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Meeza and Huawei have signed two strategic memorandums of understanding (MoUs) during MWC25 Doha to advance Qatar's national priorities in digital infrastructure, AI, and talent development.The agreements demonstrate how private-sector innovation can support the country's vision for economic diversification, technological leadership, and long-term resilience.The MoUs aim to deepen collaboration in Private Digital Infrastructure and AI services, and to launch a National Training Programme to cultivate local expertise in emerging digital fields. By enabling Qatar’s private sector to lead innovation and adopt advanced technological solutions, Huawei and Meeza aim to strengthen the country's digital foundations, foster homegrown talent, and enhance national competitiveness.“This partnership with Huawei reflects our continued commitment as a leading IT service provider to support Qatar's digital transformation and economic diversification,” said Meeza CEO Mohamed Ali al-Ghaithani.He said: “Building strong local capabilities in advanced technologies is essential for long-term national progress. Through these initiatives, we aim to empower local talent, accelerate innovation, and contribute to a technology ecosystem that benefits the entire country.”Rico Lin, president of Huawei Gulf region, emphasised the strategic significance of private-sector engagement in national initiatives: “Huawei is proud to partner with Meeza to advance Qatar's digital agenda.“Strengthening in-country infrastructure, AI capabilities, and local expertise is critical for fostering a knowledge-based economy, reducing reliance on hydrocarbons, and supporting sustainable growth. This collaboration reflects our commitment to building resilient, future-ready digital ecosystems that will underpin the country's economic and technological ambitions."As global digital transformation accelerates, the MoUs highlight the essential role of private companies in complementing national strategies. By jointly exploring advanced technologies, AI-driven solutions, and localised platforms, Huawei and Meeza aim to create robust, adaptable digital ecosystems that meet evolving technological demands and drive innovation across multiple sectors.Through these agreements, Huawei and Meeza reaffirm the private sector’s vital role in empowering Qatar’s national vision, strengthening critical digital infrastructure, enabling advanced technological capabilities, and nurturing local talent to lead the country's digital future.By boosting private-sector engagement in strategic digital initiatives, these partnerships support Qatar’s long-term economic resilience, help diversify the national economy, and contribute to realising Qatar National Vision 2030 objectives, ensuring sustainable growth, innovation, and prosperity across multiple sectors. 

As the exclusive educational partner of the recent Mobile World Congress (MWC25) in Doha, Qatar University (QU) announced the signing of several intellectual property (IP) licensing agreements with four emerging and international technology companies.The agreements were formalised during the “From Innovation to Impact: IP Commercialisation and Industry Collaboration Signing Ceremony”, held on the sidelines of the global event.These agreements align with the QU’s strategy to strengthen the national innovation ecosystem and accelerate the transition of research outputs from laboratories to industry and the marketplace, a statement said Tuesday.The QU signed a licensing agreement with ClearExhaust, the second startup to emerge from the university’s innovation ecosystem.ClearExhaust was founded and led by Prof Samer Ahmed from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, supported by a team of graduate students and research assistants at the QU.The company specialises in developing innovative systems to reduce emissions from combustion engines.Its first product, the “Smokeless Exhaust Pipe”, is based on a registered US patent and offers a breakthrough solution that removes 100% of visible diesel emissions while reducing carbon dioxide (*CO2) emissions by 20-30%.The system was developed at the QU’s Thermal Engines Laboratory and tested on TATA buses in collaboration with Al-Hamad Automobiles, as well as municipal service trucks at the Ministry of Municipality.The company is also developing a second innovation, the Portable Carbon Capture System, which demonstrated 100% carbon capture efficiency during laboratory testing on diesel engines.The technology will be registered soon as a US patent.These solutions address Qatar’s needs for emission reduction in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP 2021).The QU also signed an exclusive licensing agreement with iDiagnostix Ltd, a UK-based medical diagnostics company, to commercialise a novel blood test for the early detection of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).The test is the first of its kind globally to achieve accuracy levels exceeding 80% sensitivity and specificity in both discovery and clinical validation studies, meeting the diagnostic standards set by the American Psychiatric Association.The technology analyses low-level protein modifications associated with metabolic changes in the brain, supported by advanced artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to ensure predictive accuracy.The company was founded in 2024 by former QU researcher Prof Naila Rabbani and Prof Paul Thornalley, formerly from Hamad Bin Khalifa University.The technology was developed and clinically validated in a large-scale study funded by the QU, which also owns the associated patents.The licensing agreement marks a major milestone in enabling early ASD diagnosis, improving referral accuracy, and accelerating access to timely support and treatment for children.The QU also signed an exclusive licensing agreement with QLife Pharma, a Qatar-based pharmaceutical company specialised