Forthcoming GSMA Intelligence research identifies fixed wireless broadband, private networks and enterprise AI as opportunities for operators seeking returns from 5G.
MENA’s 5G market is moving into a more commercially demanding phase. As networks expand and adoption rises, operators must translate their investment into sustainable revenue.
A forthcoming GSMA Intelligence report forecasts that regional 5G connections will increase from 67 million in 2025 to nearly 350 million by 2030.
By September 2026, 17 of the region’s 24 markets had launched commercial 5G, according to the research. Operators are expected to invest a further $53 billion between 2026 and 2030 as networks evolve towards standalone 5G and 5G-Advanced.
The report is scheduled for release on 8 November alongside MWC Doha 2026. Its central question is how operators can build services that justify continuing network investment.
GCC markets have strong foundations
GCC countries combine extensive network coverage with high adoption and national programmes supporting digital development.
Kuwait, the UAE and Qatar ranked first, second and third respectively among 46 countries in the 2026 GSMA 5G Connectivity Index, according to the supplied report preview.
GSMA Intelligence forecasts average GCC 5G adoption of 95% by 2030. As of September 2026, 11 operators offered commercial standalone 5G services across the six Gulf markets.
Standalone 5G uses a dedicated 5G core network, rather than relying on a 4G core. It supports capabilities such as network slicing, which allows operators to configure logical network segments for different service requirements.
These capabilities provide a foundation for new products. Generating revenue still requires operators to identify customers with a clear need and deliver services at commercially viable prices.
Fixed wireless access offers a practical route
GSMA Intelligence identifies fixed wireless access as the clearest current consumer opportunity for generating additional revenue from 5G in MENA.
The service uses a mobile network to provide broadband to a fixed location, such as a home or business. It allows operators to compete for broadband spending rather than relying solely on customers paying a premium for a faster mobile connection.
The report preview states that 36 of MENA’s 56 commercial 5G networks included a fixed wireless offering as of November 2026. In Saudi Arabia, fixed wireless accounts for approximately one-fifth of broadband connections.
The economics depend on local conditions, including available network capacity, customer usage and competition from fibre broadband. Nevertheless, fixed wireless provides an established example of 5G supporting a distinct commercial service.
Private networks bring 5G into industry
Private 5G networks provide dedicated connectivity for facilities or organisations with specific operational requirements.
Applications can include connecting industrial equipment, supporting monitoring systems and providing communications across large sites.
The forthcoming report highlights projects in energy, manufacturing, ports and public services.
In Morocco, inwi, China Mobile International and Huawei announced a private industrial 5G network in April 2026 at a 52-hectare factory in the Nador West Med industrial hub.
In the UAE, ADNOC and e& are developing a private 5G network spanning 11,000 square kilometres of onshore and offshore operations. The project is intended to connect sensors associated with more than 12,000 wells and pipelines.
These examples illustrate how connectivity can become part of industrial operations. The business case depends on what the network enables, including reliable monitoring, automation and operational coordination.
AI creates opportunities, alongside competition
Operators are also examining how their networks and data-centre assets can support AI services.
Potential offerings include access to graphics processing units, locally hosted AI platforms and edge computing, which processes data closer to where it is generated or used.
The report cites e& UAE and Core42’s sovereign AI compute service. It also highlights a December 2025 agreement by stc’s data-centre subsidiary, center3, to establish a joint venture with HUMAIN targeting up to 1 GW of capacity.
However, GSMA Intelligence notes that a substantial share of AI infrastructure value could accrue to state-backed AI companies and large cloud providers.
Its analysis identifies enterprise edge AI as a potentially important role for operators, combining local computing with private networks and network slicing.
The commercial opportunity is to provide a service that solves a defined customer problem, supported by appropriate connectivity and computing resources.
The next phase is about commercial execution
MENA’s operators have made substantial progress in deploying 5G. The next stage requires a closer connection between network capabilities and customer demand.
Fixed wireless broadband offers an established route into household and business connectivity. Private networks create opportunities in industrial settings. AI may generate further demand for connected computing infrastructure.
Each requires a different commercial approach, partnership structure and service model.
These questions will form part of the discussion at MWC Doha 2026, including the GSMA Future Networks Summit.
The full GSMA Intelligence analysis of MENA’s 5G landscape is scheduled for release on 8 November.
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By GSMA Intelligence
This contributed article is based on forthcoming GSMA Intelligence research. Rasmal is a media partner of MWC Doha 2026.
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Last Updated on November 6, 2026 by Safiya K
