Uncover the technology of tomorrow at MWC25 Doha
Ahead of the inaugural MWC25 Doha, Insight explores the key themes and unmissable highlights of the two-day event.
MWC25 Doha marks the start of an exciting new chapter for the MWC series as the first edition to be held in the hyper-connected MENA region.
The event has been shaped around a trio of key themes: AI Nexus, Intelligent Economies and Connected Industries. These form the basis of keynotes and summits across the two-day event.
Given rapid recent advances in the technology it is no shock to see AI among the primary topics. The keynote speaker list features some of the world’s top visionaries in the segment while specific summits cover Agentic AI, AI powered telcos and the AI economy.
Expect to see refences to the technology, its development and potential across the event with the topic also likely to infiltrate the Intelligent Economies and Connected Industries tracks.
The Intelligent Economies theme includes sessions on 5G Futures, a look at the potential of 6G, intelligent data centres and security.
Connected Industries, and related areas, have been a mainstay of MWC events for many years but the segment is really coming into its own in 2025 as an increasing range of industries embrace 5G, IoT, AI and other digital technology to drive their businesses.
Individual areas covered here include Fintech and Commerce, Smart Mobility and IoT.
INSPIRATION
GSMA Director General Vivek Badrinath told Insight the event, organised in collaboration with the Qatar Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, aimed to “foster collaboration and inspire innovation, further strengthening the MENA region’s role in shaping the future of digital innovation and transformation.”
“It will also serve as the premier destination to discover the latest in intelligent networks, cloud, sustainable technology and future-ready infrastructure.”
In total there will be more than 200 speakers at MWC25 Doha. This list includes highly respected figures from the MENA region and beyond.
Badrinath noted among the roster were “leading voices from global tech giants like Agility Robotics, Cohere, e&, Google Cloud, Media City Qatar, Microsoft, Napster, Nokia, Ooredoo, Snoonu, Starlink, stc, Turkcell, UNDP, Veon and Vodafone, among others”.
HIGHLIGHTS
Following an opening ceremony at 9.15am on day one, the keynote agenda kicks off with a session on connectivity as a catalyst for global progress.
The second keynote session switches the focus squarely to AI. Keynote 3 (on Wednesday) covers powering intelligent economies, with the keynote agenda closing off with a session dedicated to connected industries.
Away from the conference agenda, there is a sizable exhibition hall to explore, with more than 200 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge innovations and providing inspirational demos.
Big names on the show floor include Cisco, Ericsson, Google Cloud, HPE, Huawei, Microsoft, Nokia, Ooredoo, Veon, Vodafone and ZTE.
For those with a desire to uncover the next unicorn, co-located event 4YFN will showcase some of the most innovative start-ups in the ecosystem (see Insight P10).
Other events and forums co-located with MWC25 Doha include The GSMA Ministerial Programme for regional and international policymakers, the invitation-only GSMA Digital Leaders Programme, and Smart City Expo Doha.
Badrinath enthused the event would “continue the legacy of the MWC brand and will redefine what it means in a region that’s fast becoming a global epicentre for digital progress. With state-of-the-art digital infrastructure, world-class hospitality, and next-level luxury, Doha offers the perfect setting to host a globally significant event of this scale and impact”.
LOCAL IMPACT
The GSMA chief noted MWC25 Doha had been “designed to reflect the MENA region’s accelerating digital transformation and strategic ambitions”.
“With Qatar’s National Vision 2030 and its Digital Agenda 2030 at its heart, the event supports the nation’s goal of building a digital-first society and becoming a global hub for technology and the digital economy”.
The GSMA estimates the mobile industry will contribute $360 billion to economies in the MENA region by 2030, with GCC states also leading 5G adoption.
Badrinath highlighted the organisation’s ambition for MWC Doha was for it to be a “cornerstone of MENA’s emerging role as a global hub for digital innovation – enabling businesses and communities across the region to realise the scale of the connectivity opportunity”.
Of course, while there are a multitude of sessions, side events and exhibition stands to explore, one of the most important elements of any MWC event is the opportunity to network with peers and discuss business.
In terms of advice on what to see at the event, aside from the age-old tip of selecting suitable footwear, Badrinath recommended planning ahead but leaving “space for the unexpected”.
“Some of the most memorable moments at MWC happen by chance,” he added. “Whether it’s a spontaneous conversation in the networking lounge, stumbling upon a cutting-edge technology demo, or sharing ideas over a coffee. So, don’t feel pressured to see everything. Stay curious, stay open, and let the experience unfold. You never know where a casual encounter might lead”.
With attendees expected from more than 60 countries including more than 40 per cent at director level or above, MWC’s inaugural Doha edition promises to bring together some of the most influential figures in the global mobile industry and beyond.
To help navigate the event, access maps and networking features, be sure to download the MWC Series app. For all the news live from the event check the Mobile World Live website.