- M360 MENA opened in Doha with Ooredoo Qatar and Qatar’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, focusing on AI, digital partnerships, and mobile connectivity.
- Ooredoo Qatar joined the GSMA Open Gateway initiative, enhancing the region’s digital ecosystem with AI and 5G initiatives.
- The GSMA Mobile Economy MENA 2024 report projects mobile services to contribute $360 billion to the region’s GDP by 2030, driven by 5G and mobile internet growth.
- The GSMA Foundry AI Use Case Library features over 60 real-world AI applications, showcasing AI’s impact on mobile technology across various industries.
The GSMA M360 MENA event officially kicked off in Doha with Ooredoo Qatar as the host sponsor, in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology of Qatar. This high-profile event brings together key leaders from the mobile, technology, telecom, and government sectors.
Its primary aim is to drive digital transformation in the MENA region, with mobile services projected to contribute an impressive $360 billion to the region’s GDP by 2030.
The opening ceremony of M360 MENA set the tone for the event, featuring distinguished speakers such as His Excellency Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology of Qatar, and Aziz Aluthman Fakhroo, Group CEO of Ooredoo.
Jawad Abbassi, Head of MENA at GSMA, was also present to mark the occasion. They all emphasized the transformative potential of AI, mobile connectivity, and digital partnerships in the region’s economic growth.
Also Read: What to expect from M360 MENA: unlocking the future of the digital economy
Transforming the MENA Region with Mobile Connectivity
During the first keynote address, Mats Granryd, Director General of GSMA, highlighted the enormous potential of mobile services in the region. He noted that mobile services are expected to contribute significantly to MENA’s GDP, reaching $360 billion by 2030.
Granryd emphasized how M360 MENA serves as a platform for collaboration, driving innovation and digital transformation across the region. The focus is on mobile connectivity, AI integration, and building AI-ready networks to support the growth of digital ecosystems in MENA.
Ooredoo Qatar’s Commitment to Digital Transformation
Ooredoo Qatar, as the event’s host sponsor, reiterated its commitment to advancing digital transformation in the region. Sheikh Ali Bin Jabor Al Thani, CEO of Ooredoo Qatar, remarked on the company’s dedication to AI and 5G technologies. Ooredoo has played a pivotal role in enhancing connectivity, which in turn improves the quality of life for Qatar’s residents.
By collaborating with the GSMA and regional partners, Ooredoo aims to help Qatar position itself as a leader in technology and innovation, shaping a future where digital connectivity strengthens both communities and the economy.
The GSMA Open Gateway Initiative: A Milestone for Regional Operators
One of the major highlights of M360 MENA was the announcement of Ooredoo’s inclusion in the GSMA Open Gateway initiative. This initiative aims to build a robust ecosystem of digital services through network APIs, which grant developers universal access to operator networks.
Ooredoo joins other regional mobile operators, including E&, du, Omantel, and Zain, in supporting this initiative. Together, these operators represent 278 networks and three-quarters of global mobile connections, reinforcing the region’s commitment to fostering digital collaboration.
Launched at MWC Barcelona in 2023, the GSMA Open Gateway initiative has focused on key areas such as fraud prevention and security. By providing developers with the tools to create innovative digital products and services, the initiative accelerates the region’s digital transformation.
MENA’s Mobile Economy
The GSMA also unveiled its “Mobile Economy MENA 2024” report during the event. The report paints a promising picture of the region’s mobile industry. It forecasts that by 2030, 5G technology will account for half of all mobile connections in MENA.
The report also underscores the growing momentum of generative AI (genAI) adoption across the region, with mobile operators leveraging AI to enhance customer service, optimize network performance, and unlock new business opportunities.
Other key findings from the report include:
- In 2023, mobile services contributed 5.5% to MENA’s GDP, equating to $310 billion, while supporting approximately 1.3 million jobs.
- By 2030, mobile services will contribute $360 billion to the region’s GDP, driven by the growth of 5G and mobile internet connectivity.
- 64% of the population – 427 million people – were subscribed to a mobile service at the end of 2023, while almost half (49%) were using mobile internet.
- Licensed cellular IoT connections are projected to grow from 48 million in 2023 to 78 million by 2030.
Introducing the GSMA Foundry AI Use Case Library
As part of M360 MENA, GSMA introduced the “Foundry AI Use Case Library,” which showcases over 60 real-world AI use cases from industry giants like Huawei, ZTE, Ericsson, Nokia, and IBM.
This library highlights how AI is transforming the mobile ecosystem, especially in customer service and network planning. The GSMA plans to expand this library, incorporating use cases from various sectors within the mobile industry, to demonstrate the vast potential of AI in driving innovation.
M360 MENA’s Role in Shaping the Region’s Digital Future
M360 MENA is not just a conference but it is a vital platform that unites the regional mobile ecosystem. The event allows industry leaders to discuss and collaborate on the strategies that will shape the region’s future.
Topics on this year’s agenda include the monetization of 5G, the importance of building AI-ready networks, and the role of digital innovations in unlocking smart projects. By facilitating discussions on these critical topics, M360 MENA plays a key role in advancing MENA’s digital economy.
Looking Ahead: The Future of GSMA M360 Events
M360 MENA is part of a larger series of global events organized by GSMA, aimed at bringing together stakeholders from the mobile and technology industries.
These events aim to foster innovation and create a foundation for positive business environments and societal change. The next major GSMA event is MWC Barcelona 2025, which will take place from March 3-6 at the Fira Gran Via in Barcelona.
Altogether, GSMA M360 MENA has proven to be an essential event for discussing the future of mobile connectivity, AI, and digital partnerships in the MENA region. As the region moves toward becoming a global hub for technological innovation, events like M360 MENA play a crucial role in fostering collaboration and driving digital transformation forward.
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