Mobile World Congress overcomes Middle East conflict with over 100,000 attendees

The tech event concludes its 20th anniversary in Barcelona with 105,000 professionals despite global travel disruptions.

Generic image of a large congress hall with attendees and digital screens.
IA

Generic image of a large congress hall with attendees and digital screens.

The Mobile World Congress has successfully concluded its 2026 edition in Barcelona, attracting 105,000 professionals despite significant travel disruptions caused by the conflict in the Middle East.

The GSMA reported that attendance remained strong, falling only 4,000 people short of last year's figures. The closure of airspace in the Persian Gulf particularly affected attendees from India and China, many of whom had to find alternative routes through Europe to reach the summit.

"In this very complex geopolitical context, the solidity of the event is demonstrated."

Constantí Serrallonga · General Manager of Fira de Barcelona
High-level executives made up nearly half of the visitors, ensuring the event's professional quality. The Talent Arena at Montjuïc also played a key role, bringing in 25.000 young developers who joined the main event during the final day at the Gran Via venue.
Expansion plans continue with the construction of Hall Zero in l'Hospitalet. While the exterior will be finished by next year, the new space is expected to be fully operational for MWC 2028, providing a total of 300,000 square meters for the world's largest mobile industry gathering.