MWC26 Doha Attracts Over 10,000 Attendees, Showcasing MENA as Hub for Global Connectivity Policy

Image: GSMA · Source

MWC26 Doha gathered over 10,000 attendees from 100 countries, featuring 36 ministers and 34 national regulatory authority heads, and marked the first-ever co-location with the ITU, positioning MENA at the forefront of global telecom policy and innovation.

The GSMA’s Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 held in Doha concluded with significant participation and international attention. The event attracted over 10,000 attendees representing 100 countries and territories, underscoring Doha's growing prominence in the global telecommunications scene.

For three days, senior industry leaders, policymakers, and regulators engaged in exhibitions, discussions, networking sessions, and dealmaking opportunities. A highlight was the GSMA Ministerial Programme, which achieved a record presence of 36 ministers alongside 34 heads of national regulatory authorities. This underscored robust governmental engagement with communications technologies and policy development.

Notably, MWC26 featured the inaugural co-location with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a move that marked a world-first collaboration at such a major industry forum. This alignment between the GSMA and ITU brought the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region into sharper focus as a central area for global connectivity policy, regulation, and innovation.

The event emphasized the role of MENA countries in shaping the future of telecommunications, with discussions likely covering emerging technologies, spectrum management, regulatory frameworks, and digital infrastructure development. The participation of a diverse international cohort highlighted the importance of Doha as a meeting place where cross-border cooperation and industry advancement can flourish.

By hosting MWC and situating it as a venue for both private sector innovation and public policy dialogue, Doha continues to establish itself at the crossroads of technological progress and strategic policymaking, helping to drive the next generation of global connectivity standards and services.