• The conference aimed to enhance digital collaboration between government and private institutions to promote innovation.
• The event included panel discussions showcasing the Ministry's pioneering projects in digital innovation.
• The Ministry shared its expertise in artificial intelligence and 5G networks.
• The conference strengthened strategic partnerships with global leaders in the technology sector.
• H.E. Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai handed over the next edition of the M360 conference to the Minister of Digital Technology of Uzbekistan.

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) participated in the M360 Middle East and North Africa 2024 Conference, held under the patronage of H.E. Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, and organised by the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA). The conference took place on 18–19 November 2024 at the Sheraton Grand Doha Hotel. Hosted by Ooredoo Qatar, the event brought together over 3,000 participants, including leaders and experts in technology and digital innovation, to explore ways of advancing digital infrastructure in the Middle East and North Africa.

The first day featured a packed agenda, starting with an opening speech by H.E Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology. He highlighted the role of broadband infrastructure in building an advanced digital society. Qatar has achieved 4.5 million broadband subscriptions, with a penetration rate of 159%, significantly exceeding the population. Fiber-optic networks cover 100% of the population, while 5G networks achieve 98.9% coverage.

Ms. Dana Al-Muftah, Smart Applications Section Head in the Digital Innovation Department at MCIT, participated in a panel discussion titled “Smart Projects Driven by Digital Innovations.” She emphasized the crucial role of integrating 5G and IoT technologies into Qatar's infrastructure in advancing the country’s smart projects under TASMU program. She noted, "This progress has enabled system integration across various platforms. For instance, the real-time crowd and transport management system facilitated the movement of over three million visitors during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, achieving an average stadium occupancy rate of 96%. At the tournament’s peak, the system managed 295,740 trips in a single day and effectively addressed 496 reported issues over 28 days."

The conference concluded with a handover ceremony between Qatar and Uzbekistan, where H.E. Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai officially handed over the next edition of the M360 conference to Uzbekistan’s Minister of Digital Technology, H.E. Sherzod Shermatov. This initiative reflects the ongoing collaboration between the two countries and sets the stage for Uzbekistan’s hosting of the upcoming M360 Eurasia event in May 2025.

Through its participation, the Ministry aimed to highlight its commitment to innovation in modern technologies such as artificial intelligence and 5G networks. The event underscored the fundamental role of digital technology in achieving Qatar National Vision 2030 by fostering a cutting-edge digital infrastructure that drives technological advancements, meets contemporary demands, and ensures economic sustainability. Additionally, the conference served as a platform to strengthen strategic partnerships with global technology leaders, facilitating knowledge exchange and supporting innovative initiatives.