UAE Hosts First Middle East 6G Summit in Abu Dhabi

The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) hosted the first 6G Summit in the Middle East and North Africa in Abu Dhabi on October 19-20, 2026. The initiative establishes a proactive roadmap for the United Arab Emirates to contribute to the design, global standards, and technical specifications of sixth-generation technology, moving beyond the simple adoption of finished products.

Director-General Majed Sultan Al Mesmar detailed a vision for AI-native networks that integrate artificial intelligence directly into design and management. These networks are intended to support autonomous mobility, healthcare, and smart cities through built-in sensing capabilities and the integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial satellite networks. The strategy calls for increased participation from the broader Middle East and North Africa region in determining international spectrum frameworks.

While commercial deployment is not expected until 2030, the UAE has already conducted five years of trials in the upper 6 GHz band, achieving speeds of 10 gigabits per second. This development builds upon an existing 5G infrastructure that currently covers more than 99.5% of populated areas.