The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is advancing preparations for sixth-generation (6G) telecommunications through a forward-looking roadmap focused on next-generation connectivity, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital infrastructure. Eng. Majed Sultan Al Mesmar, Director-General of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), outlined the country’s approach during the 6G MENA 2026 – In the AI Era conference in Abu Dhabi on October 19–20. He said the future of telecommunications would be shaped by countries and organisations that invest in emerging technologies and contribute to their development. The UAE views 6G as part of a broader transition towards intelligent, flexible and secure digital infrastructure capable of supporting economic activity, public services and society. The conference brings together regulators, technology companies, researchers and academic institutions to discuss the technical and policy requirements for the next generation of mobile networks.
The UAE is entering the 6G preparation phase with an established 5G infrastructure. According to Al Mesmar, the country launched 5G networks in 2018, and these networks now cover more than 99.5% of populated areas. The infrastructure includes over 23,000 5G base stations and serves more than 10 million subscribers. The country has also conducted advanced trials over five years in the upper 6 GHz frequency range, achieving speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second. These trials are intended to help assess the capabilities of advanced communications for applications such as smart cities, autonomous mobility and healthcare. While 6G development remains an international research and standardisation effort, the UAE is positioning its existing network infrastructure and testing experience as a foundation for future deployment. The regulator has emphasised that next-generation connectivity will involve more than faster data speeds, with intelligence, security, flexibility and network performance also becoming important considerations.
The conference programme focuses on several areas expected to influence the development of 6G, including AI-native networks, future spectrum requirements, satellite connectivity and preparations for the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027 (WRC-27). AI-native networks are designed to integrate artificial intelligence into network planning, operation and management, potentially helping operators improve resource allocation, automate routine tasks and respond more effectively to changing traffic demands. Discussions will also address the integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, including satellite systems and direct-to-device connectivity. These technologies could expand connectivity options in areas where conventional mobile infrastructure is limited. Alongside technical developments, spectrum policy and international standards will remain important to ensure that future networks can operate efficiently across markets. The conference also features keynote speeches, panel discussions, scientific posters and research presentations to encourage knowledge exchange between the telecommunications industry, regulators and academic communities.
The UAE’s roadmap also highlights the importance of regional participation in shaping global telecommunications standards and identifying use cases suited to local requirements. The TDRA has stressed that countries across the Middle East and North Africa should contribute to decisions concerning frequencies, network standards, security and emerging connectivity applications rather than simply adopting technologies developed elsewhere. The conference provides a forum for regional stakeholders to examine potential areas of cooperation as research and preparations for 6G continue. For telecommunications operators, the transition will involve evaluating infrastructure requirements, network architecture, spectrum availability and the role of AI in managing increasingly complex systems. Although commercial 6G services are not yet established, research, trials and regulatory planning are helping define the technology’s future direction. The UAE’s ongoing preparations reflect a broader industry effort to develop networks capable of supporting more connected devices, data-intensive services and emerging digital applications.
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