Qatar positioned itself at the forefront of the next technological revolution Sunday as MWC26 Doha opened with a powerful call for smarter, more resilient global connectivity, greater international cooperation and an accelerated embrace of artificial intelligence that promises to transform economies, industries and everyday life.
The second edition of the landmark technology gathering, inaugurated at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC) in the presence of His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, brought together global technology leaders, policymakers and innovators at a defining moment for the digital economy.
Held under the theme "The IQ Era", the three-day conference, organised by the GSMA in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), is placing Doha at the heart of conversations about the future of artificial intelligence, next-generation telecommunications and the infrastructure needed to power an increasingly connected world.
The opening also coincided with the release of compelling new industry forecasts showing that mobile technologies, already contributing a staggering $380bn to the Middle East and North African economy, are on course to generate $470bn annually by 2030.
Addressing the opening ceremony, His Excellency Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohammed bin Ali al-Mannai outlined the profound technological shifts confronting the industry, warning that conventional telecommunications infrastructure must evolve rapidly to meet the demands of an AI-driven future.
As artificial intelligence moves beyond generating information towards independently executing complex tasks through intelligent agents, he said, the need for resilient networks, sophisticated computing capabilities and diversified international connectivity has become increasingly urgent.
These developments, coupled with global challenges threatening service continuity, are pushing the industry towards a new generation of solutions, including 6G networks and the seamless integration of terrestrial, submarine and satellite communications.
"These issues are central to discussions at MWC Doha, providing an opportunity to strengthen cooperation among telecommunications operators, technology companies and investors, and accelerate the development of practical solutions that support the growth of the digital economy," al-Mannai said.
He reaffirmed Qatar's commitment to investing in advanced digital infrastructure under its Digital Agenda 2030, strengthening national capabilities and unlocking fresh opportunities for innovation and investment.
Following the inauguration, HE Sheikh Saoud, accompanied by al-Mannai and other ministers, toured the exhibition, including the Qatar Pavilion, where pioneering national projects demonstrated how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are transforming public services and accelerating digital development across sectors.
The opening day's discussions brought another crucial dimension into focus: ensuring that the benefits of technological progress reach populations still excluded from the digital world.
In a fireside conversation, GSMA Director General Vivek Badrinath and International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin examined the future of connectivity across the Middle East and North Africa, highlighting the importance of common international standards, interoperable networks and bridging the persistent digital divide.
"Progress only counts if everyone shares in it," Badrinath declared, emphasising the twin imperatives of globally compatible digital infrastructure and concerted efforts to bring those still offline into the connected economy.
He said the convergence of MWC26 Doha and the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference offered an exceptional opportunity for policymakers, innovators and industry leaders to align technological ambitions with the regulatory frameworks needed to realise them.
The economic stakes were underscored by two major GSMA reports unveiled alongside the conference.
The Mobile Economy MENA 2026 report revealed that mobile technologies and services generated approximately $380bn in economic value across the region in 2025, representing 5.8% of GDP. That contribution is projected to climb to $470bn by the end of the decade, highlighting the sector's increasingly pivotal role in regional growth.
Meanwhile, the 5G Monetisation MENA report showed that 17 of the region's 24 markets had launched commercial fifth-generation mobile services by September 2026.
The expansion is expected to be dramatic, with 5G connections forecast to surge from 67mn in 2025 to approximately 350mn by 2030, opening enormous possibilities for intelligent industries, digital services and new business models.
Yet the reports also pointed to the challenges ahead, particularly the need to extend connectivity to underserved communities while ensuring sustainable returns on the substantial investments required for advanced networks.
Adding further weight to Doha's growing prominence in global technology governance is the simultaneous hosting of the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26), organised by Qatar's Communications Regulatory Authority from November 9-27.
The convergence of the two international gatherings brings together the architects of digital policy and the companies developing tomorrow's technologies, creating a rare platform for aligning regulation, investment and innovation.
MWC26 Doha concludes Monday, with specialised discussions, technology showcases and announcements of new initiatives and partnerships expected to reinforce the momentum generated by its opening.
For Qatar, the significance extends well beyond hosting another major international event. As artificial intelligence redraws the boundaries of what technology can achieve, Doha is increasingly positioning itself not merely as a participant in the digital future, but as a meeting ground for those determined to shape it.