in manufacturing high-value pharmaceutical products and advancing national self-sufficiency, to produce and commercialise Q-Silvano, a topical antimicrobial gel based on stable silver nanoparticles.The product was developed in the QU Health Sector – College of Pharmacy laboratory under the leadership of Prof Alaaeldin Elkilany.Q-Silvano is the first nano-based medical product to be officially registered with the Ministry of Public Health in Qatar.Technology transfer is currently underway to enable local manufacturing and product launch in early 2026, with plans for regional expansion into GCC and Mena (Middle East and North Africa) markets.The licensing agreement covers the transfer of formulation knowledge, enabling large-scale production, and facilitating commercial marketing processes.This collaboration focuses on technology transfer, regulatory compliance, quality systems development, and sustainable production scaling, supporting local market needs and paving the way for regional expansion.The achievement highlights the impact of QU-industry partnerships in transforming local research innovation into therapeutics manufactured in Qatar, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the country’s knowledge-based health sector goals.The QU also launched a new collaboration agreement with Genesis Technologies, a startup emerging from the national research and innovation ecosystem, to introduce the Imdaat platform during its first commercial phase.The agreement transforms research outcomes developed by the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council and the QU into a tangible digital product.The platform is preparing for its first implementation with a ministry in Qatar in the coming months, offering a reliable and secure decentralised system for issuing and verifying digital documents, enhancing government service efficiency, and supporting the nation’s digital transformation agenda.Commenting on the occasion, QU Vice-President (Research and Graduate Studies) Prof Aiman Erbad said: “The QU’s signing of a series of IP licensing agreements during MWC25 reflects the significant progress we have made in building an integrated innovation ecosystem grounded in applied research and researcher empowerment and in linking scientific output directly to industry and societal needs.”“These agreements mark an important step toward accelerating the transfer of national knowledge and technologies to global markets, while strengthening the ability of our startups to offer innovative solutions in vital fields such as digital health, sustainability, and clean energy,” he said. “We believe strategic partnerships with local and international institutions create unique opportunities for our researchers and students to expand their impact and achieve tangible economic and societal value.”These agreements, it was pointed out, reflect the advanced stage reached by the QU in building an integrated innovation and IP ecosystem founded on applied research support, researcher empowerment, the establishment of knowledge-based startups, and strengthened collaboration with industry locally and globally.At the end of the ceremony, the QU emphasised that enhancing the commercialisation of national innovations will remain a central focus of its research strategy in the coming years, supporting the knowledge-based economy and advancing national priorities in health, environment, and digital transformation, the statement added. 

Qatar University (QU) has signed a strategic co-operation agreement with the Qatar Satellite Company, Es’hailSat, during the events of the recent MWC25 conference and in a separate ceremony on its sidelines, it was announced Monday. The agreement aims to support the development and deployment of nano-satellite technology within the QU through a partnership that brings together the university’s research and academic capabilities with Es’hailSat’s leading expertise in operating and managing satellites. This collaboration, it was explained, represents a significant step toward strengthening Qatar’s presence in the space sector and supporting the development of national capabilities in this vital field. QU vice-president for Research and Graduate Studies Prof Aiman Erbad described the collaboration with Es’hailSat as a strategic step that reinforces university’s efforts in advancing nano-satellite technology and expanding the horizons of scientific research and innovation in the field of space. “We take pride in the fact that this partnership contributes to building exceptional national capabilities and strengthens Qatar’s presence in the space sector through pioneering projects that combine industrial expertise with academic excellence,” he said. Es’hailSat vice-president (Commercial) Hamad Omar al-Mannai said that the partnership aims to broaden the scope of scientific research and innovation within the space sector. “We take pride in contributing to the development of exceptional national capabilities and enhancing Qatar’s stature in the space industry through high-quality projects that merge industrial expertise with academic excellence,” he said. “Together, we are poised to make significant strides in this vital area of research and technological advancement.” The agreement outlined the launch of joint projects in the design, deployment, and operation of nano-satellite missions, with a focus on scientific research, technological development, and outreach in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The agreement also included the exchange of expertise, technical knowledge, and resources between both parties to ensure the success of future initiatives. The nano-satellite development initiative at the QU began in 2018, encompassing multidisciplinary student projects as well as research projects funded by the Qatar Research, Development & Innovation Programme. The QU hosts the country’s only academic satellite ground station, a key outcome of this initiative. 

