Qatar has secured hosting rights to hold the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Doha for the next five years. The news marks a significant milestone, as it’s the first time the prestigious event will be held in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

The official agreement was signed in Barcelona by Qatar’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, H. E. Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, and John Hoffman, CEO of the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), during the MWC 2025 event.

دولة #قطر تعلن استضافتها النسخ الخمس المقبلة للمؤتمر العالمي للهواتف المحمولة#قنا https://t.co/crM4Pt4vSn pic.twitter.com/n7EGysFx0v

— وكالة الأنباء القطرية (@QatarNewsAgency) March 4, 2025

Minister Al Mannai highlighted that MWC Doha will serve as a global meeting point for industry leaders and experts, fostering collaboration and innovation:

“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,” Al Mannai stated.

The premiere edition of MWC Doha is scheduled for November 25–26, 2025. The event will showcase the latest developments in mobile technology, AI, financial technology, and smart connectivity. Additionally, discussions will cover key issues such as digital inclusion, sustainability, and emerging technologies, offering a valuable platform for networking and knowledge sharing.

GSMA CEO John Hoffman expressed his enthusiasm for the event, saying, “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”.

Hosting MWC Doha is expected to have a positive economic impact on Qatar, drawing thousands of attendees, including top executives, industry experts, and investors from across the world. This influx is anticipated to drive economic growth, promote international cooperation, and highlight the capabilities of Qatari and regional tech firms.

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Furthermore, the event is poised to attract foreign investment by providing global investors with firsthand insight into Qatar’s business-friendly environment. With its advanced infrastructure and supportive regulatory landscape, the country is positioning itself as a prime destination for digital ventures and entrepreneurship. Additionally, MWC Doha is expected to facilitate strategic partnerships between Qatari and international companies, further cementing Qatar’s reputation as a regional and global tech powerhouse.

GSMA currently organizes multiple regional editions of Mobile World Congress to promote digital advancement worldwide, including MWC Shanghai, MWC Las Vegas, and MWC Kigali. MWC Barcelona remains the flagship event, drawing over 101,000 attendees from 205 countries, along with more than 2,700 exhibitors.