The second edition brought together participants from 100 countries and territories, combining technology showcases with ministerial discussions and new AI collaborations.
MWC Doha 2026 closed on 10 November after attracting more than 10,000 unique attendees from 100 countries and territories, the GSMA said, as its second edition brought telecommunications executives, technology companies and policymakers together in Qatar.
The three-day event, held in partnership with Qatar’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, recorded 42 partnerships and announcements in its Announcement Lounge. Its programme examined AI, next-generation infrastructure and the national digital strategies shaping the region’s technology sector.
For the first time, MWC Doha took place alongside the opening days of the International Telecommunication Union’s Plenipotentiary Conference, PP-26, at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre.
Attendance reaches beyond telecommunications
The GSMA reported that 62% of attendees represented industries adjacent to the core mobile ecosystem. Director-level executives and above accounted for 37% of participants, including 14% at C-suite level.
The event featured 195 speakers across keynote sessions, summits and partner programmes, alongside approximately 100 exhibitors, sponsors and partners.
Its ministerial programme convened 86 delegations representing 74 countries and 12 intergovernmental organisations. Participants included 36 ministers and 34 heads of national regulatory authorities.
New collaborations cover AI and business services
The GSMA launched its AI for Impact MENA Initiative, which aims to bring together mobile operators, governments, international organisations, academia and private-sector partners to develop and scale AI-powered services.
The initiative will support responsible and inclusive adoption through partnerships and skills development, according to the organisation.
Other collaborations announced during the event included work with Khalifa University and AMD on radio-frequency foundation models for telecommunications operators, and an agreement with ITU to advance trusted, open AI for the sector.
The GSMA also highlighted collaborations with Axonect on operator-led digital marketplaces for small businesses and between GSMA Foundry and apoQlar on spatial computing in connected healthcare.
Policy discussions accompany technology showcases
The overlap with PP-26 brought the commercial event alongside the conference responsible for setting ITU’s strategic and financial plans, electing its leadership and determining its overall direction.
PP-26, held every four years, continues in Qatar until 27 November.
Sianne Ryder, CEO of Events and Industry Services at GSMA Ltd, said the co-location enabled policymakers to engage directly with operators, technology companies and investors.
“We look forward to seeing the partnerships forged in Doha deliver impact across the region and beyond,” she said.
The event built on the convergence of industry and policy examined in Rasmal’s earlier coverage of MWC Doha and the digital economy.
The GSMA confirmed that MWC Doha will return from 15 to 17 November 2027. Recordings of keynote sessions and event highlights are available through the MWC Doha website.
Rasmal was a media partner of MWC Doha 2026. This article is based on the GSMA’s post-event announcement; attendance figures and event statistics are supplied by the organiser.
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Last Updated on November 12, 2026 by Safiya K
