MWC26 Doha Closes With AI Initiatives and Connectivity Demonstrations

GSMA reported more than 10,000 attendees as operators and technology partners announced work on telecom AI, small-business services and emergency response.

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Telecom operators are seeking a larger role in AI services and business digitization. MWC26 Doha's closing announcements showed how those ambitions are taking shape through partnerships.

The event closed on November 10 after three days at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre. GSMA reported more than 10,000 unique attendees from 100 countries and territories. It recorded 42 partnerships and announcements in the Announcement Lounge.

Held with Qatar's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the event shared its venue with the opening days of ITU's Plenipotentiary Conference. The GSMA Ministerial Programme convened 86 delegations, including 36 ministers and 34 heads of national regulatory authorities.

AI and digital services partnerships

Among the new developments was the AI for Impact MENA Initiative, announced on November 9. It aims to bring mobile operators together with governments, universities and technology partners to develop and scale AI-powered services across the Middle East and North Africa.

The initiative builds on operators' connectivity, data and infrastructure. It seeks to connect those capabilities with AI expertise, including for public services. Skills development, responsible AI governance and policy guidance were discussed.

The launch followed an October workshop hosted by Turkcell in Istanbul and a following meeting in Doha. GSMA identified Ooredoo, Vodafone and Zain among the operators it aims to bring together.

GSMA also signed a Letter of Intent with the International Telecommunication Union to advance trusted, open AI for telecoms. The collaboration builds on GSMA's Open Telco AI work, extending the event into joint industry activity.

GSMA also announced two telecom AI challenges. TelcoRetrieve focuses on finding reliable technical answers. AI Agents for RAN asks participants to solve radio-network engineering tasks using a simulator. Both target practical problems in how operators access technical knowledge and manage networks.

For smaller businesses, a memorandum of understanding with Axonect explores digital marketplaces operated through mobile providers. The proposed platforms would connect businesses with digital solutions and services. Operators would contribute their customer reach and relationships, while Axonect would provide the platform technology. The agreement's stated purpose is to support productivity and digital adoption among micro and small businesses. GSMA's Services Partnerships Programme is coordinating the collaboration.

Demonstrating 5G for emergency response

A demonstration at the exhibition explored how advanced connectivity could support emergency response. Ooredoo Qatar, Ericsson, Eonetics, Hikvision and GSMA Fusion demonstrated a connection between a tethered drone in Melbourne and the GSMA Pavilion in Doha. The link spanned more than 12,000 kilometers.

The emergency-response demonstration involved a drone carrying telecommunications equipment and a camera. The setup was designed to transmit live imagery and allow visitors in Doha to control the camera remotely. The aerial equipment could provide temporary mobile coverage where existing infrastructure is damaged or unavailable.

That combination addresses two emergency-service needs: establishing communications and giving responders a view of conditions on the ground. Potential applications include disaster response, wildfire monitoring and search-and-rescue operations.

Sianne Ryder, CEO of Events and Industry Services at GSMA Ltd, said:

"We look forward to seeing the partnerships forged in Doha deliver impact across the region and beyond."

The next MWC Doha is scheduled for November 15-17, 2027.

The closing announcements moved beyond the opening-day discussion of access and investment to specific collaboration plans and demonstrated capabilities. Their wider value will depend on turning that work into services that operators, businesses and public agencies can use.