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Qatar To Host Mobile World Congress For Next 5 Years

This will be the first time the tech event has been held in the MENA region, and will help to drive digital innovation and attract investment to Qatar.

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1 year ago

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qatar to host mobile world congress for next five years
Qatar News Agency

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.

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.

Also Read: After Two Decades, Microsoft Announces Skype Shut Down

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.

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News

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.

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5 days ago

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August 1, 2026

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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.

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