Registration opens for GSMA M360 Mena's Doha debut

The GSMA has officially opened registration for the GSMA M360 Mena 2024 to be held for the first time in Qatar under the patronage of HE the Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohammed bin Ali al-Mannai.

Hosted by Ooredoo, the event will take place on November 18 and 19 at the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel.

M360 Mena will bring together C-suite executives, policymakers, and technology leaders for in-depth discussions and debates, focusing on the transformative impact of mobile technology on economies and societies across the Mena region.

The agenda will emphasise industry-wide collaboration, with a focus on initiatives like the GSMA Open Gateway. The event will also explore how innovations in AI, 5G, and digital infrastructure are reshaping business models and driving digital inclusion.

Confirmed speakers include Aziz Aluthman Fakhroo, Group CEO of Ooredoo, and Sheikh Ali bin Jabor bin Mohammad al-Thani, CEO of Ooredoo Qatar.

Al-Mannai said: “Digital transformation is vital to Qatar’s development strategy. With mobile advancements and regional collaboration, we aim to build a resilient digital infrastructure that drives sustainable growth and enhances the quality of life for our citizens. M360 Mena is a crucial platform to exchange insights, form digital partnerships, and to accelerate innovative technology adoption.”

GSMA director general Mats Granryd said: “Hosting M360 Mena for the first time in Doha marks a significant milestone for the region. This event will showcase the transformative power of mobile technology across industries, highlighting innovations in AI, 5G, and digital infrastructure. We invite everyone to engage, explore and witness firsthand how connectivity is shaping the future for the Mena region.”

Sheikh Ali said: “This event is a powerful testament to the region’s role as a global digital hub and aligns perfectly with Ooredoo’s commitment to fostering innovation, advancing digital infrastructure, and driving digital inclusion. We look forward to welcoming industry leaders from across the globe and showcasing the transformative potential of AI, 5G and next-generation technologies.”

The Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region has become a global hub for digital innovation, with a digital economy predicted to rise from $180bn to $780bn by 2030. M360 Mena’s packed agenda will begin with a high-profile opening ceremony featuring al-Mannai; GSMA head of Mena Jawad Abbassi, and Fakhroo.

Al-Mannai will deliver an opening speech, followed by Granryd and Sheikh Ali discussing the transformative power of 5G, AI, and the API economy in shaping the region's digital future.

Over two days, M360 Mena will highlight major partnerships that are accelerating digital transformation across industries. Mikhail Gerchuk, CEO of Power International Holding; Sergey Nazarenko, CEO of Tele2 Kazakhstan; Mohamed-Slim Alouini, distinguished professor at KAUST; Erol Ozguner, CIO of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality; Lara Dewar, GSMA’s chief marketing officer, and Andrew Dunnett, SVP of Sustainability and ESG at e&, will share their insights on the future of tech.

Keynotes and sessions across the two days will spotlight collaborations driving digitisation across industries, featuring speakers, including Dunnett, Dewar, Ozguner, Gerchuk, Alouini and Nazarenko.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage with leading global exhibitors like China Mobile, Comarch, iHorizons, and Protei, which will showcase cutting-edge solutions that are reshaping industries. Presented by the GSMA, M360 is a series of global events that unify the regional mobile ecosystem. The events aim to discover, develop and deliver innovation that serves as the foundation for positive business environments and societal change.