MCIT Renews Its Framework Agreement with Google Cloud at MWC25 Doha, Strengthening Qatar’s Digital Transformation Agenda
Reading Time: 2 minutes• Renewal of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology’s (MCIT) master framework agreement with Google Cloud announced at MWC25 Doha• Agreement enhances secure cloud computing, AI integration, and data-driven government services across Qatar The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has officially renewed its strategic framework agreement with Google Cloud during MWC25 Doha, reinforcing Qatar’s commitment to accelerating digital transformation and building a world-leading smart government ecosystem. The renewed agreement empowers Qatar’s government entities to continue adopting secure cloud solutions, generative AI technologies, and advanced data analytics, all supported by Google Cloud’s local region in Doha. This collaboration strengthens operational efficiency, ensures resilient digital infrastructure, and enhances public service delivery in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the country’s Digital Agenda 2030. Mr Sami Mohammed Al Shammari, Assistant Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Operations Affairs at MCIT, and Mr Ghassan Kosta, Regional General Manager for Google Cloud across Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Iraq, signed the agreement. Driving Qatar’s Next Era of Digital Government Commenting on the renewed collaboration,Mr Sami Mohammed Al Shammari stated: “Our reinforced collaboration with Google Cloud has been instrumental in advancing Qatar’s digital landscape. Today, I am pleased to announce the renewal of this critical framework agreement at MWC25 Doha. This action is a clear testament to our successful partnership and Google Cloud’s tangible contributions to our nation’s technological advancement. By providing cutting-edge, secure cloud solutions—particularly in AI and data analytics—we are empowering government entities to enhance services, drive efficiency, and accelerate digital progress across all sectors. We look forward to continuing this fruitful partnership as we build Qatar’s digital future and realise the ambitious goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.” Google Cloud: A Strategic Partner in National Digital Transformation Mr Ghassan Kosta emphasised Google Cloud’s long-term commitment to Qatar: “We are deeply honoured and strategically committed to the renewal of our Master Framework Agreement with MCIT. Announcing this alliance at MWC25 Doha is a defining moment. MCIT’s continued confidence in Google Cloud—delivered through our local Doha region—affirms the unmatched value of our intelligent cloud infrastructure. From AI to robust security, we are committed to accelerating Qatar’s digital transformation, empowering public services, and supporting its dynamic, knowledge-based economy.” Building a Future-Ready Digital Ecosystem This renewed partnership is one of several high-impact digital initiatives unveiled during MWC25 Doha, all aimed at strengthening Qatar’s position as a leading regional hub for innovation, cloud technology, and AI adoption. MCIT continues to drive the development of an integrated national digital ecosystem, ensuring government entities have access to the best tools, global expertise, and world-class cloud infrastructure needed to deliver efficient, scalable, and citizen-centric services.
MWC25 Doha Concludes with 9,500 Attendees, Cementing MENA’s Influence in Global Connectivity
Reading Time: 3 minutesGSMA 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: 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: 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.
MWC25 Doha Spotlights MENA’s Rising Global Influence in Digital Transformation
Reading Time: 3 minutesThe inaugural GSMA MWC25 Doha, held in partnership with Qatar’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), has officially opened, uniting global leaders across government, technology, telecommunications, AI, and digital infrastructure. The landmark event underscores the Middle East and North Africa region’s accelerating digital transformation—projected to unlock US$470 billion in economic value by 2030. Held under the esteemed patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, MWC Doha was inaugurated with an official ceremony attended by the GSMA’s Vivek Badrinath and John Hoffman, marking the first-ever MWC edition hosted in the MENA region. A Defining Moment for MENA’s Digital Future Across the Gulf and wider MENA region, governments and enterprises are driving sweeping digital transformation strategies powered by AI, 5G, cloud computing, satellite networks, and intelligent infrastructure.MWC25 Doha serves as a dynamic hub for collaboration, business acceleration, and future-focused dialogue—bringing together the world’s most influential technology companies, innovators, policymakers, and digital economy leaders. On the show floor and in expert-led summits, discussions spotlight how next-generation technologies are reshaping key sectors including: GSMA Leadership Remarks Vivek Badrinath, Director General, GSMA, emphasized regional momentum:“MWC Doha represents a major moment for MENA and the global connectivity community. Across the region, we see world-class investment in networks, AI, and digital services. This ambition is creating new opportunities for societies and economies. At the same time, large parts of the region remain offline, and closing that gap must be a shared priority.” Qatar’s Vision for Global Digital Leadership H.E. Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, reinforced the significance of hosting MWC in Doha:“MWC25 Doha reaffirms the growing prominence of the Middle East and North Africa within the global telecommunications landscape. It provides a wider platform for engagement with industry leaders, enabling alignment with cutting-edge advancements that will strengthen the region’s readiness for the next phase of connectivity.” Key Insights from GSMA’s Newly Released Reports Two flagship GSMA reports launched at MWC25 Doha—the Mobile Economy MENA 2025 report and Accelerating Digital Industries in the GCC & MENA—highlight transformative trends: Major Findings The insights confirm that Qatar ranks among the world’s highest adopters of AI, big data, and private 5G within enterprises. Driving an Inclusive Digital Economy While Gulf nations lead globally in advanced connectivity, more than 340 million people across MENA remain offline despite coverage availability.MWC25 Doha serves as a platform to accelerate digital inclusion through: Through its GSMA Mobile for Development initiatives, the GSMA continues to work with governments and industry stakeholders to bridge digital divides and empower underserved communities.