Huawei successfully concluded its participation in the inaugural MWC25 Doha, demonstrating how the integration of 5G-Advanced (5G-A) and artificial intelligence is driving unprecedented digital transformation across the Middle East region. The two-day event at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center brought together government leaders, telecom operators, and industry experts to explore the future of intelligent connectivity.In his keynote address titled "Empowering Middle Eastern Digital Visions with 5G-A x AI," Richard Liu, President of ICT Marketing and Solution Sales, Huawei, highlighted the remarkable global progress of 5G-Advanced technology and its synergy with AI in reshaping industries."The synergy between 5G-Advanced and AI is reshaping the global industry landscape at an unprecedented pace," said Richard Liu. "Just one year after commercial deployment, 5G-Advanced has already driven the deployment of over 60,000 enterprise private networks and is expected to create more than $2.8 trillion in economic value by 2025."Liu emphasized that Middle Eastern operators are at the forefront of this transformation, accelerating their 5G-Advanced deployment and achieving 30-40% improvements in network energy efficiency through AI integration. The region has already implemented more than ten intelligent application scenarios, demonstrating the practical impact of this technological convergence.The integration is driving major transformations across three key areas: business model innovation through tiered services and scenario-based solutions that boost Average Revenue Per User (ARPU); intelligent services where AI agents cover 80% of daily scenarios with voice interaction and cloud services providing instant responses; and infrastructure upgrades including all-optical infrastructure supporting 10GE access, with automation rates in operations and maintenance reaching 40%.Middle East Leads Global 5G-A Development with Over One Million UsersAllen Tang, President of ICT Marketing and Solution Sales, Huawei Middle East and Central Asia delivered a keynote titled "The Booming Era of 5G-A: Innovation, Leadership, and Growth" at the 5G Future Summit on the first day of MWC Doha, emphasizing the Middle East's leadership position in the global 5G-Advanced rollout."The Middle East is leading a new wave of global 5G-Advanced development," said Allen Tang. "More than 25 commercial 5G-A networks have been deployed globally, and the number of 5G-A users in the Middle East has exceeded one million, demonstrating strong growth momentum."Tang highlighted that the integration of 5G-A and AI is driving telecom operators to transition from traditional telecom service providers (Telcos) to technology companies (Techcos), increasing ARPU by 20% through diversified business models including tiered rates, scenario-based experiences, and VIP services.In GCC countries, 75% of smartphones already support Standalone (SA) networking, and 36% have AI capabilities. SA network coverage has improved by 20%, and uplink speeds have increased by 50%, laying the foundation for low-altitude economic applications such as drone delivery and flying taxis.Huawei has proposed "3A Infrastructure" (5G-A, Always-Online, AI-Driven), which uses AI agents and data fusion to elevate operational efficiency from "hour-level" to "real-time." Through multi-band Meta technology, Sub-1GHz solutions, and intelligent BSS platforms, Huawei is helping operators achieve "10Gbps experience" and full-coverage networks.Strategic Partnerships and Comprehensive Technology Showcase Drive Intelligent TransformationDuring MWC25 Doha, Huawei and MEEZA, a leading end-to-end managed IT services and solutions provider, signed two strategic Memoranda of Understanding to advance Qatar's national priorities in digital infrastructure, AI innovation, and talent development.The agreements focus on deepening collaboration in Private Digital Infrastructure and AI services, and launching a National Training Program to cultivate local expertise in emerging digital fields. These partnerships support Qatar's vision for economic diversification, technological leadership, and long-term resilience.Throughout MWC25 Doha, held under the theme "Accelerating the Intelligent World," Huawei showcased comprehensive solutions that demonstrate how 5G-A and AI convergence create new business opportunities and monetization models across multiple sectors.At its exhibition booth, visitors experienced AI-driven solutions that empower industries, including public services, transport, utilities, finance, and energy, to achieve higher efficiency and productivity. Huawei also presented cloud and digital energy advancements, demonstrating how intelligent infrastructure supports sustainable, low-carbon digital ecosystems.Huawei's participation in MWC25 Doha reinforces its commitment to advancing Qatar's ICT ecosystem, building on over two decades of contribution to the nation's digital transformation journey and supporting Qatar's vision for a knowledge-based, intelligent economy.The event concluded with the message that "Innovation Never Stops," emphasizing that the Middle East will continue to play a leading role on the global telecom stage, setting new standards for technological breakthroughs and business success in the 5G-Advanced and AI era.For more information, visit www.Huawei.com

