The milestone moment marks academia’s first inclusion at the heart of MWC, creating new opportunities across research, innovation, and global digital transformation
On 23 September 2025, the GSMA announced Qatar University (QU) as its first-ever Education Partner in the history of MWC, signalling a landmark moment ahead of the debut of MWC25 Doha, the Middle East’s new home for global connectivity.
The announcement, made during a signing ceremony, confirmed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the GSMA and QU.
John Hoffman, CEO of GSMA Ltd., said:
“For the first time, academia joins the global MWC stage, bringing research expertise, innovation, and talent development directly into the heart of the world’s most influential connectivity platform. As our first Education Partner, QU reflects a shared ambition to accelerate innovation and connectivity, while building the talent and skills critical to delivering the digital transformation agenda through STEM programmes. We are committed to inspiring young talents and showcasing the exciting career opportunities that await in the tech industry.”
A global leader in research and development, QU will play a central role in the inaugural MWC Doha, showcasing its industry-leading research in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, smart mobility, 5G-advanced networks, and intelligent infrastructure. Across conference panels, exhibitions, and engagement initiatives, the event will also provide priceless opportunities for students and faculty to engage directly with international leaders, researchers, and technology experts.
Dr. Omar Al-Ansari, President of QU, emphasised that the University’s participation in MWC25 Doha demonstrates its commitment to the advancement of innovation and digital development nationally, showcasing impactful research in the fields of AI, cybersecurity, smart infrastructure, and empowering the academic community to contribute to shaping the future of technology globally.
Prof. Aiman Erbad, Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies at QU, said,
“This partnership represents an important strategic step toward strengthening the integration of scientific research and modern technologies, while opening new horizons for our students and researchers to explore the latest developments in communications, innovation, and digital transformation. This, in turn, contributes to enhancing the University’s position as a regional hub for academic and research excellence.”
MWC Doha takes place on 25–26 November at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), in partnership with MCIT. Spanning three halls, the event brings together policymakers, innovators, and investors from over 60 countries – including more than 40% at director level and above – to explore how AI, intelligent infrastructure, fintech, mobility, and frontier technologies are transforming economies and societies.
The agenda is focused on the themes shaping tech and business - AI Nexus, Intelligent Economies, and Connected Industries – and features the regional debut of 4YFN – the official startup platform of MWC - the GSMA Ministerial Programme, the GSMA Digital Leaders Programme, and Smart City Expo, the world’s leading event for urban innovation.
Registration for general attendees is open now, click here.
About GSMA
The GSMA is a global organisation unifying the mobile ecosystem to discover, develop, and deliver innovation foundational to positive business environments and societal change. Our vision is to unlock the full power of connectivity so that people, industry, and society thrive.
Representing mobile operators and organisations across the mobile ecosystem and adjacent industries, the GSMA delivers for its members across three broad pillars: Connectivity for Good, Industry Services and Solutions, and Outreach. This activity includes advancing policy, tackling today’s biggest societal challenges, underpinning the technology and interoperability that make mobile work, and providing the world’s largest platform to convene the mobile ecosystem at the MWC and M360 series of events.
We invite you to find out more at gsma.com
Media Contacts
GSMA Press Office:
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Photo caption: John Hoffman, CEO, GSMA Ltd. signs a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Dr. Aiman Erbad – Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies at QU, MWC's first-ever Education Partner.
Media Resources
News, updates and photography from the press conference are available on the MWC25 Doha Press zone. GSMA speaker biographies are available here; GSMA and MWC logos are available here