The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) in Dubai has announced a groundbreaking strategy to lead research and studies on the development of the sixth generation of mobile networks, known as 6G connectivity. With the UAE aiming to transition to 6G by 2030, the TDRA is focusing on the ongoing development of the advanced 5G network (5.5G).
The TDRA’s 6G roadmap, set to begin in 2024, will establish a committee to drive scientific studies, research, and technical standards development, with Khalifa University leading the effort. Collaborations with global platforms like the ITU, IEEE, and 3GPP, as well as manufacturers, operators, and the TDRA, are also planned.
Strategic partnerships with industrial, academic, and governmental sectors will enable 6G experiments, facilitated by the TDRA’s provision of frequencies and regulatory frameworks. These experiments aim to launch and widely adopt 6G services in the UAE before 2030.
Majed Sultan Al Mesmar, Director General of TDRA, emphasized the alignment of the 6G roadmap with the UAE’s futuristic directives, aiming to echo the successes of previous generations of telecommunications. The initiative also aligns with global sustainability goals, seeking to reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption while delivering high-quality, smart, secure connectivity.
Expected advancements in 6G include new capabilities in AI, network virtualization, sensing, and comprehensive coverage, with support for innovative use cases such as digital transmission of human senses worldwide. Mohammed Al Ramsi, Deputy Director General of TDRA, highlighted the potential for 6G networks to unlock unprecedented use cases, enhance user experiences, and facilitate innovative communication between individuals and devices.