GSMA M360 Mena opens in Doha with AI, digital partnerships at the forefront

Qatar is committed to creating a knowledge-based economy, with technology and digital transformation at the core of its sustainable development aspirations, HE the Minister of Communications and Information Technology Mohammed bin Ali al-Mannai said on Monday.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the GSMA M360 Mena event in Doha, al-Mannai said: “M360 Mena in Doha stands as a testament to Qatar’s enduring commitment to fostering digital innovation and collaboration across the Mena region.

“We truly believe that by embracing advanced technologies like AI and 5G, and by building strategic digital partnerships, we can drive sustainable growth and enhance the quality of life for all citizens. This event is a valuable platform to discuss and strategise the digital future of Mena to support its advancement.”

Under the minister’s patronage, the event was sponsored by Ooredoo Qatar, in partnership with the GSMA and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology of Qatar (MCIT), and Media City Qatar.

During the opening ceremony, HE al-Mannai was joined by Ooredoo Group CEO Aziz Aluthman Fakhroo, Ooredoo Qatar CEO Sheikh Ali bin Jabor bin Mohammad al-Thani, and GSMA head of Mena Jawad Abbassi, with attendance from high-level dignitaries, ministers, government officials, and other delegates from across the region.

The opening ceremony was followed by a tour of key exhibits, including the Ooredoo booth, Media City Qatar, Invest Qatar, SAP, and Google, where dignitaries explored innovative solutions aimed at accelerating digital transformation.

Key topics on this year’s M360 Mena agenda include 5G monetisation, the importance of building AI-ready networks, the smart projects unlocked by digital innovations, and the digital partnerships key to advancing the region's digital economy.

Sheikh Ali said, “Hosting M360 Mena in Doha reflects Ooredoo Qatar’s commitment to advancing digital transformation across the region. We are proud to be at the forefront, leading initiatives in AI and 5G that directly impact enhancing connectivity and quality of life for the people of Qatar.

“By collaborating with the GSMA and our regional partners, we are dedicated to creating a robust digital ecosystem that supports our nation’s vision of becoming a leader in technology and innovation. Together, we are laying the foundations for a future where digital connectivity empowers communities and strengthens our economy.”

GSMA director general Mats Granryd said, “It’s fantastic to be hosting M360 Mena in Doha for the first time, and we look forward to exploring the powerful potential of AI, digital partnerships, and mobile connectivity for Mena. With mobile services projected to contribute $360bn to the region’s GDP by 2030, M360 Mena stands as a powerful platform for collaboration and innovation that will advance the region’s digital transformation.”

Ooredoo and Batelco were the latest partners to join the GSMA Open Gateway initiative in the Middle East region. These latest additions mean 67 mobile operator groups, representing 279 networks and three-quarters of global mobile connections have now signed up to the initiative alongside many of the world’s leading technology companies.

Early Open Gateway implementations in Mena have focused on fraud prevention and security, supporting the region’s drive towards digital collaboration. Launched at MWC Barcelona 2023, the GSMA Open Gateway is a framework of network APIs that provides developers with universal access to operator networks, designed to speed up the creation of new digital products and services.

The GSMA launched its ‘Mobile Economy Mena 2024’ report, which forecasts that 5G will account for half of all mobile connections in Mena by 2030. The report finds that genAI adoption is gaining significant momentum across Mena, with operators leveraging AI to enhance customer service, optimise network performance, and drive new business opportunities.

Other findings include: In 2023, mobile technologies and services contributed 5.5% of Mena’s GDP, equating to $310bn, while supporting approximately 1.3mn jobs. By 2030, mobile services will contribute $360bn to the region’s GDP, driven by the growth of 5G and mobile internet connectivity.

Also, 64% of the population (427mn) subscribed to a mobile service at the end of 2023, while almost half (49%) were using mobile Internet. Licensed cellular IoT connections are projected to grow from 48mn in 2023 to 78mn by 2030.

This year’s M360 Mena also introduced the GSMA Foundry AI Use Case Library, featuring over 60 real-world AI use cases from across the globe, including Huawei, ZTE, Ericsson, Nokia, and IBM. The library showcases how AI is powering mobile technology in areas from customer service to network planning, with the GSMA aiming to rapidly expand the library with use cases across the mobile ecosystem.