His Excellency Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai said the first edition of MWC25 Doha reflected the importance of the role that the region can play in shaping the future of communications and information technology by hosting this level of global expertise and companies in Doha.In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), His Excellency explained that the conference demonstrated the ability of the region’s economies to employ fifth-generation and beyond technologies, artificial intelligence, and smart digital solutions in practical applications that support growth and open up broad horizons for innovation and growth.The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology affirmed its keenness to continue its partnership with GSMA, and to build on what has been achieved during this edition to launch new joint initiatives and enhance the region’s presence in the global innovation system, and to support aspirations for a more advanced and sustainable digital future, HE Minister said.MWC25 Doha, held under the patronage of HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, and organized by the GSMA Association in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, concluded its work yesterday after two days that witnessed a great surge in the level of participation and attendance.Approximately 9,500 participants from more than 110 countries, including a notable percentage of executive leaders who constituted 20% of the total attendance, along with 41% of managers and decision-makers at the advanced sector level, attended the conference.MWC25 Doha also saw significant presence from sectors related to communications and information technology, as their representatives constituted about 61% of the total participants, reflecting the growing international and regional interest in the region’s role in the future of global communication. Director General of the GSMA Vivek Badrinath said that Launching MWC in Doha at this pivotal moment gives the region a platform to show the scale of its digital ambition.The State of Qatar’s pavilion was one of the most prominent stops at the conference, showcasing 32 innovative digital projects presented by 17 government entities, reflecting the level of progress in digital transformation and smart services in the country.Over two days, the pavilion witnessed a significant influx of ministerial delegations, policymakers, and international experts who explored national projects in smart cities, automated government services, digital identity, and artificial intelligence-based technologies. The pavilion also facilitated direct interaction between government entities and visitors, and provided a platform for meetings with global companies to foster collaboration opportunities.The agenda included a wide range of panel discussions and dialogues in which nearly 300 international speakers and experts participated, discussing the latest developments in 5G networks, cloud technologies, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, smart digital infrastructure, and strategies for developing digital skills for individuals and institutions.The GSMA Ministerial Programme was one of the conference's main themes, attracting 60 official delegations from 49 countries and more than 10 international organizations, who discussed spectrum policies, digital infrastructure, digital inclusion and accelerating digital transformation through solutions focused on regional and international governmental cooperation.The conference also witnessed the announcement of more than 30 partnerships, cooperation agreements and memoranda of understanding between government agencies, companies and technology entities, as part of efforts to enhance the innovation environment and open new paths for digital growth.MWC25 Doha also witnessed significant media presence, including more than 180 journalists and international analysts, who followed the live coverage of the events and monitored the technical trends that were raised during the discussions, reflecting the growing global interest in the digital transformations taking place in the region.The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology stated that with the conclusion of the inaugural edition of MWC25 Doha, the State of Qatar is preparing to host the next four editions of the conference, reflecting the growing international confidence in the country's ability to promote the digital transformation agenda in the region.Over the coming years, the conference will continue to solidify Doha’s position as a platform that brings together policymakers, industry leaders and global companies, and supports the advancement of innovation and advanced technologies in the Middle East and North Africa.

