The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region stands on the brink of a major digital transformation. With the digital economy projected to grow from $180 billion to $780 billion by 2030, MENA is rapidly establishing itself as a global technology hub. At the forefront of this transformation are innovations in 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT). These advancements promise to reshape industries and drive economic growth, job creation, and entrepreneurship, while supporting the emerging demands of a digitally-driven society.
To explore this evolution, M360 MENA, hosted by the GSMA and host sponsor Ooredoo Qatar in partnership with the Ministry of Communication and Technology of Qatar, will be held on 18-19 November in Doha. The event will convene regional and international industry leaders, policymakers, and technology experts for two days of insights, discussions, and strategic networking. Here’s what you can expect from the two-day agenda.
Day one: Powering the digital future
Day one of M360 MENA will delve into the latest developments in technology and connectivity, focussing on creating a prosperous and inclusive future for the region. Key areas of exploration will include:
5G monetisation
MENA is at the forefront of 5G adoption, especially among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries already implementing advanced use cases and planning for 5G-Advanced. This includes applications like multicast services, affordable IoT support, and satellite integration, making it clear that 5G is a significant driver of progress. Additionally, the commercialisation of 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is gaining momentum, with the region showing strong uptake and innovation in this area.
AI-powered digital infrastructure
AI is reshaping the telecom industry, creating smart networks and providing sophisticated tools for customer engagement. From automation to network optimisation, AI-driven solutions revolutionise infrastructure and customer experiences. Large language models (LLMs) and other AI-powered applications are increasingly central to digital transformation, helping telecoms deliver better, more tailored customer experiences.
New infrastructure models
As mobile data traffic in MENA is projected to triple over the next five years, telecom operators are exploring new infrastructure models to meet this demand. This includes expanding site deployments and adapting infrastructure to ensure economic growth, digital inclusion, and environmental sustainability across the region.
Day two: Enabling digital transformation and innovation across industries
On day two, the conference will focus on the role of strategic partnerships in driving digitisation across various sectors. Themes for the day include:
Smart projects
The MENA region embraces the power of 5G, IoT, AI, and cloud computing to support transformative projects in manufacturing, logistics, and smart city development. Telecom operators are partnering with ecosystem players to explore use cases that improve urban efficiency, quality of life, and sustainability, ensuring that MENA’s smart cities meet present and future needs.
Building enterprise trust
Private 5G networks are seeing significant uptake across MENA, especially among large enterprises focused on digital transformation. These networks offer the advanced capabilities required to support next-generation applications while enhancing cybersecurity. Establishing robust security and trust is essential for driving enterprise adoption of 5G, with private wireless solutions positioned as an attractive option.
Shifting to circularity
Climate action is a priority for the mobile industry, which has committed to achieving net zero by 2050. Encouragingly, MENA operators have already shown promising progress in reducing emissions, even as connection numbers rise. Collaboration with governments and societies is critical to maintain this momentum and ensure that the region meets its ambitious climate targets.
Get involved
As MENA continues its journey towards becoming a global digital economy powerhouse, M360 MENA offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect, learn, and collaborate. Attendees will gain insights into the region’s unique opportunities and challenges, from building resilient digital infrastructure to navigating regulatory landscapes. This is the platform where visionaries, innovators, and decision-makers can come together to shape a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable digital future for MENA.
Whether you’re a policymaker or industry leader, M360 MENA provides the knowledge, networks, and inspiration needed to navigate this rapidly evolving landscape. Don’t miss the chance to be part of the conversations shaping the future of connectivity in MENA. Find out more and register here. Follow the hashtag #M360 for live updates on X and session summaries on LinkedIn.