The UAE’s Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) has unveiled its 6G Roadmap, aiming to transition to 6G before 2030. This next-generation technology promises to revolutionize fields such as AI, remote surgeries, and the digital transmission of human senses, including sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell.
The 6G technology will enhance capabilities in robotics and artificial intelligence while supporting innovative use cases like autonomous transportation systems and advancements in healthcare, such as remote surgeries and diagnostics. Achieving these innovations will require global availability of additional radio frequencies.
The roadmap focuses on improving digital infrastructure and utilizing 6G’s integrated sensing and extensive coverage features. UAE telecom operators are already investing in 6G and related technologies to transform the telecom industry.
To speed up 6G adoption, TDRA has established a committee led by Khalifa University and comprising manufacturers, operators, and regulators. This committee will conduct research and develop technical standards for 6G, collaborating with global organizations such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and IEEE.
As part of the transition, TDRA will continue to evolve 5G networks (5.5G) while preparing for 6G, aiming to optimize spectrum utilization and connection density. The ‘ICT Regulatory Sandbox’ will support 6G experiments, providing the necessary frequencies and regulatory frameworks.
Majed Sultan Al Mesmar, TDRA’s director-general, emphasized that the 6G roadmap aligns with the UAE’s commitment to sustainability, digital inclusion, and enhancing security. Deputy Director-General Mohammed Al Ramsi added that the plan represents a significant milestone, unlocking unprecedented user experiences and communication between individuals and devices.
