Qatar Gears Up To Host MWC25 Doha

Qatar is getting set to host MWC25 Doha, the first-ever MENA edition of the Mobile Word Congress (MWC), from November 25–26, 2025, at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC).

Held under the patronage of HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), MWC25 Doha is being organized by the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), the global body representing the mobile ecosystem.  

MWC first launched in 1987 as the GSM World Congress, and has since grown into the world’s leading event for the mobile and connectivity industry. Held annually in Barcelona, with regional editions in Shanghai and Las Vegas, it is now in its 35th year.

In a statement about MWC25 Doha, HE Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, Qatar's Minister of Communications and Information Technology, said, “The event aligns with the directives of HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar, to build a sustainable, knowledge-based economy driven by innovation and future technologies. MWC25 Doha represents a key opportunity to engage with the world’s top innovators and create meaningful partnerships that drive impact both regionally and globally.”  

Vivek Badrinath, Director General, GSMA, added, “We are excited to bring MWC to Qatar for the first time, as the region strives to advance the next generation of digital societies. MWC25 Doha provides a powerful platform for exhibitions, thought leadership, startups, and policymakers to collaborate and drive progress. We look forward to supporting the region’s growing role in global tech innovation and investment.” 

MWC25 Doha will present a series of thematic summits addressing key challenges and opportunities in digital transformation. Topics will span agentic artificial intelligence (AI), next-gen telecom networks, the future of fintech, smart mobility, data centers, 5G, internet of things (IoT), and satellite connectivity. Each summit will gather global experts to share insights on breakthrough innovations, practical use cases, and the policy frameworks driving the future of the connected economy. 

The event will focus on three main themes—AI Nexus, which looks at the transformative role of AI in business, governance, and everyday life; Intelligent Economies, which addresses the growth of digital infrastructure, data sovereignty, and smart networks; and Connected Industries, which covers the use of frontier technologies across sectors such as mobility, finance, energy, and logistics.  

Confirmed exhibitors to date include Qatari-based conglomerate Mannai, American digital communications technology conglomerate Cisco, and mobile networks and digital infrastructure giant Nokia. The event will also host national pavilions showcasing companies from South Korea and Turkey. Notably, Qatari telecoms giant Ooredoo has been announced as a strategic partner, while Qatar University will be joining as the education partner, marking the first time an MWC event features an academic institution in this role. 

Flagship elements from Barcelona making their way to Doha include 4YFN and the GSMA Ministerial Program. While 4YFN serves as a vital hub for startups, linking global investors with founders driving tech innovation, the GSMA Ministerial Program will convene regional and international policymakers for high-level discussions, private meetings, and targeted networking, promoting collaboration on policies that boost innovation, investment, and inclusive digital growth across the MENA region. 

The event underscores Qatar’s dedication to building a sustainable, innovation-led digital economy in alignment with the Qatar National Vision 2030. It also reinforces the country’s push to fast-track digital transformation across key sectors, including government services, education, mobility, commerce, and energy.