Smart City Expo Doha 2025 Joins the Inaugural MWC Doha, Showcasing the Future of Urban Innovation in the Middle East
Reading Time: 3 minutesThe fourth edition of Smart City Expo Doha (SCE Doha)—organised by Fira de Barcelona in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT)—returns this year as a major feature inside the inaugural MWC25 Doha, marking a significant milestone for the region’s largest technology and connectivity event. From 25–26 November 2025, more than 30 global experts and thought leaders will converge in Doha to explore how digital transformation, AI, and next-generation technologies will shape the future of cities across the Middle East. Beyond Connectivity: A Digital Pathway to Smarter Cities Under the theme “Beyond Connectivity: A Digital Solutions Pathway to a Smarter, Thriving Future,” Smart City Expo Doha 2025 will spotlight the evolving intersection between technology and urban living—highlighting how intelligent innovation can unlock more efficient, sustainable, and inclusive cities. This year’s programme is built around five core thematic pillars: These focus areas reflect Qatar’s national ambition to become a global leader in digital transformation and smart governance, aligned with its long-term urban and economic development strategies. Global Thought Leaders Shaping Tomorrow’s Cities SCE Doha 2025 features an impressive lineup of speakers and innovators, including: Kent Larson – MIT A world-renowned expert in urban design, microhousing, and autonomous mobility. Larson will explore how technology, design, and human-centred planning can shape the next generation of cities. Jesús Serrano – AI & Innovation Specialist Serrano will outline how cutting-edge AI can move from concept to real-world application, delivering measurable impact in mobility, services, and urban operations. H.E. Reem Al Mansoori – MCIT Qatar The Assistant Undersecretary for Digital Industry Affairs will share insights into Qatar’s nationwide strategy for urban transformation and smart city innovation. Ghanim Al-Muftah – Entrepreneur & FIFA Ambassador Known globally for his inspirational journey, Al-Muftah will offer a powerful message on inclusion, accessibility, and universal design as essential pillars of future-ready cities. A Landmark Feature at MWC25 Doha For the first time, Smart City Expo Doha will be integrated into MWC25 Doha, the GSMA’s first-ever edition in the Middle East and Africa.MWC25 Doha is expected to draw: This synergy underscores Qatar’s rising influence as a global hub for innovation, smart infrastructure, and connected industries. Smart City Expo: A Global Movement SCE Doha forms part of the worldwide Smart City Expo ecosystem—centred around the flagship Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona, which recently gathered: In 2025, local editions are also taking place in major cities, including New York, Curitiba, Puebla, Santiago del Estero, Santiago de Chile, Kuala Lumpur, Cartagena de Indias, and Tomorrow.City in Shanghai. A New Chapter for Qatar’s Digital Urban Future Smart City Expo Doha’s integration into MWC25 Doha reflects Qatar’s strong commitment to advancing smart urban development, AI adoption, and next-generation digital solutions—positioning Doha as a global testbed for bold, future-ready city models. As the world’s brightest minds gather in the capital this November, Qatar stands at the center of a transformative movement shaping the cities of tomorrow—smarter, more connected, more sustainable, and built for the future.
