Abu Dhabi: The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) has launched the 6th Generation (6G) Initiative in the United Arab Emirates, marking a major step toward shaping the future of global communications.
The announcement was made during the inaugural meeting of the 6G Committee, hosted by TDRA with the participation of federal and local government entities, telecommunications service providers, universities, research and development centers, and leading global mobile technology providers.
Opening the meeting, HE Eng. Mohammed Al Ramsi, Deputy Director General of the Telecommunications Sector at TDRA, highlighted that the initiative aligns with the UAE’s vision of leading the future of communications and information technology. Al Ramsi emphasized the country’s proactive approach to anticipating technological shifts and creating an environment that promotes innovation and research in advanced telecommunications.
HE Al Ramsi remarked that, “In 2015, we began our preparations for the 5G journey, which culminated in its commercial launch in 2019, making the UAE the first country in the region to achieve this milestone. Today, we celebrate coverage exceeding 99.5 percent of populated areas, with more than 23,000 5G sites serving over 10 million subscribers. These achievements pave the way for a new phase in which we work with our partners to develop a national 6G roadmap that will revolutionize 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 toward 6G represents not just a technological evolution but a strategic step toward building a sustainable, knowledge-based economy founded on innovation and digital integration across all sectors.
The 6G Committee aims to develop a comprehensive national 6G ecosystem by strengthening collaboration among national stakeholders, establishing research and innovation programs in future communications through universities and research centers, and accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in key sectors.
The initiative will also contribute to developing international 6G standards, creating a robust regulatory framework, and adopting an integrated spectrum management strategy to support next-generation requirements.
To support its goals, the committee has formed two specialized subcommittees:
- Research and Development Working Group, chaired by Dr. Marwan Dabbah from Khalifa University.
- Integration and Strategic Partnerships Working Group, led by Dr. Khaled Al Awadhi from TDRA.
Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Al Awadhi noted that, “This step reflects TDRA’s commitment to adopting a proactive approach in shaping the next generation of communications and strengthening the UAE’s position as a global hub for developing and implementing future technologies.”
The launch of the 6G Committee represents a significant milestone in the UAE’s journey toward global technological leadership, reinforcing the country’s efforts to prepare for the post-5G era and advance digital transformation and sustainable innovation.
The committee will act as a unified national platform to coordinate and empower efforts in 6G technologies, positioning the UAE at the forefront of advanced communications worldwide.
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