His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani inaugurated Tuesday the MWC25 Doha conference, which is being organised by the GSMA Association in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa region, at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center.The opening ceremony was attended by several Sheikhs and Ministers, along with GSMA officials, and leaders in communications and information technology in the region and the world.Following the opening, His Excellency the Prime Minister toured the accompanying exhibition, which included leading global, regional, and local companies, and discussed the latest innovations in the fields of communication, 5G and beyond networks, artificial intelligence, advanced computing, smart cities, data solutions, and financial technologies.His Excellency the Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohammed bin Ali al-Mannai affirmed that holding MWC25 Doha in Qatar highlights the prominent position of the Middle East and North Africa region in shaping the next generation of communication technologies.In his remarks during the official opening ceremony of the conference at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center, he said that hosting this event reflects the region’s growing ability to adapt to global developments and demonstrates its readiness to transition toward smarter and more efficient digital infrastructures that support development and drive innovation at regional and international levels.His Excellency said that digital transformation in the Middle East and North Africa is currently undergoing a precise maturation phase, evidenced by the region’s 427mn mobile service subscribers, a digital base that reflects broad growth potential.His Excellency al-Mannai noted, however, that part of the population in the Middle East and North Africa still remains outside full connectivity, which makes the enhancement of digital inclusion not only a shared objective for the coming years but also an opportunity to achieve something beyond that.HE the Minister of Communications and Information Technology said that the telecommunications industry in the region is advancing toward building knowledge-based infrastructure, or cognitive infrastructure. His Excellency noted that connectivity alone is no longer sufficient, as intelligence has become an essential component of modern network systems.He pointed out that as user needs evolve, the industry is adopting artificial intelligence-based solutions to enhance network efficiency and improve adaptability. His Excellency added that the region is moving toward developing networks capable of automatically optimizing their performance, while also transforming the role of operators into providers of insight and expertise, rather than merely suppliers of services and bandwidth.HE the Minister also highlighted the rapid advancement of telecommunications networks toward more intelligent systems that rely on data analytics and artificial intelligence to adapt swiftly to changing usage patterns.His Excellency said indicators show that GCC states possess some of the highest levels of digital readiness globally, with mobile internet speeds averaging 500 Mbps and internet usage rates ranging between 97% and 100% of the population.His Excellency emphasized that the convening of MWC Doha serves as a platform bringing together minds and expertise to exchange perspectives on artificial intelligence as a driver of change, smart economies, and connected industries, domains that align with the region’s aspirations and reinforce its role as an active partner in shaping the contours of the global digital future.

Officials, experts, and industry leaders in Tuesday's session of the ministerial programme at MWC25 Doha discussed the technologies and services provided by mobile phones, which they said currently contribute $6.5tn to the global economy by enhancing productivity and efficiency in both the private and public sectors, while enabling citizens and the broader Internet ecosystem to thrive and drive innovation.The participants, in the session titled "Unleashing Investment Through Mobile: Rethinking Regulations for Growth and Innovation", highlighted trends in mobile telecommunications investment, best regulatory and financial practices to create an environment conducive to growth and innovation, as well as balanced financial frameworks that meet economic priorities, support affordability, stimulate investment, and address digital security policies and regulations that enhance consumer confidence in digital services while ensuring their safety and security.They emphasised that investments in the mobile telecommunications sector and mobile infrastructure are essential elements for building a digital economy, particularly in the region, with the potential for the digital economy to contribute up to 10% of GDP, making investment in mobile infrastructure highly significant.For his part, Eng Khalid al-Hashimi from the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) spoke about information security in the telecommunications sector and the challenges faced by service providers in implementing contemporary security measures to address the risks of related technologies.He specifically focused on the importance of applying the principle of assurance to strengthen protection against cyber risks.Dr Mani Manimohan, Head of Policy and Regulation for Digital Infrastructure at the GSMA — which is organising MWC25 Doha in partnership with MCIT — said that, for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa region, when looking across different markets in the region, one observes many areas related to the session's theme, both in fiscal and regulatory policy.He added that, on this basis, the session aims to rethink how to move away from traditional taxes and fees based on operators' revenues, as well as rigid and inflexible rules related to network deployment and service quality, and instead work on providing a regulatory and financial environment that is more equitable, reliable, and flexible, enabling operators to make the necessary investments to build the digital economy.Manimohan noted that mobile operators worldwide invest very substantial financial levels, amounting to approximately USD244bn annually, in network capital expenditures, which over the years has resulted in a remarkable success story in the mobile telecommunications sector.He noted, for various reasons, the existence of a gap between governments' ambitious digital agendas and operators' capacity to sustainably finance those investments in the future.In addition, Manimohan further highlighted that one of the key areas to encourage investment is rethinking financial and regulatory policies.He emphasised three immediate and strategic priorities, chiefly reducing taxes and fees based on operators' revenues, which in some markets reach up to 50%, making the deployment of fibre networks and transmission towers faster, easier, and more cost-effective, and moving away from overly rigid obligations related to service quality. 

