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GSMA MWC25 Doha To Accelerate Middle East’s Digital Future

Qatar is gearing up to host a gathering of global tech leaders focused on driving digital transformation, innovation, and collaboration across the Middle East.

Published

1 year ago

June 9, 2025

Nour Nasir

gsma mwc25 doha to accelerate middle east's digital future

Preparations are well underway for MWC25 Doha, the highly anticipated premiere edition of the GSMA’s prestigious Mobile World Congress (MWC) series in Qatar. Scheduled for 25-26 November 2025 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), the event promises to be a pivotal gathering for industry leaders, innovators, startups, and policymakers aiming to shape the future of digital societies in the Middle East and globally.

Announced as Qatar accelerates its transformation into a leading global digital hub, MWC25 Doha will spotlight emerging technologies, foster international collaboration, and showcase groundbreaking technical solutions. Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, emphasized the strategic importance of hosting MWC, highlighting its role in strengthening Qatar’s digital influence and facilitating meaningful global partnerships.

MWC25 Doha’s rich conference program will address key topics crucial for the region’s digital advancement, including AI, intelligent economies, connected industries, 5G infrastructure, fintech, cybersecurity, smart mobility, data infrastructure, and IoT solutions. Attendees can expect thought-provoking keynotes, high-level summits, and focused discussions guided by global tech experts and visionaries.

“MWC25 Doha marks a significant milestone in fulfilling Qatar’s Digital Agenda 2030 and the broader goals of Qatar National Vision 2030,” said H.E. Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology of Qatar. “This event demonstrates Qatar’s unwavering commitment to establishing itself as a regional hub for digital innovation and building a future-ready, knowledge-based economy”.

Also Read: UAE Introduces Region’s First License For “Finfluencers”

GSMA’s Director General, Vivek Badrinath, underscored Qatar’s strategic importance as the MWC’s regional host city: “Doha exemplifies the Middle East’s leadership in creating advanced digital societies. Qatar’s dynamic initiatives in 5G, AI-driven infrastructure, smart cities, and sustainability investments make MWC25 Doha an essential experience for technology stakeholders globally”.

As the Middle East continues its rapid journey of digital transformation, MWC25 Doha provides a unique platform to accelerate collaboration and drive technological innovation to shape the region’s future.

For more information and updates, visit the official MWC25 Doha website.

Related Topics:GSMA Mobile World Congress Qatar

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Syria Just Got Its First Super App Featuring Built-In Digital Payments

Built by UAE-based Syrian founders with the Ministry of Tourism’s backing, My Syria lands as visitor numbers more than double.

Published

5 days ago

August 1, 2026

Nour Nasir

syria just got its first super app featuring built-in digital payments

For most of the past decade, paying for anything in Syria with an international card was effectively impossible. Sanctions, a collapsed banking sector, and years of isolation left the country running on cash. That is what makes the launch of My Syria — the country’s first super app — more than a routine product announcement.

Developed by 121 Living, a company founded by four UAE-based Syrian entrepreneurs — Rami Kaiem, Feras Kaiem, Waseem Qudmani, and Kinan Madi — the app launched in Damascus on July 30 under the patronage of Minister of Tourism Mazen Al-Salhani. It bundles hotels, restaurants, transport, attractions, food delivery, and other lifestyle services into a single platform, currently offering eight services with plans to expand to more than 40 verified tourism and hospitality providers across the country.

Although the app already sounds enticing, the headline feature is its built-in payments. My Syria is the first platform in Syria to support cross-border digital payments through Apple Pay, Google Pay, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express — familiar tools for international visitors, and a route into the digital economy for local businesses that have long operated outside it.

my syria super app launch event

The launch rides on a sharp rebound for the troubled country. Syria’s tourism sector recorded 3.52 million visitor arrivals in the first half of 2026, a 111 percent increase over the 1.67 million during the same period in 2025 — a mix of returning expatriates, regional visitors, and international tourists.

Also Read: This UAE Platform Wants To Replace Fashion Photo Shoots With AI

The Ministry of Tourism, which supported and supervised the app’s development, frames the launch as proof of concept for a wider strategy. “Digital transformation is one of the Ministry’s strategic priorities because it enables us to build a more competitive, connected and investment-ready tourism sector,” Al-Salhani said, inviting technology companies “globally, regionally and locally” to explore opportunities across the wider economy.

For 121 Living, this is phase one, with additional services and expanded geographic coverage planned. Whether a super app can flourish in a market still rebuilding its infrastructure is an open question, but for the first time in years, a visitor to Damascus can pay for dinner with their phone.