Mobile World Congress 2026 organisers have confirmed Israeli companies will be welcome to participate unless international sanctions prevent their attendance.
The announcement came during Thursday’s preview event for the world’s largest mobile technology conference, scheduled for 2-5 March at Barcelona’s Fira de Gran Via.
GSMA marketing director Lara Dewar addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding Israeli participation in statements to Catalan news outlets.
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She emphasised that the organisation follows international regulations strictly when determining which countries and companies can exhibit.
Mobile World Congress 2026 Embraces Global Technology Dialogue
“If countries and companies are not sanctioned when the fair begins, they will be welcome at the congress,” Dewar stated clearly. “Should sanctions exist, we will accept and comply with them. However, if countries, companies and individuals face no restrictions, they will be welcome.”
The executive defended what she called the “technology policy” approach to international conflicts, arguing that society benefits when the technological ecosystem remains harmonised. Furthermore, she highlighted that the beauty of the congress lies in how “the world comes to Barcelona” with technological advances from many different regions.
This position comes after Israel called for a boycott of the next Mobile World Congress in September, accusing the Spanish government of adopting “antisemitic” measures and providing systematic support to Hamas. Dewar responded that Israeli company participation would ultimately depend on prevailing regulations when the event occurs in March.
The 2026 edition marks the 20th anniversary of the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona and expects to welcome between 100,000 and 110,000 attendees. Artificial intelligence will dominate the conversation, appearing in nearly every innovation showcased throughout the four-day event.
According to Dewar, the fair will debate “ethical development” of AI, which she described as both “dizzying and inspiring.” The congress will feature conversations about ethical artificial intelligence applications, demonstrating uses ranging from humanoid robots to mobile device tools.
Parallel discussions will explore how to personalise experiences and “make our jobs better” through ethical development of this transformative technology. The GSMA’s position reflects the complex balancing act between technological progress and geopolitical realities that defines modern international business events.
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