A top official of the GSMA has lauded Qatar’s proactive investments to push forward its digitalisation journey, underscoring the country’s role as a global leader in shaping the future of connectivity.In an exclusive interview with Gulf Times on the sidelines of MWC25 Doha, Louis Powell, Director of AI Technologies at the GSMA, said Qatar ranks among the world’s top 10 investors in the digital economy and has set clear national goals through its Digital Agenda 2030.“I understand that Qatar is in the top 10 investors in the digital economy and ecosystem. The government is very proactive on the AI side of things, and I think it’s a great opportunity for them to uplift and empower their citizens and enterprises. Establishing a clear goal and ambition through its 2030 national vision not only sends a positive signal to the economy but also sets a guiding example for other nations,” Powell pointed out.According to Powell, the connectivity industry is expected to generate “$470bn in value between now and 2030.” He said MWC25 Doha attracted about 300 thought leaders, 250 exhibitors, and 100 startups, adding that “a lot of that value is created in these two days from these players in this space.”He said MWC25 Doha brings together a “core group of investors,” making the event a vital platform for showcasing breakthroughs in mobile technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and next-generation connectivity.Powell revealed what he was most excited about the developments in AI, citing the announcement of a strategic co-operation agreement between the GSMA Foundry, the GSMA’s innovation hub, and the Abu Dhabi-based Khalifa University of Science and Technology in the UAE.“We’re working with Khalifa University on building assets that boost the telecoms industry in AI,” Powell explained, adding that the university has a strong history in telecoms and recently built the first model designed specifically for the industry“And along with them, we have done a lot of work on benchmarking how models perform in the telecoms industry,” stressed Powell, who noted that telecoms data has unique requirements compared to consumer applications.“You can’t just take ChatGPT and use it on telecom-specific data. To address this, the GSMA is working with vendors in the open-source ecosystem and academia to boost model performance,” he further said.Asked about other key announcements or initiatives the GSMA unveiled at MWC25 Doha, and how they will shape the direction of the industry in the coming years, Powell said: “We've also launched a competition encouraging the industry to innovate in the telecom space, focusing on telecom-specific challenges such as troubleshooting. We also have great announcements on our open gateway through new announcements on network APIs.”Looking ahead, Powell said 6G will be “AI native,” with intelligence embedded into how networks are designed, constructed, and operated. “In the future, we’ll see how agentic systems really give you unlocked potential in scale and efficiency,” he pointed out. 

CEO of GSMA Ltd John Hoffman emphasised that the MWC25 Doha Conference constitutes an exceptional platform to highlight the technological development taking place in the region and to enhance its position as a key driver of regional and international digital transformation.In his remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Hoffman said that Qatar is currently an ideal location to showcase progress in the ICT sector and advanced technology in general. Government support, strategic vision, and a commitment to innovation are key factors in the success of the technology ecosystem, which contributes to the success of the conference. He pointed out that organising this global event at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center reflects a high level of readiness and professionalism, especially with the showcasing of the latest technologies, along with active government participation and an intensive presence of global thought leaders and decision-makers, as well as the ministerial programme that brings together ministers and officials from various countries around the world to discuss policies that support the flourishing of technology.He indicated that the GSMA committed to organising the event in Doha for five years, believing that the region will continue to grow as a major communications and technology hub, especially since more than 50% of 5G communications are concentrated in this region, in addition to the expansion in the fields of artificial intelligence, big data and advanced digital infrastructure.He also stressed that Doha forms a complementary link to the global events route of MWC, which began in Barcelona, ​​then Shanghai and Kigali, before concluding in Qatar. This reflects a strategic integration that enhances the global presence and highlights the region as a rising power in the field of technology. He considered the accompanying exhibition a global platform for showcasing innovation and promoting co-operation between startups and major institutions, as more than 100 startup projects are participating this year to present ideas and technical solutions, which contributes to supporting the entrepreneurship ecosystem and establishing an environment that stimulates creativity.He highlighted the role of the GSMA in uniting international efforts to bridge the digital usage gap, noting that around three billion people around the world are still outside the mobile Internet system despite the availability of coverage, as the association works with various partners to facilitate access to technology and reduce digital inequality.Concluding his remarks, John Hoffman noted the importance of local partnerships in the success of MWC, praising the co-operation with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center and all partners from operators and infrastructure providers to achieve sustainable success. 

