Driving digital development in dynamic Doha
As MWC lands in the Middle East for the first time, Qatar’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Ooredoo’s Group CEO, and MCIT Assistant Undersecretary for Digital Industry Affairs sat down with Insight to discuss their hopes for the show and wider digital ambitions.
His Excellency Mr Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai
Minister of Communications and Information Technology
Q1
MWC25 Doha marks the first MWC to be hosted in the Middle East. How does this milestone reflect Qatar’s national vision and aid ambitions to become a global digital hub?
Hosting MWC25 Doha represents a defining milestone in Qatar’s digital transformation journey and its pursuit of a diversified, knowledge-based economy. It directly supports Qatar’s strategic objectives of attracting foreign direct investment, expanding private sector participation and accelerating the growth of new digital industries.
It serves as a high-impact platform that connects stakeholders across all levels, from policymakers and global technology leaders through the GSMA Ministerial Programme, to corporates, innovators and entrepreneurs through the exhibitions, specialised summits, Digital Leaders Programme and 4YFN start-up platform. These interactions enable the exchange of ideas, technologies and investments that translate into tangible opportunities for national development and sustainable economic growth.
Beyond its expected economic impact, MWC25 Doha strengthens Qatar’s position as a regional hub for innovation and global dialogue on the future of connectivity, AI and emerging technologies, aligning seamlessly with the ambitions of Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Digital Agenda 2030 to build a thriving, future-ready digital economy that connects Qatar to the world and positions it at the forefront of global digital progress.
Q2
The event coincides with the implementation of Qatar’s Digital Agenda 2030 and the Qatar National Vision 2030. How does hosting MWC25 Doha support these objectives?
MWC25 Doha translates Qatar’s digital ambitions into action. The event directly supports the objectives of the Digital Agenda 2030, the national roadmap to build a connected, knowledge-based economy, by bringing global technology leaders, innovators and investors to Doha.
It creates an ecosystem of collaboration that empowers local start-ups and talent to engage with international partners, exchange expertise and access new markets. This dynamic interaction fuels innovation, skills development and entrepreneurship: the very foundations of the Digital Agenda.
Beyond the event, the impact aligns with the pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030: economic diversification, human development and sustainability through technology. MWC25 Doha serves as both a showcase of progress and a catalyst for future growth.
Q3
Qatar has built one of the region’s most advanced digital infrastructures. How does this strengthen the country’s readiness to host major events and reinforce its leadership in areas such as 5G and IoT?
Qatar’s leadership in digital infrastructure is the result of years of strategic investment in inclusion, innovation and technology. The country ranks first globally on the Digital Accessibility Rights Evaluation Index and leads the Arab region in ICT development, with one of the world’s highest rates of internet adoption.
These achievements demonstrate more than technical capability; they reflect institutional readiness and a vision that connects technology with national development. From 5G to IoT Qatar’s digital ecosystem is enabling real-world applications that improve lives, enhance services and create new opportunities for innovation and investment.
Q4
Generative AI and data-driven innovation are reshaping global economies. How is Qatar contributing to this transformation?
AI is a cornerstone of Qatar’s digital future. Guided by the National AI Strategy, the country ensures AI development remains ethical, inclusive and aligned with national values. Qatar’s approach balances rapid progress with a commitment to transparency, accountability and cultural preservation.
A standout example is Fanar, Qatar’s Arabic generative AI model, a pioneering initiative designed to strengthen the digital presence of the Arabic language and safeguard cultural and linguistic heritage. Fanar embodies Qatar’s vision of developing technologies that merge innovation with identity, ensuring that the digital future reflects human and cultural diversity.
Through such initiatives, Qatar is not just adopting AI, it is shaping it, contributing to a more inclusive global AI ecosystem that values both progress and authenticity.
Q5
With five editions of MWC in Doha planned between 2025 and 2029, what legacy do you hope this series will leave for Qatar and the wider region?
Hosting five consecutive editions of MWC in Doha signals Qatar’s long-term commitment to digital innovation and global collaboration. This partnership with the GSMA will establish Doha as a leading platform for policy dialogue, investment and technological advancement across the MENA region.
The legacy of MWC25 Doha will be defined by the partnerships and ideas it inspires, from advancing digital skills and entrepreneurship to attracting sustainable investment and fostering cross-border collaboration. Ultimately, it will help build a digitally integrated region ready to embrace the opportunities of the future.
