MWC Doha’s inaugural edition will see 4YFN make its first-ever appearance in the region, bringing together over 100 start-ups shaping the future of digital innovation
13 November 2025, Doha: Industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers are preparing to gather in Qatar for the first edition of MWC25 Doha – which will take place between 25-26 November at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center.
Organised by the GSMA, in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology of Qatar (MCIT), the stage is set for a defining moment in the evolution of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)’s technology and connectivity landscape. MWC Doha is set to advance the ambitions of the country’s National Vision 2030 and Digital Agenda 2030, while creating a space where vision meets application and deals get done
Doha – get ready for #MWC25
Built around three core themes – AI Nexus, Intelligent Economies, and Connected Industries – the MWC Doha agenda will feature keynote sessions and summits on topics including Agentic AI, AI-Powered Telco, Smart Mobility, Open Gateway, 5G Futures, Satellite and NTN, Fintech and Commerce.
Visionary speakers will take to keynote and summit stages across MWC and 4YFN, sharing insights, perspectives, and real-world use cases. Attendees can expect to hear from over 200 speakers, including senior leaders and thought leaders from Agility Robotics, Beyon, Cohere, Dell Technologies, Digital Cooperation Organisation, e&, ITU, Khalifa University, Korea International Trade Association, Kosmos Foundation, Qatar’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, NetoAI, Quantum Entrepreneur, Snoonu, STC Group, Tech Barcelona, Telefonica, Touch Lebanon, UNDP, VEON, and more.
Over 230 exhibitors and sponsors are confirmed to be taking part, including regional and global leaders such as Boston Consulting Group, Cisco, CRA Qatar, Dell, Ericsson, Google, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Huawei, Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, Mannai, Mastercard, Meeza, Microsoft, NCSA, Oliver Wyman, Ooredoo Group, PwC Middle East, Qatar University, QNBN, Strategy&, Turkcell, VEON, Vodafone Qatar, and ZTE.
The GSMA Pavilion will host VR experiences with Khalifa University, while GSMA Open Gateway and Elmo provides visitors an opportunity to remotely drive a car in the desert from a control pod using APIs. In other exciting experiential show floor opportunities, attendees can race against the time of an F1 driver on the Doha Lusail Circuit in one of several simulators, ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix.
The Qatar Pavilion will serve as a unified national platform that showcases Qatar’s leading digital transformation projects and cross-sectoral innovation. With participation from 13 key entities, including MCIT, CRA, QSTP, QRDI, QCRI, Qatar University, Visit Qatar, and several government and semi-government organisations, the Pavilion will highlight initiatives that embody the country’s commitment to building a smart, connected, and knowledge-based economy. Each project reflects Qatar’s progress in implementing its Digital Agenda 2030 and advancing the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.
4YFN makes its debut
MWC Doha will see the iconic start-up event 4YFN making its MENA debut, spotlighting the entrepreneurs, investor and organisations driving progress and growth across the region and beyond, including Invest Qatar, Media City Qatar, Qatar Development Bank, QRDI, QSTP, and Sana AI.
Expected to showcase over 100 global and regional start-ups, 4YFN will bring together a unique mix of leading investors and some of the most promising innovators and startups from across fintech, deeptech, health tech, and climate tech in one dynamic space to connect and shape the future together. Attendees can expect:
- Proudly led by MCIT, 40 promising Qatari start-ups will showcase their cutting-edge solutions, highlighting the country’s deepening commitment to national innovation and entrepreneurial growth.
- FC Barcelona’s Barca Innovation Hub will bring a dedicated space for sports innovation, and Mobile World Capital Barcelona will showcase spin-offs across cooling technologies, medical devices, and AI-powered software.
- UTOPIA Capital Management will unveil The Studio – supported by Qatar Development Bank (QDB), Qatar’s first AI-focused Venture Studio and the region’s first Studio-Fund model designed for emerging and frontier markets.
- 4YFN will also feature startups from emerging markets brought by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and GSMA Mobile for Development (M4D), creating the perfect environment for meaningful business connections and new collaborations.
- The 4YFN Selection Corner will spotlight inspiring finalists and winners from previous MWC 4YFN Awards, including Payflow, Qilimanjaro, EnergyX, and Cure Bionics.
Smart policy, leadership, and cities
Defining the event’s business and policy agenda, MWC Doha will also feature flagship programmes, such as:
- GSMA Ministerial Programme: This invitation-only forum brings together ministers, regulators, and industry leaders from around the world to discuss digital governance, spectrum policy, and investment strategies. The programme plays a key role in shaping the global policy environment that supports the growth of the digital economy.
- GSMA Digital Leaders Programme: Making its Middle East debut, this exclusive gathering will convene C-Suite executives from across the technology ecosystem to examine how AI is transforming digital infrastructure and business strategy. It will focus on the responsible use of emerging technologies and practical approaches to accelerating ecosystem innovation and sustainable growth.
- Smart City Expo Doha: Embedded within MWC25 Doha, Smart City Expo Doha will explore how intelligent infrastructure, data, and innovation are enabling more connected and sustainable cities. Under the theme ‘Beyond Connectivity: A Digital Solutions Pathway to a Smarter, Thriving Future’, the event will cover five key tracks: Smart Digital Innovation, Connected Infrastructures, Digital Economies and Future Talent, Disruptive Technology, and Future Government, featuring global thought leaders from MIT Media Lab and Microsoft.
MWC Doha will also feature a dedicated Announcement Lounge space for official MoU signings, enabling participants to formalise agreements live during the event. The purpose-built space will serve as a focal point for business activity throughout the week, reinforcing MWC Doha’s role as a genuine platform for getting business done.
Join us
MWC Doha takes place at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center on 25-26 November. Registration for general attendees is open now. If you haven’t already registered – please do it now with a 50% discount.
Image Credit: MWC Doha
