Abu Dhabi will host 6G MENA 2026, In the AI Era, on 19 and 20 October, the first conference dedicated to 6G anywhere in the Middle East and North Africa. Organized by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), the event lands as global preparations for 6G accelerate and artificial intelligence takes a growing role in how future networks are designed, operated, and managed. For investors, operators, and technology partners watching the region, the conference signals where the UAE intends to sit in the emerging value chain for next-generation connectivity.
The commercial logic rests on returns already earned from earlier network generations. The UAE’s leadership in 5G and 5G-Advanced, along with its record on coverage, performance, and technological trials, provides what organizers describe as a strong foundation for the transition towards 6G. That track record, in the view of TDRA’s leadership, is an asset convertible into influence over the standards, technologies, and policies that will define the next generation of telecommunications.
H.E. Talal Belhoul, Chairman of the Board of TDRA, framed the approach in strategic terms. “The UAE’s leadership in adopting emerging technologies reflects a firmly established national approach based on anticipating the future, preparing early for global transformations, and turning them into opportunities for growth and progress,” he said. “6G represents a strategic milestone that goes beyond network development to reshape the future of connectivity and digital services. Accordingly, the UAE’s ambition extends beyond adopting 6G to actively contributing to shaping its direction and strengthening the region’s presence in the global dialogue on the future of telecommunications.”
H.E. Eng. Majed Sultan Al Mesmar, Director General of TDRA, pointed to groundwork already laid. “The UAE’s success in 5G has provided a strong foundation for preparing for 6G. However, our ambition goes beyond adopting the technology to helping shape its future,” he said, adding that collaboration among regulatory authorities, operators, universities, and technology partners aims to build national readiness and strengthen the UAE’s and the region’s contributions to developing standards, technologies, and policies.
Meanwhile, the agenda covers the technical and regulatory questions that will determine how the 6G market takes shape. The programme focuses on AI-native networks, the future of spectrum for 6G, preparations for the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027 (WRC-27), and the integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, including satellite technologies and direct-to-device connectivity. Security and resilience of next-generation networks, plus the development of global standards, are also on the table. H.E. Eng. Mohammed Al Ramsi, Deputy Director General for the Telecommunications Sector, said preparing for 6G requires early action across interconnected areas: developing spectrum frameworks, contributing to international standards, enhancing terrestrial and non-terrestrial network integration, and leveraging artificial intelligence in network design and operations.
Beyond panels and keynote addresses by senior officials and experts, the conference will feature an Innovation and Demonstrations Showcase, alongside scientific posters and research presentations, giving participants a view of the latest developments, research models, and future applications of 6G technologies. Organizers also aim to strengthen regional participation in shaping international 6G directions and standards, so that they reflect local market needs and future priorities, and to promote regional coordination on spectrum-related issues and regulatory policies tied to emerging technologies.
The broader expectation is deeper knowledge exchange among regulators, the telecommunications industry, and the research and academic communities, with priority areas identified for future cooperation to support the region’s readiness for the technological and regulatory transformations associated with 6G. Further details are available at https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/events-conferences/uae-to-host-the-regions-first-6g-conference-in-the-age-of-artificial-intelligence-1739683. TDRA, which regulates and develops the UAE’s telecommunications and information technology sector while leading national digital transformation, describes its mandate as fostering an advanced regulatory environment that supports innovation, stimulates investment, and ensures the delivery of cutting-edge and sustainable telecommunications services, in alignment with the UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 and the UAE Centennial 2071 Agenda. Whether the event translates early positioning into commercial advantage will depend on how quickly regional operators and investors move from discussion to deployment.