Aziz Aluthman Fakhroo
Ooredoo Group CEO
Q1
What is the significance of MWC being held in Doha and what are some of the main themes that you expect to emerge from the event?
MWC25 Doha is a milestone for Qatar and for the region. It marks the first time the world’s leading connectivity and digital innovation event comes to MENA, reflecting Qatar’s progress in building advanced infrastructure and positioning itself as a global hub for investment, technology and talent.
For Ooredoo Group, it’s an opportunity to demonstrate the scale of our evolution into a leading regional digital infrastructure provider and to deepen partnerships driving AI adoption, cloud growth and high-capacity connectivity across our markets.
This year, I expect the conversation to move beyond technology features toward AI readiness, digital sovereignty, next-generation networks and how infrastructure translates into economic and industrial growth.
Q2
Ooredoo Group has been transforming from a telecom operator into a digital-focused player. How would you describe the company’s role in shaping the Middle East’s digital future?
Ooredoo has evolved well beyond traditional telecom. Our role today is to provide the digital infrastructure that enables everything else to grow – AI, cloud, fintech, data and the digital services that industries and governments rely on.
We have a clear portfolio strategy built around five pillars: core telecom operations, towers, data centres, subsea cables and fintech. Over the past two years, we’ve launched Syntys as our data centre platform, progressed the creation of MENA’s largest tower company, expanded our fintech footprint and invested in high-capacity subsea connectivity linking the GCC to Europe and Asia. And we became the region’s first Nvidia Cloud Partner.
Our contribution to the region’s digital future is to build the platforms that others innovate on.
If the infrastructure is strong, the region’s digital economy scales faster and more inclusively.
Q3
Where do you see the biggest opportunities ahead – in 5G, enterprise digital services, AI or data centres – and how are you preparing to tap into them?
The biggest opportunities lie where connectivity meets intelligence.
5G remains foundational, but value creation is accelerating in AI, cloud and data infrastructure. This is where demand, investment and customer adoption are now moving fastest.
Through Syntys, we are scaling data centre capacity to support AI workloads. We are upgrading regional data routes through subsea investment, improving how data moves between Asia, the Gulf and Europe. On top of that foundation, we are developing enterprise solutions built around AI, automation and analytics.
So the opportunity is not just in the network itself – it’s in what the network enables. And we are investing precisely where that future is being built.
Q4
Do you expect the region to compete with the US and China in developing and adopting AI technology and how can Ooredoo Group contribute here?
The region is entering a new phase in AI, one where we can define our own path rather than replicate the models of the US or China. We have the advantage of aligned national priorities, investment momentum and a young, digital-native population.
Ooredoo’s role now is to provide the foundation: AI-ready data centres, secure cloud environments, high-capacity connectivity and strategic partnerships, such as our Nvidia collaboration, that accelerate access to advanced computing.
Our focus is on building the conditions for real, scaled AI deployment and translating the region’s potential into measurable impact.
Q5
Qatar has bold ambitions under Digital Agenda 2030. How is Ooredoo Group helping to turn that vision into reality?
Ooredoo Group is playing a central role in the realisation of Qatar’s Digital Agenda 2030 and even beyond, for decades ahead, as our commitment is long-term.
We are invested in the nation’s development and we are working non-stop to ensure that we are providing the proper infrastructure, innovation and, most importantly, the expertise that accelerates digital transformation.
Through Ooredoo Qatar, we are delivering nationwide 5G leadership, modernising data centre infrastructure and deploying new AI-enabled cloud solutions.
Our partnerships with global leaders like Nvidia, Microsoft and Google Cloud are bringing next-generation digital capabilities into the country, while collaborations across aviation, fintech and public services show how these capabilities are being put to work in ways that benefit people, businesses and the wider economy.
Q6
As CEO, what does success look like for Ooredoo Group by 2030 and how does the Qatar operation contribute to digital ambitions across the nine countries in your footprint?
By 2030, success means Ooredoo Group is recognised as a core enabler of the region’s digital economy – a company opening new digital frontiers across our markets.
If we can look back and see that we helped make digital progress more inclusive, more accessible and more impactful for millions of people, then we’ll know we delivered on our purpose.
Her Excellency Mrs Reem Al Mansoori
Assistant Undersecretary for Digital Industry Affairs, MCIT
Q1
AI will be one of the central themes at MWC25 Doha. How is the Ministry ensuring that AI innovation in Qatar develops responsibly?
