Qatar brings MWC26 and ITU conference to Doha to shape the future of global connectivity

Qatar is looking to play a greater role in shaping the next phase of digital transformation as it prepares to host two major international conferences in Doha next month to address growing demand for AI, satellite connectivity and digital infrastructure.

The gatherings will bring together government policymakers, telecommunications operators and technology companies to explore investment opportunities, emerging technologies and the policies shaping the future of global connectivity.

The GSMA’s Mobile World Congress 2026 Doha (MWC26), which will showcase advances in mobile technology, AI-powered solutions and digital infrastructure, will take place from November 8 to 10 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. It will overlap with the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference, scheduled for November 9 to 27 at the same venue, a conference held every four years that sets out ITU’s overall strategic direction and financial plans.

The conferences come as advances in AI and cloud computing increase demand for network capacity to support growing volumes of data and digital services. Meanwhile, satellite technologies are opening new opportunities to extend connectivity to areas beyond the reach of conventional telecommunications networks.

For Qatar, hosting both events offers an opportunity to strengthen its global position in advanced technology and policy discussions.

Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, Qatar’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, described the joint hosting as “a reflection of our country’s growing role in shaping global connectivity and telecommunications policy.”

“This dual hosting reinforces Qatar’s commitment to the goals of the Digital Agenda 2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030, as we continue to foster a thriving digital economy and a sustainable digital society,” he added.

Beyond Qatar’s ambitions, the conferences will bring together two sides of an industry facing growing infrastructure and investment challenges. Telecom operators face challenges in expanding networks and improving coverage. Meanwhile, the ITU, which brings together 194 member states and over 1,000 companies, universities, and research institutes, plays a critical role in coordinating the global use of the radio spectrum and satellite orbits and in developing telecommunications standards to drive universal connectivity and sustainable digital transformation.

“By bringing together regulators, ministers, operators and technology leaders at this level, Doha will sit at the centre of the conversations shaping the future of connectivity worldwide,” said GSMA Director General Vivek Badrinath,

On the industry side, the GSMA Ministerial Program at MWC Doha will bring together ministers, regulators and technology executives to explore digital governance and investment priorities, providing a platform for discussions on the policies and partnerships needed to expand connectivity.

The conference follows the inaugural MWC Doha in 2025, which attracted more than 9,000 attendees from 110 countries and territories, alongside nearly 300 speakers and more than 250 exhibitors and sponsors.