and North Africa, organized by the GSMA in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center.

During the opening ceremony, H.E. Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, delivered the conference’s keynote address in the presence of distinguished ministers from Qatar and abroad, alongside leaders from the telecommunications sector, policymakers, investors, and innovators from around the world.

Following the opening, His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, accompanied by H.E. the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, conducted a tour of the exhibition halls. The tour featured a special stop at the Qatar Pavilion, where His Excellency was briefed on a number of pioneering national initiatives based on artificial intelligence, interactive digital solutions, and innovative government services, reflecting the level of progress the State has achieved in digital infrastructure and smart government services.

On this occasion, H.E. Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, emphasized the conference’s importance for the region, stating: “Doha’s hosting of MWC25 affirms the growing stature of the MENA region in the global telecommunications sector. The presence of this international event in the region provides it with a broader space for direct engagement with industry pioneers, policymakers, and digital leaders from around the world to keep pace with the latest developments in connectivity and build new paths for cooperation that enhance its readiness for the next phase of the future of connectivity. We value the trust of our partners at the GSMA for choosing Doha to host the first edition of the MWC series.”

For his part, Mr. Vivek Badrinath, Director General of the GSMA, said: “MWC Doha represents a major moment for MENA and the global connectivity community. Across the region, we’re seeing world-class investment in networks, AI and digital services, and this visible ambition is creating new opportunities for societies and economies. We look forward to working with our partners across the region to help ensure the benefits of digital transformation reach everyone.”

The fourth edition of Smart City Expo Doha 2025 was also launched today. Organized by Fira de Barcelona in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the event gathers global experts, policymakers, and innovation leaders to discuss the future of urban transformation and smart technologies. The expo was opened with a speech by Her Excellency Mrs. Reem Al Mansoori, Assistant Undersecretary of Digital Industry Affairs at MCIT.

In a related context, the conference witnessed the launch of the GSMA Mobile Economy MENA 2025 Report and the “Enterprise in Focus: Digital Transformation in the MENA Region” reports. The reports projected that the mobile sector’s contribution to the region’s economy will rise to $470 billion by 2030 and that 5G networks will account for 48% of total connections. The report also highlighted Qatar’s global leadership in enterprise adoption of AI, big data, and advanced 5G networks, affirming the success of the strategic investments led by the state.

The first day featured a wide array of specialized sessions, technical dialogues, and bilateral meetings that brought together industry leaders and policymakers from within and outside the region. The significant regional participation enriched discussions on the future of 5G, AI, and agile regulation, reflecting the region’s accelerating drive toward more competitive digital economies. Conference halls also witnessed significant engagement with the technical demonstrations and interactive displays, which showcased diverse innovations developed by governments and companies in the region.

MWC25 Doha continues tomorrow with a rich program featuring keynote addresses, high-level sessions, and ministerial meetings bringing together delegations from around the world. The agenda also includes the signing of several cooperation agreements and memoranda of understanding, along with specialized sessions focusing on artificial intelligence, digital sustainability, data governance, and the future of smart cities, reinforcing the event’s pivotal role in shaping the region’s digital future.