Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani inaugurating MWC Doha 2025 at DECC yesterday.
Doha, Qatar: In a landmark step for the region’s digital landscape, Qatar hosted the Mobile World Congress (MWC Doha), the first-ever in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), yesterday.
Organised by the GSMA in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), the event was held under the patronage and presence of the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.
The ceremony was also attended by numerous Ministers, global leaders from the telecommunications industry, policymakers, investors, and innovators.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs said, "Hosting the first edition of the Mobile World Congress (MWC25) represents an important step within our digital agenda aimed at developing digital infrastructure and advancing the digital transformation journey. We welcome all participants in the conference and look forward to establishing strategic partnerships that will shape a more competitive and progressive digital economy."
Minister of Communications and Information Technology H E Mohammed bin Ali Al-Mannai speaking during the inauguration of Mobile World Congress.
During his keynote address, the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, H E Mohammed bin Ali Al-Mannai, underscored the conference’s significance for the region, highlighting its role in shaping the future of digital innovation and regional technological growth.
He said, “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.”
During his opening remarks, CEO and Director of GSMA Ltd, John Hoffman, praised Qatar’s leadership in technology and highlighted the transformative impact of 5G and artificial intelligence.
Hoffman stressed that the GSMA arrives in Doha with “a clear vision,” informed by lessons from the world’s most dynamic digital markets, places defined by strong investments and policy environments that accelerate innovation. “This region not only plans for the future, but it follows through, and Doha is the ‘perfect location’ for GSMA’s newest MWC event,” he said.
He noted that MWC Doha comes at “an exciting moment,” driven by rapid progress in 5G, strong digital momentum, and the rising force of AI.
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.”
After the opening ceremony, the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs together with the Minister of Communications and Information Technology toured the exhibition halls. The visit included a dedicated stop at the Qatar Pavilion, where the Prime Minister was briefed on several pioneering national initiatives centred on AI, interactive digital platforms, and innovative government services, showcasing the State’s significant advancements in digital infrastructure and smart governance.
On the first day, the conference saw the release of the ‘GSMA Mobile Economy MENA 2025’ report and the ‘Enterprise in Focus: Digital Transformation in the MENA Region’ report. The findings forecast that the mobile sector’s contribution to the region’s economy will grow to $470bn by 2030, with 5G networks expected to make up 48 percent of all connections.
The first day featured a wide array of specialised sessions, technical dialogues, and bilateral meetings that brought together industry leaders and policymakers from within and outside the region.
The conference will conclude today with comprehensive sessions, setting the stage for bold regional innovation, uniting industry leaders to drive digital transformation and strengthen the Middle East’s position in the future technology landscape.
