The State of Qatar and the GSMA to Host First Edition of MWC Doha in the MENA
Doha, Qatar, March 4, 2025: The State of Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), announced that it will host MWC Doha for five consecutive years, marking a historic first for the Middle East and North Africa region. The announcement was made during an official signing ceremony attended by H.E. Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, and Mr. John Hoffman, CEO GSMA Ltd., along with senior officials from the GSMA. This landmark event highlights global confidence in Qatar’s capability to organize and host world-class technological events. MWC Barcelona is held annually by the GSMA. It is the world’s largest and most influential connectivity event and this year’s edition will feature a broad range of topics reflecting the latest trends and technologies in the mobile industry. Key themes for this year’s edition include 5G Inside, Connect X, AI+, Enterprise Re-invented, Game Changers, and Our Digital DNA. H.E. Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, emphasized that the event serves as a global platform to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among companies and experts. He noted that this initiative will accelerate digital transformation and solidify Qatar’s position as a global hub for digital innovation, aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030. H.E stated: “Qatar is preparing to host MWC Doha for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa region. This milestone reflects our commitment to accelerating the adoption of digital solutions and enhancing our leadership in the ICT sector. Hosting this event represents a strategic opportunity to attract investments and support the implementation of the Digital Agenda 2030. This event will enhance collaboration among leading sector companies, opening new horizons for growth and innovation in the region.” The inaugural edition of MWC Doha, set for 25-26 November 2025, will spotlight the latest breakthroughs in mobile technology, artificial intelligence, financial technology, and smart connectivity. The event will also explore crucial topics such as digital inclusion, sustainability, and future technologies, providing a unique platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange. Mr. John Hoffman, CEO GSMA Ltd., highlighted the significance of the event by stating: “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 – see you there!” Qatar’s hosting of MWC Doha is expected to significantly boost the country’s economy by attracting thousands of visitors and participants from around the world, including top executives, experts, and investors in the telecommunications and information technology sector. This global influx will serve as a powerful catalyst for economic growth, a bridge for international cooperation, and a platform to showcase the technological capabilities of Qatari and regional companies. It will further solidify Qatar’s position as a leading hub for digital innovation and investment in the region and globally. Additionally, this hosting is set to attract foreign direct investment to Qatar by providing international investors with the opportunity to explore the country’s attractive investment environment, which includes advanced infrastructure and a supportive regulatory framework for entrepreneurship and digital ventures. It is also expected to open new avenues for strategic partnerships between Qatari and global companies, reinforcing Qatar’s standing as a regional and global center for technology and digital innovation. Moreover, MWC Doha will provide government entities and local businesses with a valuable opportunity to engage with leading global experts, exchange knowledge, and stay up to date with the latest technological trends that can be implemented locally to support digital transformation and build a knowledge-based economy. Furthermore, it will serve as a crucial platform for local and regional companies to showcase their solutions and products on the global stage, interact with industry leaders and innovators, and enhance their competitive edge. This engagement will help these companies expand into new markets and strengthen their position in the international arena. The GSMA has regional editions of MWC to promote innovation globally including MWC Shanghai, MWC Las Vegas and MWC Kigali. With Qatar set to host MWC Doha, the country reinforces its position as a regional leader in technology and innovation, driving forward its vision for a connected and AI-powered future. MWC Barcelona 2024 attracted over 101,000 participants from 205 countries and territories, with more than 2,700 exhibiting companies, showcasing the significant economic and technological impact of this event. Choosing Qatar to host MWC Doha over the coming years reflects the international community’s trust in its organizational capabilities and advanced infrastructure.
