MWC25 Doha: A Significant Milestone in Global Connectivity
The MWC25 Doha, jointly organized with Qatar's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, just wrapped up after two inspiring days. The event attracted close to 9,500 unique attendees from 110 countries, marking a substantial leap for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in shaping the global connectivity landscape.
John Hoffman, CEO of GSMA, expressed gratitude to all participants and highlighted the significant role of Qatar in leading digital transformation in the region. He stated, "MWC Doha has demonstrated what is achievable when a region displays clarity, ambition, and substantial investment. This event exemplifies how Doha and the broader MENA area are becoming a launchpad for innovation, fostering crucial partnerships and collaboration."
A Summary of MWC25 Doha Highlights
- - Attendance: Almost 9,500 attendees, with 20% holding C-suite positions and 41% at the director level or higher. Over 61% of attendees were from industries connecting to the core mobile ecosystem.
- - Speakers & Exhibitors: The event featured nearly 300 speakers and over 250 exhibitors and sponsors, underscoring its comprehensive nature.
- - Ministerial Programme: A highlight was the inaugural GSMA Ministerial Programme, which brought together delegations from 49 countries and over 10 intergovernmental organizations, leading to more than 30 new partnerships.
- - Startup Showcases: The “4YFN Doha” program showcased over 100 startups, prominently featuring those incubated by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT).
- - Media Presence: More than 180 media representatives and industry analysts were present, showcasing the event’s significance and reach.
Showcasing Innovation through Digital Transformation
At MWC25 Doha, the exhibition floor was abuzz with demos and innovations, encapsulating the theme of digital transformation. Notably:
- - Remotely Driven Car: Attendees experienced a remarkable demo featuring a long-distance remotely driven car, allowing a user in Doha to control a vehicle situated 4,300 kilometers away in Tallinn, Estonia, through the use of 5G Standalone technology. This showcased the remarkable potential of next-generation mobility.
- - E-Sports Racing: Pro drivers and attendees participated in a thrilling e-sports showcase, powered by Ooredoo Qatar's 5G-SA network. This demo highlighted how ultra-low latency technology is transforming the future of gaming and fan engagement.
The inaugural MWC Doha showcased strong momentum within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets, demonstrating advanced connectivity and creating ample opportunities for new partnerships across the region. Vivek Badrinath, Director General of the GSMA, commended the digital ambition evident at the event but emphasized the need for ongoing collaboration to ensure every community in MENA benefits from digital advancements.
Future Perspectives
All keynote sessions and highlighted moments from MWC25 Doha will be made available for on-demand viewing on the event's official website. This year wraps up a significant period for GSMA’s global series of events, with the next gathering scheduled for 2-5 March 2026 in Barcelona for the 20th edition of MWC26. MWC25 Doha has set a strong foundation for the future, and anticipation surrounds next year’s edition, which promises to further showcase MENA's burgeoning digital ecosystem.
For more information about GSMA and its ongoing initiatives, visit
gsma.com.