Second edition of MWC26 Doha opens with broad international participation

Doha, Qatar witnessed the opening of the second edition of MWC26 Doha on November 8, 2026, at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC). Hosted by the GSMA in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), the conference adopted the theme "The IQ Era".

The opening ceremony saw participation from ministers, senior officials, and leaders from the telecommunications and technology sectors across the globe. HE Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, inaugurated the event, underscoring the significance of global cooperation to adapt to the evolving telecommunications landscape.

During his remarks, HE Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, highlighted the necessity of enhancing cooperation amid the rapid transformations in the telecommunications and technology domains. He emphasized the growing reliance on resilient networks and advanced computing capabilities, driven by the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence.

MWC26 Doha's agenda encompasses a broad spectrum of topics, including the development of 6G networks, advancing connectivity through terrestrial, submarine, and satellite networks, and improving access to computing power. These discussions present opportunities to bolster collaboration among telecommunications operators, technology firms, and investors, thereby accelerating the creation of practical solutions to bolster the digital economy.

The conference also featured a fireside chat between GSMA's Director General, Vivek Badrinath, and ITU's Secretary-General, Doreen Bogdan-Martin. They deliberated on the future of connectivity in the Middle East and North Africa, the criticality of global standards for network interoperability, and strategies for broadening internet access and reducing the digital divide.