#United Arab Emirates #Dubai #Telecom Review #U6GHz #10 Gbps

Accelerating to 10 Gbps in the GCC with U6GHz

In a pivotal gathering of telecommunications experts, the 20th Telecom Review Leaders' Summit, held on October 20-21, 2026, at the Ritz-Carlton, Dubai Jumeirah Beach Residence, marked a significant step forward in advancing connectivity within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. The focus of this year’s summit was on leveraging the upper 6 GHz (U6GHz) spectrum alongside 5G-Advanced technologies to reach unprecedented peak data rates of 10 Gbps.

Key Highlights from the Summit

The session was moderated by Issam Eid, Group CMO and Partner at Telecom Review Group, and featured a panel of esteemed industry leaders including Dr. Bilel Jamoussi from the ITU, Jawad Abbassi of GSMA, and representatives from telecom giants like Huawei and Ericsson. With broad participation, the panel indicated that the U6GHz spectrum is pivotal for the future of mobile connectivity.

The Need for Forward-Looking Spectrum Policies

One of the core discussions revolved around the UAE's progressive spectrum policies. Eng. Saif Bin Ghalita, Executive Director for Technology Development Affairs at TDRA, outlined a strategic roadmap that includes allocating 500 MHz in the 6 GHz band for indoor Wi-Fi in 2020 and planning a further 700 MHz allocation for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) by 2024. These initiatives are essential steps towards enabling commercial U6GHz deployments by local telecom providers, including etisalat and du.

Eng. Bin Ghalita stated, “The efforts in spectrum allocation must be coupled with ensuring device compatibility and addressing potential interference.” He emphasized the regulators' ongoing roles in turning spectrum investment into tangible societal benefits.

Economic Implications of U6GHz

During the summit, the GSMA highlighted the global momentum behind U6GHz, noting the significant economic advantages associated with licensed deployment over unlicensed alternatives. Jawad Abbassi remarked, “The licensed approach yields seven times the economic benefits compared to keeping it in an unlicensed band.” This assertion reinforces the economic rationale for promoting regulated use of the U6GHz spectrum.

However, Dr. Jamoussi warned attendees about potential challenges posed by differing national policies, suggesting that harmonious international strategies will be vital for successful outcomes.

Real-World Impact of U6GHz

One of the most exciting revelations from the summit was the 10 Gbps peak data rate achieved in a demonstration combining U6GHz with Sub-3 GHz spectrum. Dr. Mahmoud Sherif, representing du, lauded this as a milestone achievement crucial for the UAE’s telecommunications future. He described the integration of 5G-Advanced as a bridge to the next generation of wireless technology.

Panelist Steven Liu from Huawei pointed out that applications for U6GHz extend beyond mobile broadband to include AI-driven services and fixed wireless access (FWA). Liu noted that this expanded bandwidth will support demanding applications for consumers and businesses alike.

“Bringing a new level of innovative service and superior end-user experience to the market through U6GHz is our goal,” he stated emphatically.

The Road Ahead for 6G

The session concluded with the highly anticipated announcement of the world’s first commercial launch of U6GHz, officiated by Allen Tang from Huawei and Toni Eid from Telecom Review Group. This landmark event signifies the GCC's ambition to transform from conceptual discussions to practical deployment, advancing towards a 10 Gbps society.

Looking forward, achieving the vision laid out requires an integrated infrastructure, unified standards, readiness of devices, and sustained investment—key factors needed to convert U6GHz's promise into real-world connectivity benefits in the region.

As the world continues to evolve towards next-generation connectivity, the UAE appears to be poised to take the lead in realizing the potential of 6G and beyond, paving the way for a new era of digital transformation across the Gulf region.