Qatar to host Mobile World Congress for next five years

Qatar Secures Five-Year Hosting Rights for Mobile World Congress, Ushering Historic Opportunity for Middle East Tech Sector

Doha, Qatar has been officially selected to host the annual Mobile World Congress (MWC) from 2025 to 2029, announced by GSMA, the organizer of the world’s most influential telecommunications industry event. This landmark decision marks the first time the conference will take place in the Middle East, underscoring Qatar’s strategic advancements in digital economy development and its growing recognition as a global tech hub.

Elevating Qatar’s Tech Hub AmbitionsUnder the agreement, Doha will host the prestigious event each October for five consecutive years. Qatar secured the bid by leveraging its state-of-the-art convention facilities, robust digital infrastructure, and strategic geographic location bridging Asia, Africa, and Europe. Notably, the country boasts 99% 5G network coverage and ranks among the top 10 globally for average internet speeds. Its national AI strategy and $2 billion smart city initiatives further position it as a testing ground for cutting-edge technologies.

Unlocking a Trillion-Dollar MarketGSMA executives highlighted the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region’s 450 million mobile users and a digital economy projected to exceed

1trillionby2025.WithapercapitaGDPsurpassing1trillionby2025.WithapercapitaGDPsurpassing80,000, Qatar has emerged as a regional tech investment powerhouse, channeling over $1.5 billion into digital industries in 2023 alone through its Qatar National Vision 2030 framework. Hosting MWC is expected to accelerate global tech partnerships, with industry leaders like Huawei and Ericsson already pledging to expand R&D investments in the region.

Catalyzing Innovation EcosystemsThe upcoming MWC editions will feature dedicated zones for 6G prototype technologies, quantum communications, and metaverse applications. Ministerial roundtables will explore establishing a "Gulf Digital Free Trade Zone," while Qatar’s tech parks are planning a 120,000-square-meter permanent innovation center aimed at facilitating 200+ tech collaboration agreements during the events. A highlight includes the "Desert Tech Challenge," designed to spur startups to develop solutions like water-efficient data centers tailored for arid regions.

Industry analysts predict the hosting rights will generate over $300 million in direct annual economic benefits for Qatar while forging a critical technology corridor linking Silicon Valley and emerging markets. As global digital power dynamics shift, the Middle East’s dual strategy of "conference economy + physical infrastructure investment" is accelerating its transformation from an energy epicenter to an innovation-driven powerhouse.