Qatar digital economy – Business Leaders ME | Qatar & Middle East Business News Magazine https://businessleadersme.com Turning Milestones into Headlines Mon, 23 Feb 2026 07:22:52 +0000 en hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://businessleadersme.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/bl-favicon-150x150.png Qatar digital economy – Business Leaders ME | Qatar & Middle East Business News Magazine https://businessleadersme.com 32 32 Qatar’s MCIT and GSMA Advance Partner to Accelerate National Digital Skills Development https://businessleadersme.com/qatars-mcit-and-gsma-advance-partner-to-accelerate-national-digital-skills-development/ Thu, 27 Nov 2025 08:54:25 +0000 https://businessleadersme.com/?p=3186 Reading Time: 2 minutesThe Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has announced a landmark five-year partnership initiative with GSMA Advance to strengthen Qatar’s digital workforce and accelerate the country’s digital transformation. The collaboration supports the Qatar Digital Academy (QDA) and aligns directly with the nation’s Digital Agenda 2030. As Qatar drives toward a knowledge-based economy, the Digital Agenda outlines an ambitious plan to create 26,000 new ICT jobs and generate an additional 40 billion QAR in economic value by 2030. Strengthening digital competency across the workforce is central to this mission. Empowering Qatar’s Workforce Through Advanced Digital Skills Under the new partnership, GSMA Advance — the global mobile industry’s training and skills division — will deliver enhanced, accredited education programs for QDA participants. These programs will feature flexible learning pathways spanning in-person, virtual, and blended formats, ensuring accessibility for professionals across sectors. As part of the collaboration, the QDA will join the GSMA Advance People Excellence Partner Programme, co-designing innovative training modules to cultivate next-generation expertise in technology, connectivity, and digital innovation. A Strategic Move Towards Qatar’s Digital Future Duha Al Buhendi, Director of Digital Society and Digital Competencies at MCIT, emphasized the initiative’s national importance: “The partnership with GSMA Advance strengthens Qatar Digital Academy’s efforts in developing competencies and promoting continuous learning. We aim to empower our workforce with the latest technological skills to drive innovation and achieve the objectives of the Digital Agenda 2030, reinforcing Qatar’s position as a regional hub for digital excellence.” Dr. Drew MacFarlane, Head of GSMA Advance, highlighted the transformative impact of the programme: “Alongside MWC Doha, GSMA Advance’s partnership with the QDA will help create a long-lasting legacy for the country, aligned with Qatar’s Digital Agenda 2030. By equipping the country’s ICT workforce with the latest digital skills and knowledge, we will further drive digital transformation and economic growth.” Driving Innovation, Competitiveness, and Inclusive Growth Through the partnership, GSMA Advance will bring world-class training methodologies informed by the GSMA’s global leadership in telecom policy, standards, and technological innovation. With a portfolio of expert-led, sector-specific accreditations, GSMA Advance aims to bridge skills gaps, nurture innovation, and foster workplace diversity. The initiative strengthens Qatar’s position as a digital leader in the region — empowering professionals, enabling industry excellence, and supporting the nation’s long-term transformation into a globally competitive digital hub.]]> Reading Time: 2 minutes

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has announced a landmark five-year partnership initiative with GSMA Advance to strengthen Qatar’s digital workforce and accelerate the country’s digital transformation. The collaboration supports the Qatar Digital Academy (QDA) and aligns directly with the nation’s Digital Agenda 2030.

As Qatar drives toward a knowledge-based economy, the Digital Agenda outlines an ambitious plan to create 26,000 new ICT jobs and generate an additional 40 billion QAR in economic value by 2030. Strengthening digital competency across the workforce is central to this mission.

Empowering Qatar’s Workforce Through Advanced Digital Skills

Under the new partnership, GSMA Advance — the global mobile industry’s training and skills division — will deliver enhanced, accredited education programs for QDA participants. These programs will feature flexible learning pathways spanning in-person, virtual, and blended formats, ensuring accessibility for professionals across sectors.

As part of the collaboration, the QDA will join the GSMA Advance People Excellence Partner Programme, co-designing innovative training modules to cultivate next-generation expertise in technology, connectivity, and digital innovation.

A Strategic Move Towards Qatar’s Digital Future

Duha Al Buhendi, Director of Digital Society and Digital Competencies at MCIT, emphasized the initiative’s national importance:

“The partnership with GSMA Advance strengthens Qatar Digital Academy’s efforts in developing competencies and promoting continuous learning. We aim to empower our workforce with the latest technological skills to drive innovation and achieve the objectives of the Digital Agenda 2030, reinforcing Qatar’s position as a regional hub for digital excellence.”

Dr. Drew MacFarlane, Head of GSMA Advance, highlighted the transformative impact of the programme:

“Alongside MWC Doha, GSMA Advance’s partnership with the QDA will help create a long-lasting legacy for the country, aligned with Qatar’s Digital Agenda 2030. By equipping the country’s ICT workforce with the latest digital skills and knowledge, we will further drive digital transformation and economic growth.”

Driving Innovation, Competitiveness, and Inclusive Growth

Through the partnership, GSMA Advance will bring world-class training methodologies informed by the GSMA’s global leadership in telecom policy, standards, and technological innovation. With a portfolio of expert-led, sector-specific accreditations, GSMA Advance aims to bridge skills gaps, nurture innovation, and foster workplace diversity.

The initiative strengthens Qatar’s position as a digital leader in the region — empowering professionals, enabling industry excellence, and supporting the nation’s long-term transformation into a globally competitive digital hub.

]]> MWC25 Doha Concludes with 9,500 Attendees, Cementing MENA’s Influence in Global Connectivity https://businessleadersme.com/mwc25-doha-concludes-with-9500-attendees-cementing-menas-influence-in-global-connectivity/ Wed, 26 Nov 2025 15:45:42 +0000 https://businessleadersme.com/?p=3181 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.  ]]> Reading Time: 3 minutes

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.

 

]]> MWC25 Doha Spotlights MENA’s Rising Global Influence in Digital Transformation https://businessleadersme.com/mwc25-doha-spotlights-menas-rising-global-influence-in-digital-transformation/ Wed, 26 Nov 2025 15:16:07 +0000 https://businessleadersme.com/?p=3173 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.  ]]> Reading Time: 3 minutes

The 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:

  • Healthcare & Life Sciences
  • Mobility & Smart Transportation
  • Logistics & Supply Chain
  • Financial Services
  • Customer Experience & Consumer Tech
  • Urban Planning & Smart Cities

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

  • $470 billion – Mobile sector contribution to MENA’s economy by 2030
  • 48% 5G adoption across MENA by 2030, up from 7% in 2024
  • 378 million mobile internet users by 2030
  • AI, mobile connectivity & digital devices to represent 45% of total digital transformation spend
  • Enterprise digital transformation investment to average 9.8% of revenues across MENA (2025–2030)

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:

  • Affordable device access
  • Relevant content ecosystems
  • Investment in digital skills
  • Scalable public–private partnerships

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.

 

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