London -- September 01, 2026 -- The GSMA and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) announced on August 31, 2026 that MWC26 Doha will run alongside the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26), the first time the two events have been co-located. PP-26 is the ITU's top policy-making body, held every four years to set the agency's strategic direction, approve financial plans and elect officials. The joint staging brings government, intergovernmental and industry leaders together in Doha for a month of digital policy talks and connectivity demonstrations.
MWC26 Doha will take place at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) from November 8 to 10, 2026, organized in partnership with Qatar's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT). PP-26 will run at the same venue from November 9 to 27, 2026, under the organization of Qatar's Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA).
Last year's Doha debut drew 60 delegations from 49 countries
The 2025 inaugural edition of MWC Doha brought together 60 delegations from 49 countries and 11 intergovernmental organizations, according to the GSMA. Building on that turnout, the GSMA Ministerial Programme returns to MWC Doha in 2026 to address digital governance and investment priorities for the next phase of global connectivity. The event lines up with Qatar's National Vision 2030 and the country's Digital Agenda 2030.
Exhibition floor sits next to PP-26 delegate sessions
The MWC exhibition space will be positioned adjacent to PP-26, giving conference delegates direct access to demonstrations of advanced connectivity, AI-based solutions and digital infrastructure exhibited on the show floor. The GSMA and ITU said both organizations already collaborate on policy, standards and spectrum management, and described the joint Doha staging as bringing together the largest gathering of digital leaders either body has hosted to date.
ITU counts 194 member states and 1,000-plus sector members
The ITU, the United Nations agency for digital technologies, has 194 Member States and more than 1,000 companies, universities, research institutes and regional and international organizations as members. It coordinates global use of radio spectrum and satellite orbits, develops telecommunication standards and works on universal connectivity and sustainable digital transformation. The Plenipotentiary Conference also elects ITU officials, Member States to the Council and members of the Radio Regulations Board.