GSMA MWC25 Doha—held in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT)—closed its inaugural edition today after two power-packed days of business engagements, groundbreaking showcases, and high-level discussions. The event marked a historic milestone, positioning the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region as one of the most influential forces shaping the future of global connectivity.
Hosted for the first time in the MENA region, MWC Doha demonstrated Qatar’s digital leadership and its rising role as a driver of innovation, investment, and next-generation technologies.
A Landmark Debut for MWC Doha
MWC25 Doha delivered impressive numbers, reinforcing its success:
- Nearly 9,500 unique attendees from 110 countries and territories
- 20% C-suite, and 41% director-level and above
- 61% came from industries adjacent to the core mobile ecosystem
- Close to 300 speakers across keynotes, summits, and partner programs
- 250+ exhibitors and sponsors
- The inaugural GSMA Ministerial Programme hosted 60 delegations, representing 49 countries and more than 10 intergovernmental organisations
- 4YFN Doha featured over 100 start-ups, including 40 incubated locally by MCIT, alongside global delegations
- 180+ media and analysts covering the event
- 30+ strategic announcements and partnerships signed during the two-day program
These figures reflect a powerful debut and underscore MWC Doha’s emergence as a global stage for digital transformation across the region.
Revolutionary Tech Demonstrations on the Show Floor
MWC25 Doha brought future technology to life with extraordinary demos:
• 4,300 km Remotely Driven Car
The GSMA Fusion Elmo showcase allowed attendees in Doha to remotely control a vehicle navigating the streets of Tallinn, Estonia—over 4,300 km away—using 5G Standalone (SA) technology. This unprecedented demonstration highlighted the future of autonomous mobility and ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC).
• 5G-SA Powered E-Sports Racing
Esports enthusiasts experienced lightning-fast, ultra-low-latency racing powered by Ooredoo Qatar’s 5G-SA network. Curated with GSMA Fusion and Veloce, the experience showcased how 5G is reshaping gaming, entertainment, and immersive fan engagement.
Global Leaders Share Vision for the Region’s Digital Future
John Hoffman, CEO of GSMA Ltd., expressed his appreciation:
“MWC Doha has proven what’s possible when a region steps forward with clarity, ambition, and investment. Doha and the wider MENA region are now catalysts for innovation, bringing together people, ideas, and partnerships that move our industry forward.”
Vivek Badrinath, Director General of the GSMA, reinforced the significance of the event:
“Launching MWC in Doha at this pivotal moment gives the region a platform to show the scale of its digital ambition. The momentum here is real. However, ensuring digital progress reaches every community across MENA requires sustained collaboration. This inaugural edition is a major step in that direction.”
Driving Inclusive Digital Growth Across MENA
A key theme throughout MWC25 Doha was addressing the regional usage gap, with over 340 million people still offline despite mobile broadband coverage.
The GSMA highlighted initiatives—especially through GSMA Mobile for Development—that aim to:
- Expand access to affordable smart devices
- Improve digital skills and literacy
- Develop relevant digital content and services
- Foster stronger collaboration across governments, operators, and industry
MWC Doha became a crucial platform for advancing these shared goals and unlocking the full potential of MENA’s digital economy.
Looking Ahead
MWC25 Doha marks a defining moment for the region. With Qatar serving as a strategic host, the event successfully connected global decision-makers, innovators, and thought leaders—laying the foundation for new partnerships, investments, and transformative technologies.
As the GSMA concludes its 2025 global event series, attention now shifts to MWC26 Barcelona, taking place from 2–5 March 2026, before the region gathers once again for the next edition of MWC Doha.
