On November 18-19, international and regional leaders from the mobile, technology, and policy sectors will gather in Doha for the first-ever M360 MENA event, marking a significant milestone in the digital evolution of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). With the region’s digital economy projected to grow from $180 billion today to $780 billion by 2030, M360 MENA will play a pivotal role in accelerating the region’s digital transformation. Hosted by Ooredoo in partnership with Qatar’s Ministry of Communications and Technology, the event will highlight Qatar’s leadership in digital innovation and its ambition for a thriving global economy.
Driving Innovation and Digital Progress
M360 MENA will kick off with an opening ceremony led by Mohammed bin Ali Al-Mannai, Qatar’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, alongside Aziz Aluthman Fakhroo, Group CEO of Ooredoo, and Jawad Abbassi, Head of MENA at GSMA. The event, with a focus on AI and 5G, is set to become an unmissable gathering for networking, debate, and collaboration, advancing the region’s digital economy.
A key highlight of the event will be the publication of the GSMA’s Mobile Economy MENA Report 2024, offering an in-depth analysis of the mobile industry’s state in the region. The report underscores the essential role of connectivity in the modern world, illustrating how mobile infrastructure and services are increasingly central to addressing social and economic challenges.
A Platform for Strategic Dialogue
M360 MENA will also serve as a curated platform for addressing the pressing challenges facing the region, from bridging the digital divide to navigating complex regulatory environments. With a focus on the mobile sector’s role in driving digital transformation through 5G and AI, discussions will explore the enabling power of mobile technology in providing access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, particularly in urbanized areas and underserved regions.
As MENA positions itself as a global digital economy hub, advancements in machine learning, cloud computing, and IoT are reshaping industries and fostering new opportunities for entrepreneurship and workforce development. However, the region must overcome key challenges, such as affordability, digital skills, and access to devices, to fully unlock the potential of its digital economy.
Addressing Connectivity Gaps
According to the GSMA’s State of Mobile Internet Connectivity 2024 report, although 96% of the MENA population has access to mobile broadband, only 49% are currently online. This digital gap, caused by affordability and accessibility issues, impacts nearly half of the region’s population. Addressing these barriers is crucial to unlocking the socioeconomic benefits of digital inclusion and driving GDP growth across MENA.
On Day 2 of the event, senior leaders from Ooredoo Fintech, the Digital Cooperation Organization, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Digital Technologies, and stc will participate in Keynote 2, focusing on the power of collaboration to accelerate digital transformation and build a resilient digital future for MENA.
The Path Forward
The success of the digital transformation in MENA requires collective efforts to support mobile operators in building infrastructure, navigating complex regulations, and fostering an environment conducive to sustainable investment. Governments play a key role, especially in optimizing sector-specific taxation, universal service funds, and fair share regulation to ensure robust digital development.
M360 MENA 2024 will feature exclusive roundtable discussions on 5G and spectrum initiatives, facilitating impactful conversations between policymakers and industry leaders. These discussions will be central to creating a robust digital ecosystem for MENA’s future.
Join the Conversation at M360 MENA 2024
M360 MENA will also feature leading exhibitors and sponsors, including China Mobile, Comarch, iHorizons, and Google Cloud, showcasing the technologies that are pushing the boundaries of connectivity and digital inclusion. Attendees are encouraged to register on the official website to secure their place and engage with thought leaders and visionaries who are shaping the future of digital transformation in MENA.
By working together, M360 MENA aims to pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous digital future for the region.
