
Qatar signs 5-year agreement with GSMA to host MWC Doha
The first MWC Doha will take place on 25-26 November 2025 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. The two parties have signed a 5-year agreement.
مقتطفات من حفل التوقيع الرسمي لسعادة وزير الاتصالات وتكنولوجيا المعلومات، السيد محمد بن علي المناعي، والرئيس التنفيذي للجمعية الدولية لشبكات الهاتف المحمول @GSMA السيد جون هوفمان حيث أعلنت دولة قطر عن استضافة المؤتمر العالمي للهواتف المحمولة (MWC Doha) لمدة خمس سنوات متتالية pic.twitter.com/wa6BDvv2UA
— وزارة الاتصالات وتكنولوجيا المعلومات (@MCITQatar) March 5, 2025
Qatar's MWC debut
MWC25 Doha will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators who are focused on advancing the next generation of digital societies in the Middle East and beyond. The unique combination of exhibition and thought leadership promises to make it an unmissable experience for stakeholders and businesses in the region.
The event aligns perfectly with Qatar's National Vision 2030 of advancing technology, collaboration and growth.
Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology of Qatar, commented: 'The State of Qatar has established itself as a premier destination for global summits and conferences in the ICT sector, and hosting MWC25 further reinforces this position.
'This event aligns with our commitment to realizing Qatar's National Vision 2030, as we continue to foster a thriving digital economy and a sustainable digital society. We look forward to welcoming technology leaders and decision-makers from around the world to contribute to shaping the future of digital transformation in our region and beyond.'
John Hoffman, CEO of GSMA Limited, said: 'The world's largest and most influential connectivity event is coming to Doha! We are delighted to welcome MWC25 Doha to our world-renowned MWC Series.
'Our vision is for MWC Doha to become integral to Qatar's emerging role as a global hub for digital innovation, showcasing the Middle East's digital transformation across AI, advanced 5G and smart mobility. We cannot wait to open the doors for MWC25 Doha.'
The GSMA is a global organisation unifying the mobile ecosystem to discover, develop and deliver innovation foundational to positive business environments and societal change. Representing mobile operators and organisations across the mobile ecosystem and adjacent industries, the GSMA delivers for its members across three broad pillars: Connectivity for Good, Industry Services and Solutions, and Outreach.
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