The world’s most influential connectivity event is coming to the Middle East. On 25–26 November 2025, the GSMA Mobile World Congress (MWC) will make its debut in Doha, hosted at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).This marks the first-ever MWC edition in the Middle East and North Africa — and the beginning of a five-year partnership between the Qatari government and GSMA.“Hosting MWC Doha will position Qatar as a regional leader in innovation and digital connectivity, supporting our mission to build a smarter, more sustainable future.”- HE Mohammed bin Ali Al-Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information TechnologyWhy Doha?Qatar has rapidly positioned itself as one of the region’s leading digital innovators. The event aligns directly with Qatar National Vision 2030, emphasizing digital transformation, sustainability, and technological advancement.By hosting MWC, Doha aims to:Establish itself as a regional innovation hub, attracting investors, startups, and global tech leaders.Strengthen collaboration between telecom operators, governments, and private enterprises.Showcase Qatar’s growing influence in the global technology and telecommunications sector.The minister emphasized that the conference will help accelerate Qatar’s transition toward a knowledge-based economy, creating opportunities for education, entrepreneurship, and investment in digital innovation.A gateway for the regionThe arrival of MWC in Doha represents a transformative opportunity for the Gulf and wider MENA region. Local tech firms and telecoms will now be able to connect, exhibit, and collaborate without traveling to Europe or Asia. Dedicated sessions will spotlight AI in telecom, fintech innovation, smart infrastructure, and digital inclusion — all areas central to the Gulf’s rapid development.For startups, it’s an unprecedented opportunity to meet investors and potential partners from around the world - right here in Qatar.Mobile & Tech trends to watch in 2025As the event approaches, several global and regional trends are expected to dominate the discussions:AI Everywhere Artificial intelligence will transform mobile networks, customer experiences, and device performance.5G-Advanced and the Road to 6G: Next-generation connectivity and programmable networks will take center stage.Sustainability & circular tech: From energy-efficient data centers to refurbished devices, sustainability is becoming a core KPI.Fintech & mobile wallets. The Gulf is moving rapidly toward mobile-first financial ecosystems.Edge, cloud & convergence. Mobile devices are evolving into unified control hubs for connected life - integrating IoT, vehicles, and smart homesA platform for global collaborationMWC Doha will attract thousands of participants from more than 200 countries, mirroring the scale of its flagship event in Barcelona - which drew over 100,000 attendees and 2,700 exhibiting companies in 2024.For Qatar, the event represents a strategic platform for international cooperation, where leading companies, innovators, and government agencies will engage on emerging topics such as AI ethics, data privacy, smart cities, and climate-conscious technology.The conference will also encourage public-private partnerships and cross-sector investment to expand Qatar’s digital infrastructure and strengthen its position as a global technology hub.About MWC Doha 2025Dates: 25–26 November 2025Venue: Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC)Organised by: GSMA, in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, State of QatarFocus areas: AI, 5G/6G, IoT, fintech, sustainability, and digital transformationExpected attendees: 10,000 + from 200 countries