GSMA MWC26 Doha welcomed more than 10,000 attendees, in an event that, being held jointly with ITU for the first time, places the MENA region at the center of global connectivity policy and innovation
MWC26 Doha brought together leading industry leaders, policymakers and regulators for three days of presentations, discussions, networking and deal-making in Doha
/PRNewswire/ — MWC26 Doha has concluded today after bringing together more than 10,000 attendees from 100 countries and territories in Qatar, highlighting the scale and ambition of growth and digital transformation in the Middle East and North Africa. Over three days of plenary sessions, conferences and summits organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) of the State of Qatar, participants discussed how integrated intelligence, next-generation infrastructure and national digital strategies are redefining the role of the Middle East and North Africa in the global connectivity ecosystem.
In an unprecedented joint hosting initiative, MWC26 Doha ran parallel to the opening days of the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26).
Sianne Ryder, CEO of Events and Industry Services at GSMA Ltd, said: “This week at MWC26 in Doha, policymakers and regulators gathered alongside industry leaders and innovators to discuss, network and shape the digital future of the MENA region. Holding it simultaneously with the first days of the ITU PP-26 conference gave rise to something unique: a space where those who define the global digital agenda could interact directly with the operators, technology companies and investors who make it a reality. The result was sharper conversations, stronger connections, and a clearer path from policy to progress. We look forward to seeing the partnerships forged in Doha impact the entire region and beyond. Thanks to everyone who joined us, and especially to our MCIT hosts».
MWC26 Doha in numbers:
- More than 10,000 unique attendees from 100 countries and territories
- 14% of senior management level assistants (C-suite) and 37% of management level or above
- 62% of attendees represent sectors adjacent to the main mobile ecosystem
- The GSMA Ministerial Program brought together 86 delegations, including 36 ministers and 34 heads of national regulatory authorities. In total, 74 countries and 12 intergovernmental organizations were represented.
- 195 speakers participated in plenary sessions, summits and partner programs
- Approximately 100 exhibitors, sponsors and partners present at the fairgrounds, in parallel to the ITU PP-26 conference
- 42 agreements and announcements formalized in the announcement room
- More than 220 media representatives, content creators and industry analysts present on site
The GSMA now focuses its attention on MWC27 in Barcelona, which will take place from March 1 to 4, 2027; The registration process is now open. We look forward to welcoming back the region’s connectivity ecosystem in Doha, November 15-17, 2027.
