MWC26 Doha opened in Qatar with technology leaders, policymakers and innovators focused on artificial intelligence, resilient connectivity and the infrastructure needed for the next phase of the digital economy.
Held under the theme “The IQ Era,” the three-day event is organised by the GSMA in partnership with Qatar’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. Discussions are covering AI, next-generation telecommunications, 6G and the integration of terrestrial, submarine and satellite networks.
Qatar’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohammed bin Ali al-Mannai said traditional telecom infrastructure must evolve as AI systems move towards independently executing complex tasks. He also highlighted the need for stronger international cooperation, advanced computing capabilities and more diverse connectivity.
New GSMA forecasts released alongside the event estimate that mobile technologies generated around $380B in economic value across MENA in 2025, equal to 5.8% of regional GDP. That figure is expected to reach $470B annually by 2030.
The GSMA also reported that 17 of 24 regional markets had launched commercial 5G services by September 2026. 5G connections are projected to rise from 67M in 2025 to about 350M by 2030, although extending coverage to underserved communities and securing sustainable network investment remain key challenges.
MWC26 Doha is taking place alongside the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference, creating a platform for policymakers, investors and technology companies to discuss the region’s digital future.
Source: Gulf Times