HEC Paris, Doha Reveals New Insights into Qatar’s Startup Ecosystem at Web Summit 2025
HEC Paris, Doha Partners as Academic Collaborator on Pioneering Report Eight Country-Specific Reports on Qatar Set for Release Later This Year Doha, 2 March 2025 – The Qatar Entrepreneurial Ecosystem 2024: Structural and Configurational Analysis report was officially launched at Web Summit Qatar 2025, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s entrepreneurial development. This new study provides a data-driven roadmap for fostering innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable economic growth in the region. A collaboration between HEC Paris, Doha, and the Observatory for Support of Entrepreneurship (OSE) in Africa, the research introduces a proven analytical framework – already implemented in 33 countries – to the GCC region. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has been confirmed as a key partner in this initiative. Mr. Faraj Jassem Abdulla, Director of the Digital Economy Department at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, stated, “We are committed to driving Qatar’s digital transformation and fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. This report offers insights that will contribute to our efforts in creating an environment where innovation can flourish. By leveraging cutting-edge research and collaborative partnerships, we aim to empower entrepreneurs, accelerate sustainable economic growth, and ensure alignment with the objectives of Qatar Digital Agenda 2030 and National Vision 2030.” Led by Dr. Allan Villegas-Mateos, Senior Research Fellow and Entrepreneur in Residence at HEC Paris, Doha, the comprehensive 120-page study analyzes Qatar’s entrepreneurial ecosystem from 2018 to 2023. It offers policymakers, investors, and industry leaders actionable insights to accelerate innovation and business growth. The findings highlight underdeveloped sectors such as FinTech, AgriTech, and DeepTech, which present high-growth investment opportunities. Lusail and Al-Khor are identified as emerging hubs requiring targeted support. Strengthening ties between universities and venture capitalists is essential for commercializing research and fostering innovation-driven entrepreneurship. Digital platforms must be leveraged to enhance knowledge exchange, connectivity, and access to funding. “This report represents a paradigm shift in how we understand and nurture entrepreneurship in Qatar,” said Dr. Allan Villegas-Mateos. “Using network analysis, natural language processing, and ecosystem mapping, we have developed a unique methodology that not only diagnoses challenges but also offers concrete pathways for growth. Our collaboration with MCIT and the Observatory enables us to deliver actionable insights that will shape Qatar’s economic future.” Dr. Pablo Martin de Holan, Dean of HEC Paris, Doha emphasized the importance of this initiative: “Qatar has shown exceptional leadership in fostering innovation within the framework of the National Vision 2030, and this report is an essential tool for policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs interested in innovation and change. The report findings highlight the need for close collaboration between academia, entrepreneurs, mentors, and investors, as well as the need for enhanced support structures and a commitment to inclusivity – key elements for ensuring long-term growth and sustainability.” This initiative leverages the work of the Observatory for Support of Entrepreneurship, established in 2023, in Casablanca, Marocco, by a scientific council of leading scholars in the field from Adalia Institute, Utrecht University, IAE Paris Sorbonne Business School, and IAE Lyon School of Management. Furthermore, the International Council for Small Business (ICSB) will play an important role in ensuring global awareness of this report through its extensive network, amplifying its impact and facilitating knowledge exchange among international entrepreneurial ecosystems. “This approach is already attracting interest from regional stakeholders eager to contribute to the GCC’s entrepreneurship narrative,” added Dr. Villegas-Mateos. To sustain this momentum, eight additional reports are scheduled for release throughout 2025, covering investment trends, capital flow analysis, sector-specific innovation strategies, the impact of regulatory reforms on entrepreneurship, talent development and workforce readiness, and global competitiveness benchmarking. The full 2024 report is available for download at https://www.ose.africa/gcc/qatar/, and stakeholders are encouraged to engage with the findings to help shape Qatar’s entrepreneurial landscape.
Kingdee expands its footprint into the Middle East, opening Qatar office
25 February 2025, Doha – Qatar: Kingdee International Software Group Company Limited（0268 .HK）announced today the opening of its regional headquarters in Qatar’s Free Zones, marking its official entry into the Middle East market. The establishment of this regional headquarters has been facilitated through the support of the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), the sovereign wealth fund of Qatar, Invest Qatar, the investment promotion agency of Qatar and Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ). Founded in 1993, Kingdee is a globally renowned enterprise management cloud SaaS company listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Expanding its global presence has been one of Kingdee’s key strategic objectives. In December 2023, Kingdee and QIA announced an agreement in which QIA would invest around $200 million in the company. This investment recognised Kingdee as a category leader and key enabler of enterprise cloud transformation in China. The investment in Kingdee aligns with QIA’s strategic objective to invest in leading companies and technologies in global digitalisation trends. Robert Xu, Chairman and CEO of Kingdee Group stated: “Today marks a pivotal moment in the global expansion plans of Kingdee. Following the investment by QIA in December 2023, we are excited to further strengthen our collaboration with Qatar by opening our first office in the Middle East, in Qatar’s Free Zones. Kingdee plans to leverage Qatar as a bridgehead for expanding our footprint into the Middle East and North Africa markets, drive the digital transformation of local enterprises and supporting Qatar to achieve its “Qatar National Vision 2030. We are excited to collaborate with QIA, Invest Qatar and QFZ to bridge the gap between Kingdee and the Middle Eastern market, supporting Kingdee’s international growth strategy.” Mohammed Saif Al-Sowaidi, CEO of QIA stated: “QIA has been an investor in Kingdee since 2023 and recognises the company’s expertise in enterprise digitalization and cloud services in China. We are confident that Kingdee will succeed in their expansion and will bring a valuable offering to the Middle East market.” Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani, CEO, Invest Qatar, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Kingdee to Qatar. The establishment of their regional headquarters in Qatar marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to attract leading global technology companies to our region. This collaboration underscores Qatar’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment that supports innovation and digital transformation. We look forward to working closely with Kingdee, the Qatar Investment Authority, and the Qatar Free Zones Authority to drive forward our shared vision of economic growth and technological advancement, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy.” On this strategic move, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al-Thani, CEO of Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ), said: “Kingdee’s decision to establish its regional headquarters in our free zones reaffirms Qatar’s position as a leading hub for digital innovation. This partnership, developed through the joint efforts of Qatar Investment Authority, Invest Qatar, and Qatar Free Zones Authority, reflects our collective drive to achieve Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy — the final wave of the Qatar National Vision 2030. By integrating Kingdee’s expertise into our technology ecosystem, we accelerate digital transformation and strengthen Qatar’s role as a gateway for next-generation solutions to drive economic diversification and sustainable growth.” QFZ will provide Kingdee with a strategically positioned platform to strengthen its regional presence, cultivate high-impact collaborations, and contribute to the evolution of enterprise digitalisation. As a publicly listed company with over 31 years of history, Kingdee has reinforced its product R&D and implementation capabilities through serving more than 7.4 million customers worldwide. Kingdee SaaS solutions are used in 172 countries and regions worldwide, supporting 42 languages and serving over 1000 customers to achieve overseas digital operations. “We are confident in our ability to deliver professional enterprise digital solutions to Qatar and the regional market.” Kingdee, leveraging its industry expertise and the management models of China’s leading enterprises, can provide end-to-end digital solutions encompassing financial management, supply chain optimisation, and production operations to local businesses. This empowers regional enterprises to enhance management efficiency and strengthen competitive capabilities. The establishment of Kingdee Qatar represents a strategic milestone in Kingdee’s commitment to delivering localised services from Qatar’s Free Zones to global clients. Guided by the principle of “think globally, operate locally,” the company will synergize regional business acumen with technological strengths, integrating AI-driven digital technologies and management expertise to provide comprehensive one-stop solutions. This initiative will accelerate the development of the Middle East’s software and internet industries through technological empowerment.
Qatar set to host the 51st UN Tourism Regional Commission for the Middle East
Qatar Tourism is preparing to host the 51st UN Tourism Regional Commission for the Middle East, set to take place in Doha on February 12th. The meeting will bring together tourism ministers, senior officials, and experts from various countries in the region, as well as leadership from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism). The selection of Doha as the host city underscores Qatar’s growing status as a regional and global hub in the tourism sector and its leadership role in promoting both regional and international cooperation. This is especially significant considering the country’s recent successes in hosting major global events, most notably the FIFA World Cup 2022™. During the meeting, the UN Tourism will present reports on the sector’s performance for the 2024-2025 period, and future policies and plans will be discussed. HE Mr. Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Chair of the Board of Directors of Visit Qatar, stated: “Hosting the 51st meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for the Middle East reflects our steadfast commitment to enhancing regional cooperation and developing the tourism sector as a key driver of economic and social growth. Qatar has proven its capability to organise and host major international events, establishing itself as a global model for sustainable tourism. We are confident that this meeting will further advance regional cooperation in the tourism sector, and we look forward to exchanging ideas and expertise with partners from across the region to bolster the Middle East’s position as a unique global tourism destination.” In addition to the ministerial sessions and official meetings, the conference titled “Sports Tourism and the Tourism Industry Post-World Cup” will be held on February 13th at the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Centre, featuring a distinguished group of experts and specialists. The conference will explore the impact of major sporting events on tourism in the Middle East, their role in fostering sustainable tourism, and the role of technology in enhancing the sports tourism experience. It will also focus on how Qatar and its neighbouring countries are collaborating to establish the Middle East as a global sports tourism destination, and the role sport plays in enhancing destination branding across the region, drawing on Qatar’s successes and the lessons learned from its experiences. Qatar Tourism remains committed to advancing its ambitious strategy to establish Qatar as a leading global tourism destination, focusing on diversifying tourism offerings, enhancing visitor experiences, and fostering sector investment, all in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. Additionally, efforts to strengthen regional collaboration through platforms such as UN Tourism are contributing to the development of a more integrated and sustainable tourism sector.
