Ashraf Siddiqui
Doha
The M360 MENA 2024 conference, organised by the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) in partnership with Ooredoo Qatar, recently concluded at the Sheraton Grand Doha Hotel. The event brought together leaders from industry, technology, telecoms and government, creating a platform where business and policy intersected to unlock vast opportunities for digital-first societies. The MENA region’s digital economy, currently valued at $180 billion, is projected to reach $780 billion by 2030.
Speaking to Qatar Tribune on the sidelines of the conference and exhibition, Duraid Qureshi, CEO of HUM Network Pakistan, described M360 MENA 2024 as a unique networking opportunity and an invaluable platform for gaining insights into the region’s evolving digital landscape and forming future partnerships. "We have explored opportunities for HUM Network Pakistan to expand its reach,” he added.
He expressed interest in forming alliances with like-minded companies and expanding HUM Network’s presence on OTT platforms, an area where 5G and AI are expected to play a crucial role.
Qureshi’s participation in the M360 conference has already sparked potential collaborations that could support HUM Network’s growth. He emphasised the value of knowledge sharing and the ideas discussed at the event, noting how these insights would aid HUM’s business expansion. As a public-listed company in Pakistan, HUM Network remains a leader in the media industry, with a diverse portfolio of channels covering entertainment, news, sports, fashion and lifestyle.
During his brief visit to Qatar, Qureshi toured Al Jazeera Network’s studios and discussed potential areas of cooperation between the two networks.
On his first visit to Doha, Qureshi noted that the city exceeded his expectations, commending its compact design that efficiently incorporates everything, along with a strong sense of safety, security, and cleanliness. These qualities, along with a sense of order, are key attributes that make Qatar unique, he said.
Speaking to Qatar Tribune, Qatar-based Uzbek IT executive Akmal Djamalov, co-founder of AST Qatar, praised the quality of discussions and the participation of leading experts, digital institutions and government authorities at the two-day M360 conference.
He expressed his joy that upcoming GSMA M360 under EURASIA will be hosted in Tashkent, capital city of his country on May 21 and 22, 2025.In this regard, a MoU for M360 Eurasia 2025 was signed in Doha, in the presence of Sherzad Shermatov, Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekitan; GSMA Director General Mats Granryd; Chairman of Beeline Uzbekistan and VEON Group CEO Kaan Terzioglu; and incoming CEO of Beeline Uzbekistan Andrey Pyatakhin.
Akmal Djamalov shared insights about his company, which relocated from the UK to Qatar due to Qatar’s favourable business environment. Operating under the Qatar Financial Center, AST Qatar specialises in IT, focusing on software development and secure communication services. Their product portfolio includes JamSpace, a secure messenger with 50 million users worldwide, and a corporate messenger used by large companies to ensure secure internal communications.
AST Qatar is also expanding into Central Asia and the Middle East, with a particular focus on Uzbekistan due to its favourable business environment. The company is currently in negotiations with Invest Qatar to introduce its corporate messenger to the region and is actively developing projects in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Oman and Malaysia.
Stanislaw Zbroja, Senior BSS Solution Manager at Comarch from Poland, highlighted his company’s role as a Silver Sponsor at M360 MENA 2024, where Comarch showcased its innovative products, services, and technologies.
He noted that advancements in machine learning, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things are driving significant growth in the digital economy across the MENA region. Zbroja emphasised the importance of fostering an environment that supports digital transformation.
He praised M360 MENA for bringing together leaders from business, technology, telecommunications, and government to enhance digital infrastructure, address regulatory and social issues, and create opportunities in digitally focused societies.