UAE launches national 6G plan to prepare for next network cycle

Dubai: The UAE has launched a national 6G Initiative through the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority. The move was announced at the first meeting of the 6G Committee, which includes federal and local entities, telecom operators, universities, research centres and global technology firms.

Eng Mohammed Al Ramsi, Deputy Director General of the Telecommunications Sector at TDRA, said the initiative continues the UAE’s policy of moving early on network transitions.

“Today, we celebrate coverage exceeding 99.5% of populated areas, with more than 23,000 5G sites serving over 10 million subscribers,” he said. “These achievements pave the way for a new phase in which we work with our partners to develop a national 6G roadmap that will revolutionise connectivity by integrating digital and cognitive worlds, leveraging artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and satellite networks to enable the applications of the future.”

Al Ramsi added that the shift to 6G is “not merely a technical evolution, but a strategic step toward building a sustainable knowledge-based economy founded on innovation, artificial intelligence, and the integration of digital infrastructure across all sectors.”

The committee will coordinate national work on research programmes, standards development, spectrum planning and regulatory preparation for 6G networks. It will also support the adoption of emerging technologies in key sectors.

Two subcommittees have been created. Dr Marwan Dabbah of Khalifa University will lead the Research and Development Working Group. Dr Khaled Al Awadhi of TDRA will head the Integration and Strategic Partnerships Working Group.

The 6G Committee will operate as a national platform to align research, regulation and deployment planning. It marks the UAE’s efforts to prepare for the post-5G era and consolidate its position in advanced communications.