{"id":53092,"date":"2024-11-18T17:56:31","date_gmt":"2024-11-18T14:56:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/saudishopper.com.sa\/en\/?p=53092"},"modified":"2026-03-28T07:01:49","modified_gmt":"2026-03-28T04:01:49","slug":"gsma-m360-mena-opens-in-doha-with-ai-digital-partnerships-at-the-forefront","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/saudishopper.com.sa\/en\/gsma-m360-mena-opens-in-doha-with-ai-digital-partnerships-at-the-forefront\/","title":{"rendered":"GSMA M360 MENA opens in Doha with AI, digital partnerships at the forefront\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Three regional partners have joined the GSMA Open Gateway initiative, while the GSMA\u2019s latest Mobile Economy MENA report highlights significant genAI adoption across the region<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

18 November 2024, Doha<\/strong>: M360 MENA<\/a> opened its doors in Doha today with Host Sponsor Ooredoo Qatar, in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology of Qatar. As mobile services are projected to contribute $360 billion to the region\u2019s GDP<\/a>, the event brings together leaders from the industry, technology, telecoms, and government sectors to foster the advancement of the MENA digital economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

M360 MENA\u2019s Opening Ceremony was led by the Minister of Communications and Information Technology of Qatar, His Excellency Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, alongside Group CEO of Ooredoo, Aziz Aluthman Fakhroo, and Head of MENA at GSMA, Jawad Abbassi. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key topics on this year\u2019s M360 MENA agenda<\/a> include the 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.\ufffc<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taking to the stage for keynote 1, the GSMA\u2019s Director General, Mats Granryd,<\/strong> said: \u201cIt\u2019s 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 $360 billion to the region\u2019s GDP by 2030, M360 MENA stands as a powerful platform for collaboration and the innovation that will drive the region\u2019s digital transformation<\/em>.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ooredoo Qatar\u2019s <\/strong>Chief Executive Officer, Sheikh Ali Bin Jabor Al Thani<\/strong>, said: \u201cHosting M360 MENA in Doha reflects Ooredoo Qatar\u2019s commitment to advancing digital transformation across the region. We are proud to be at the forefront, leading initiatives in AI and 5G that have a direct impact on 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\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ooredoo is the latest partner to join the GSMA Open Gateway<\/a> initiative in the Middle East region, joining other operators including E&, du, Omantel and Zain. 66 mobile operator groups representing 278 networks and three-quarters of global mobile connections have now signed up to the initiative, alongside many of the world’s leading technology companies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Early implementations of the GSMA Open Gateway<\/a> initiative in MENA have focussed on fraud prevention and security, supporting the region\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mobile Economy MENA 2024 report<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The GSMA launched its Mobile Economy MENA 2024 report<\/a>, which forecasts 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other findings include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n