His Excellency the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Mohammed bin Ali al-Mannai, held several high-level bilateral meetings with ministers, industry leaders, and accompanying delegations participating in the inaugural edition of MWC25 Doha which is being held for the first time in the Mena region, organised by GSMA in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.The meetings and discussions focused on enhancing co-operation in various fields, including developing technological innovation, fostering digital skills, and accelerating national digital transformation efforts. The meetings also explored potential joint initiatives to drive the digital economy forward and equip talent with the capabilities needed for the future.In this regard, HE the Minister of Communications met with Lebanese Minister of the Displaced Kamal Shehadeh. They discussed areas of co-operation.He also met with the senior leadership of VEON Group, including CEO Kaan Terzioglu. They explored opportunities for collaboration in digital innovation and future technologies.HE al-Mannai met with Director General of the Arab ICT Organisation (AICTO), Eng. Mohammed Ben Amor, and several AICTO officials. They discuss joint efforts to support regional digital progress. 

His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani inaugurated this morning the MWC25 Doha conference, which is being organized by the GSMA Association in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa region, at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center.The opening ceremony was attended by several of Their Excellencies the Sheikhs and Ministers, along with GSMA officials, and leaders in communications and information technology in the region and the world.Following the opening, His Excellency toured the accompanying exhibition, which included leading global, regional, and local companies, and discussed the latest innovations in the fields of communication, 5G and beyond networks, artificial intelligence, advanced computing, smart cities, data solutions, and financial technologies.His Excellency also visited the Qatari pavilion, which includes 17 government entities showcasing 32 innovative digital projects covering multiple fields of future technologies.

Director General of the GSMA Vivek Badrinath emphasised MWC25 Doha's great significance, which the association is organising in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena), following the State of Qatar showing significant interest in technological transformation and having become an excellent and suitable place to promote the technological ecosystem.Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Badrinath said that this event was developed and designed in partnership with MCIT because of a genuine desire within the telecommunications sector to conduct business in the field, adding that this edition's success will confirm the correctness of choosing to hold this conference in Qatar, praising MCIT's support organising it, with everyone working closely to make the event a success.The Director General of the GSMA pointed out that 2,500 relevant and specialised companies will participate in the conference, in addition to 250 exhibitors, along withan accompanying GSMA Ministerial Programme which will see very wide representation from 110 countries.Badrinath said that this wide international participation will be especially interesting, particularly from the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries, which will showcase their strengths, technological advances, infrastructure, investment and innovation capabilities, partnership opportunities, and new solutions related to these sectors.He spoke about MWC25 Doha's role in shaping the digital future of the region amid growing investments in 5G technologies, cloud computing, and emerging technologies in the Middle East. He pointed out that 5G technology has already reached 50 percent coverage in GCC countries, which he said are leading this progress, while the conference aims to extend this momentum across the Mena region.The Director General of the GSMA said that there is still much to be done in terms of the usage gap and people's access, when looking at the wider region, adding that 340mn people are still not connected to mobile Internet, yet the fact that GCC countries are leading this progress serves as a motivation to move forward.Regarding the impact of artificial intelligence and smart transformation on businesses and opportunities, Badrinath said that digital transformation is key, noting that 10 percent of corporate revenues in the region will be spent on it, amid an increasing use of AI today to make companies more efficient, modern, and productive.He said that the telecommunications sector today needs strong co-operation between governments and operators, with the GSMA Ministerial Programme being an example of that, where governments, regulators, and operators can hold a dialogue on what needs to be done to advance digitalisation within countries and economies.Governments can do several things to support policies, such as helping with AI governance, setting the right rules, enabling experimentation, and keeping sector-specific taxes low, because telecom and communication activities are the foundation of everything, with connectivity being a prerequisite for digital transformation and AI, said the Director General of the GSMA.Badrinath stressed the importance of giving operators room to invest, noting that low taxes and a reasonable, predictable spectrum framework are measures governments can take, noting that these topics will be discussed in the ministerial programme.In response to a question about increasing investments in 5G, cloud computing, and new technologies in the region, and MWC25 Doha's role in accelerating AI adoption and building the digital future, the Director General of the GSMA told QNA that the mobile economy in the region, currently valued at $350bn, will grow, expecting it to reach about $470bn by 2030.He added that this will happen when people innovate, invest, and collaborate, emphasising that MWC25 Doha will help strengthen collaborations.Badrinath stated that 2,500 companies are holding daily meetings here in Qatar to explore new projects, investments, and technologies, adding that seeing the pace of investments coming from GCC countries and this part of the world makes him believe that this event has great potential.Regarding MWC25 Doha's outcomes, Badrinath said that they will be reflected in the event's level of participation and in the announcements that will be made, totalling more than 30.He added that this platform exists to bring the sector together and thrive, which entails making new deals, launching projects, introducing new products and initiatives, which will be seen over the coming days.