The MCIT is ensuring that AI innovation in Qatar grows responsibly, grounded in ethics, transparency and human-centred values.
MCIT is leading the Qatar National AI Policy, now under public consultation, which defines the country’s ethical and transparent approach to AI. The policy promotes responsible adoption, robust governance and accelerated innovation across key sectors in line with Qatar’s national digital agenda.
By embedding strong governance into AI development, Qatar is creating an environment where technology enhances lives and supports sustainable economic growth.
Q2
Qatar’s digital industry has become a key pillar of national diversification. How is the Ministry working to strengthen this sector?
MCIT is building a collaborative ecosystem that unites government institutions, academia and the private sector to drive innovation and entrepreneurship.
MCIT programmes such as the TASMU Accelerator and the Digital Incubation Center demonstrate this impact. The TASMU Accelerator has positioned Qatar as a global innovation hub, attracting over 1,100 applications from 78 countries this year and accelerating 50 start-ups with a combined valuation of QAR2.9 billion.
Supported ventures have generated QAR470 million in sales and raised around QAR230 million in external funding, backed by a strong network of 90+ partners and investors. In addition, the Digital Incubation Center has delivered over a decade of national impact, incubating more than 389 start-ups through 13 editions of its Idea Camp programme and ongoing support since 2011. Many have successfully scaled and attracted millions in investment.
Complementing these efforts, the Scale Now programme strengthens cooperation between start-ups and the private sector, facilitating pilot trials and enabling eight commercial deals worth QAR26.2 million, achieving 59 per cent revenue growth for participating companies.
MCIT is ensuring that digital infrastructure and policy frameworks evolve hand-in-hand, creating a secure, inclusive and sustainable environment for digital growth and investment.
Q3
How is the Ministry supporting the development of digital capabilities that ensure Qatar’s ecosystem remains competitive and future-ready?
MCIT’s strategy centres on building and empowering people in our community. The Digital Skills Framework and Qatar Digital Academy (QDA) provide a roadmap for equipping the workforce with essential skills in AI, data analytics and cloud computing.
Through QDA, over 2,600 professionals across 101 national entities have been trained through 206 specialised digital courses, delivering more than 60,000 hours of learning and 253 professional certifications in collaboration with 12 global technology providers. To date 1,367 Qatari employees have gained future-ready digital skills, reinforcing national capabilities and driving sustainable digital transformation across sectors.
Beyond training, MCIT fosters spaces for experimentation and innovation, from AI labs and testing environments to start-up programmes that help Qatari entrepreneurs scale globally.
Initiatives like Safe Space, promoting digital literacy and online safety, and Studio 5, inspiring youth creativity through technology, ensure that every generation can thrive in the digital world. Together, these efforts are shaping a resilient, future-ready society and reinforcing Qatar’s position as a regional leader in digital transformation.
Q4
MWC25 Doha brings together global innovators, investors and policymakers. How can this platform be leveraged to attract investment and deepen international partnerships that advance the Digital Agenda 2030?
MWC25 Doha is a powerful platform for connection and collaboration. As the first-ever MWC hosted in the Middle East, it highlights Qatar’s leadership in digital transformation and its growing influence on the global technology stage.
The event showcases Qatar’s achievements from advanced digital infrastructure to leadership in AI and emerging technologies, while highlighting investment opportunities in a rapidly evolving market. Participation from over 60 countries and 200 exhibitors reflects the scale of engagement and international interest.
The event also builds on Qatar’s partnerships with global technology companies, strengthening collaboration and visibility on the world stage. By aligning with the objectives of the Digital Agenda 2030, MWC25 Doha will attract strategic collaboration that accelerates diversification, fosters sustainable growth and enhances Qatar’s role as a hub for digital excellence.
Q5
How does the Ministry view the role of initiatives that nurture local innovation and empower start-ups within the broader digital industry landscape?
Empowering people is at the core of Qatar’s Digital Agenda 2030. MCIT continues to invest in programmes that build digital skills, support start-ups and celebrate innovation.
Through its digital innovation accelerators, MCIT has built a strong pipeline supporting hundreds of start-ups and enabling tens of millions of riyals in new business value, helping to translate ideas into real economic impact. The Qatar Digital Academy offers structured learning pathways that prepare individuals for the future of work and continues to expand advanced training and certification programmes in AI, cybersecurity and data.
The annual Qatar Digital Business Award recognises sector excellence and stimulates innovation across the private sector, inspiring new ideas that drive national progress.