Wireless communications and networking forum from April 3

Qatar will host the annual IEEE Wireless Communications and Networking Conference  (WCNC16) under the patronage Minister of Transport and Communications H E Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti from April 3 to 6 at Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel.

It is co-hosted by Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ), Qatar University (QU) and Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) and is expected to be attended by over 700 delegates from around the world.

This is the first time the conference is to be held in the Middle East and North Africa. The presidents of local universities, representatives from sponsors Ooredoo, National Instruments, Qatar Petrochemical Co. (Qapco), Qatar National Research Fund and the US Office of Naval Research Global; and organisers TAMUQ, QA, and HBKU.

“As Qatar continues on its path towards becoming a knowledge-based economy as expressed in Qatar National Vision 2030, the ministry works to oversee the development of the information and communications technology sector,” Al Sulaiti said. “Advanced technologies in wireless communications are helping create a more connected, more digitally literate and more innovative society, building capacity and improving productivity — for the benefit of the state and its residents.” He said choosing Doha to host the conference is viewed as an appreciation to efforts being made in the area by those in industry, government and academia.

Dr Hassan Rashid Al Derham, President, QU, said, “QU is pleased to co-organise the conference with partners HBKU and TAMUQ. Being the first in the region, the forum will bring added relevancy to ongoing dialogue, research and collaboration on wireless communication and networking technology being conducted by regional academics and researchers. 

“We look forward to discussions and shared experiences that will emerge from the conference as they will serve to guide our research expansion activities in the field in line with Qatar’s ambitions towards a knowledge-based economy.” 

Dr Khaled B Letaief, Chair, IEEE WCNC Steering Committee, and Provost, HBKU, said, “IEEE, and in particular the IEEE Communications Society, has long been a driving force behind the development and design of wireless systems and networks around the world, with WCNC playing a key role in inspiring knowledge-sharing and innovation in the field. 

“My new position as Provost, HBKU, makes me proud to have the conference hosted in Doha, as it offers specialists from around the world the opportunity to learn about the technology capabilities being developed in the Gulf. It is a pleasure to see HBKU playing a pivotal role in organising the conference in line with its effort to continue building human capital and producing breakthrough research that impacts the development of the region.” The event will feature sessions with papers on the latest technologies, applications and services. The programme includes workshops, tutorials, keynote talks from industrial leaders and academics, panel discussions, an exhibition and business and industrial forums. 

About 550 technical papers will be presented by speakers from more than 30 countries. The first day of the conference will feature tutorials and workshops by experts in wireless communications. 

Dr Ann Kenimer, Interim Dean, TAMUQ,  said: “TAMUQ is proud to host the conference and provide an opportunity to explore information and communications technology from experts from around the globe.