The United Arab Emirates has made history by achieving the Middle East’s first 6G Pilot UAE, recording a record-breaking data speed of 145 gigabits per second (Gbps) in a groundbreaking collaboration between e& UAE and New York University (NYU) Abu Dhabi. This landmark accomplishment marks a transformative leap in network architecture and digital infrastructure, positioning the UAE at the forefront of global telecommunications innovation and setting a new benchmark for connectivity in the region.
The Breakthrough and Its Significance
The successful 6G pilot was conducted using Terahertz (THz) frequencies, a technology that promises ultra-high-capacity, ultra-low-latency links capable of supporting next-generation applications such as holographic telepresence, extended reality (XR), terabit-class backhaul, and digital twins.
The trial, held in Dubai’s Smart City Lab, demonstrated a peak throughput of 145 Gbps—more than 20 times faster than current 5G speeds—with a latency of just 1 millisecond, enabling real-time, seamless communication for advanced digital services.
This achievement is more than just a speed milestone; it represents a fundamental shift in network design. 6G networks are expected to integrate connectivity with sensing, local compute, and quantum-resistant security, creating a new paradigm of intelligent, resilient, and sovereign networks.
The pilot also showcased the potential for integrating satellites and high-altitude platforms, ensuring uninterrupted service across vast and diverse landscapes such as deserts, seas, and airspaces.
Driving Innovation and Collaboration
The success of the 6G pilot is a testament to the power of academia-industry collaboration.
The partnership between e& UAE and NYU Abu Dhabi laid the foundation for cutting-edge research, knowledge exchange, and the development of advanced 6G testbeds in partnership with global standards bodies.
Sehamuddin Galadari, Managing Director of NYU Abu Dhabi’s Research Institute, emphasized that this milestone demonstrates how joint collaboration can unlock new frontiers in wireless technology and positions the UAE as a co-creator of the 6G era.
Marwan Bin Shaker, Acting Chief Technology and Information Officer at e& UAE, noted that the achievement demonstrates the UAE’s ability to pioneer at the edge of technology, exploring the transformative potential of 6G to reimagine how people, businesses, and cities connect.
The trial’s use of AI-optimized beamforming and 100 GHz mmWave spectrum further highlights the UAE’s commitment to leveraging the latest technologies to drive innovation.
Implications for the Future
The successful 6G pilot aligns with the UAE’s long-term digital strategy and reinforces its position as a regional hub for advanced technologies and smart infrastructure.
The network is designed to support extreme data demands, ultra-low latency, and seamless integration of AI-powered systems at scale, paving the way for revolutionary applications such as:
- 8K holographic telemedicine
- Autonomous vehicle swarms
- AR metaverse integration
As nations around the world compete in the race to develop and deploy 6G, the UAE’s milestone cements its role as a global leader in next-generation telecommunications, setting the pace for innovation across the Middle East and beyond.
The pilot not only propels the UAE to the cutting edge of wireless innovation but also underlines the vital role of collaboration in shaping the future of digital connectivity.
Conclusion
The UAE’s successful 6G pilot, with a record 145 Gbps speed achieved in collaboration with e& UAE and NYU Abu Dhabi, marks a historic moment for the region and a major leap forward in network architecture and digital infrastructure.
This achievement underscores the UAE’s leadership in telecommunications, its commitment to innovation, and its ability to shape the future of connectivity for people, businesses, and cities around the world.
