Minister of Communications and Information Technology H E Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai and CEO of Global System for Mobile Communications Association John Hoffman signing the agreement
Madrid: Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), announced that it will host Mobile World Congress (MWC) Doha for five consecutive years, marking a historic first for the Middle East and North Africa region.
Minister of Communications and Information Technology H E Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai and CEO of Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) John Hoffman signed the official hosting agreement yesterday at a ceremony on the sidelines of the MWC 2025 in Barcelona.
Minister of Communications and Information Technology emphasised that the event serves as a global platform to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among companies and experts. He noted that this initiative will accelerate digital transformation and solidify Qatars 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.” he said.
The inaugural edition of MWC Doha, set for November 25 and 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 said: “We are delighted to welcome MWC25 Doha to our world-renowned MWC Series. Our vision is for MWC Doha to become integral to Qatars emerging role as a global hub for digital innovation, showcasing the Middle Easts digital transformation across AI, advanced 5G and smart mobility.”
Qatar’s hosting of MWC Doha is expected 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 Qatars position as a leading hub for digital innovation and investment in the region and globally.
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 Qatars standing as a regional and global center for technology and digital innovation.
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. It is the worlds largest and most influential connectivity event and 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.
