Forthcoming GSMA Intelligence research examines how mobile connectivity is supporting the wider economy, alongside rising 5G adoption and investment in AI infrastructure.
Mobile technologies and services are forecast to increase their economic contribution across the Middle East and North Africa faster than the wider regional economy through 2030, according to a preview of GSMA Intelligence’s forthcoming Mobile Economy MENA 2026 report.
The research forecasts compound annual growth of 4.4% in mobile’s economic contribution between 2025 and 2030, compared with 3.7% for regional GDP. Operators are also expected to invest $88.9 billion in capital expenditure over the period as they expand networks and prepare for further technological development.
Scheduled for release on 8 November alongside MWC Doha 2026, the report examines mobile adoption, network investment and the role of connectivity across the regional economy.
Mobile’s value extends beyond telecommunications
The economic importance of mobile connectivity increasingly lies in what it enables other industries to do.
Manufacturing, financial services, construction and public services depend on connected systems to coordinate operations, exchange information and deliver digital services. Mobile networks provide part of the infrastructure supporting those activities.
The forthcoming report examines these wider productivity effects alongside the mobile sector’s own economic contribution, employment and public revenues.
For businesses, this broadens the significance of network investment. Improvements in connectivity can support changes in how companies operate, provided they are accompanied by suitable applications, skills and organisational processes.
GCC markets lead the transition to 5G
GSMA Intelligence reports that 5G adoption in the GCC reached 49% in 2025 and forecasts that it will rise to 95% by 2030.
The regional picture nevertheless remains uneven. Gulf markets are further advanced in their transition, while other countries are at earlier stages of commercial deployment.
According to the report preview, Morocco, Algeria and Libya launched 5G between November 2025 and January 2026, followed by Türkiye’s three operators in April 2026.
The expansion creates different priorities across MENA. Some operators are still extending initial coverage and migrating customers from older networks. Others are developing enterprise services and more advanced network capabilities.
Investment must support new sources of revenue
The forecast $88.9 billion in operator capital expenditure between 2025 and 2030 reflects the continuing cost of expanding and upgrading networks.
The commercial task is to translate that investment into services customers value.
GSMA Intelligence identifies fixed wireless access, enterprise connectivity, the Internet of Things and satellite integration as important opportunities. Fixed wireless access uses mobile networks to provide broadband to homes and businesses, while enterprise applications can connect equipment, facilities and industrial processes.
These services give operators opportunities beyond selling larger mobile data allowances. Their development depends on network performance, customer demand and viable commercial models.
AI infrastructure adds another dimension
The report also examines the growing relationship between telecommunications and AI infrastructure, particularly in the Gulf.
Major projects include the planned UAE–US AI Campus in Abu Dhabi, designed for 5 GW of data-centre capacity, beginning with the 1 GW Stargate UAE cluster.
Saudi Arabia’s HUMAIN has outlined targets of 1.9 GW of data-centre capacity by 2030 and 6.6 GW by 2034. These are planned capacities rather than infrastructure already in operation.
For telecoms operators, the opportunity draws on assets they already possess: fibre networks, data centres, enterprise relationships and experience operating locally regulated infrastructure.
Their role could include connecting facilities, hosting services and supporting AI applications closer to business users. The commercial value will depend on the services operators deliver and the partnerships they establish.
A broader discussion in Doha
The report’s release will accompany MWC Doha 2026, taking place from 8 to 10 November at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center.
Its findings provide a basis for discussing how network investment connects with the region’s wider digital economy. Coverage and adoption remain important measures, but the next phase also concerns the practical value that connected services create for businesses and public institutions.
The full Mobile Economy MENA 2026 report is scheduled to become available through GSMA Intelligence on 8 November.
Register for a complimentary MWC Doha pass.
By GSMA Intelligence
This contributed article is based on forthcoming GSMA Intelligence research. Rasmal is a media partner of MWC Doha 2026.
Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter for startup & business news and inspiring stories of MENA businesses, entrepreneurs, startups, innovators, investors, and change-makers.
To report any issue or error in the story, please email us editor [at] rasmal [dot] com.
Last Updated on November 5, 2026 by Safiya K
