e& UAE’s acting CTIO looks ahead to 6G and convergence with AI

Q1: Starting with 5G, e& UAE has been recognized as the fastest 5G network globally by Ookla for two consecutive years. Could you provide insights into e& UAE's journey in adopting and maintaining this leading 5G technology?

e& UAE recognised the potential of 5G and became the first operator in the MENA region to launch 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) to consumers in May 2019. This achievement is built on a strong foundation of continuous innovation, reflecting our drive to push boundaries and redefine what’s possible with technology.

As a result, e& UAE has been recognised as the fastest mobile broadband network globally by Ookla, cementing the country’s position as a global leader in Mobile Broadband (MBB) and Fixed Broadband (FBB) speeds.

We have consistently pushed the boundaries when it comes to network technologies, announcing 5G SA readiness, showcasing VONR and network slicing, and launching 5G Private network.

In 2024, e& UAE was named the Strongest Telecom Brand in the World by Brand Finance and also achieved the world fastest 5G speed of 62 Gbps.

This unlocks immense potential for high-quality connectivity, catering to diverse applications such as cloud gaming, augmented and virtual reality experiences, fixed wireless access (FWA), advanced video streaming, industrial Internet of Things (IoT), and smart factories.

Additionally, e& UAE partnered with ADNOC to build the energy industry’s largest private 5G network covering 11,000 square kilometres. This ambitious project is due to be completed in 2025 and is expected to generate $1.5 billion (AED5.5 billion) in value during the first five years of its operation. The 5G network will deliver high-bandwidth connectivity across ADNOC’s onshore and offshore operations, also enabling the integration of AI solutions at ADNOC’s remote facilities. This project is poised to set a new standard for connectivity and AI innovations in the energy sector.

Q2: As you look towards 6G, 5G Advanced represents the next major milestone. What new service opportunities do you anticipate with this advancement, and what are your strategies for monetizing the network to maximize these opportunities?

We believe 5G-Advanced is set to revolutionise connectivity with its enhanced capabilities, offering a wide range of new service opportunities across various sectors, including consumer, IoT, and enterprise.

In the consumer segment, 5G-Advanced will enable ultra-high-definition video streaming, real-time interactive gaming, and immersive augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experiences, all made possible by higher speeds and lower latency. e& UAE introduced its Fibre-To-The-Room (FTTR) solution this year, addressing inconsistent Wi-Fi coverage in large residential spaces and ensuring seamless connectivity for smart homes, gamers, and other tech-dependent users.

For industry implementations, the Internet of Things will thrive with 5G Advanced, enabling massive machine-type communications and supporting a vast number of connected devices with improved energy efficiency and lower costs, facilitated by technologies like eRedcap and Passive-IoT (P-IoT).

For industrial applications, the Internet of Things (IoT) will thrive with 5G-Advanced, supporting massive machine-type communications and a vast number of connected devices with improved energy efficiency and reduced costs. Innovations such as eRedcap and Passive-IoT (P-IoT) will further enhance these capabilities.

To drive industry-specific transformation, e& UAE has partnered with EMSTEEL to design and deploy advanced 5G network. The network aims to unlock significant reduction in operational expense and optimize performance across various manufacturing processes. Similarly, in the maritime sector, through a strategic collaboration with Maqta Gateway and Space42, e& UAE is advancing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for maritime innovation. The partnership focuses on leveraging 5G, AI, and IoT technologies to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

In the the enterprise sector, businesses will benefit from 5G Advanced applications including remote machinery control, smart logistics, and advanced analytics. These advancements will transform operations and unlock new revenue streams, powered by features like low latency, precise positioning, and higher speeds.

Q3: With this strong 5G foundation, what key technologies do you expect to see as part of the 6G evolution?

As we look ahead to 6G, it’s exciting to see how this next-generation technology will shape a smarter, more connected, and inclusive future. At its core, 6G will be AI-native, designed with intelligent and autonomous systems that enable real-time decision-making and adaptability. It will expand beyond traditional connectivity to include enhanced communication and sensing, unlocking applications like advanced IoT, precision tracking, and immersive experiences.

Ubiquitous connectivity will ensure seamless access across all devices and environments, creating a truly connected world. At the same time, there will be a strong focus on sustainability, with energy-efficient solutions, green technologies, and eco-friendly infrastructure driving long-term positive change.

6G will also prioritize connecting the unconnected, bridging the digital divide by extending connectivity to underserved and remote areas, ensuring inclusivity on a global scale. With ubiquitous intelligence embedded throughout networks and devices, 6G will enable adaptive, automated, and responsive services that can handle complex data in real time. Finally, security and resilience will be of utmost priority, ensuring protection against cyber threats and reliable service for critical applications.

These technologies and principles will build on the 5G foundation, creating an intelligent, safer, and more sustainable digital ecosystem with 6G.

Q4: Shifting to artificial intelligence, could you share insights into e& UAE's AI journey? What are some of the impactful use cases where AI has significantly contributed to e& UAE’s operations?

e& UAE is leveraging AI and data-driven transformations to drive growth and establish itself as a leading AI-powered telco. With over 900 AI use cases and 160+ machine learning models applied across customer segmentation, fraud detection, and autonomous networking, the company enhances operations, customer engagement, and revenue growth. AI also powers personalized experiences, such as facial recognition, voice biometrics, and chatbots.

The telecommunications sector is evolving toward AI-driven autonomy, supported by robust machine learning operations (MLOps) for model management, and a strong focus on data security and compliance. e& UAE is adopting Generative AI (GenAI) across its communications portfolio to enrich Customer Value Management (CVM) for enterprises, governments, and SMBs. Through its partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS), e& UAE is leveraging advanced GenAI technologies, including Amazon Bedrock and Amazon SageMaker, to deliver real-time personalized recommendations, customized news feeds, and tailored product suggestions that enhance customer engagement and satisfaction.

This collaboration complements other AI-driven initiatives including the launch of the world’s first AI-powered autonomous telecom store, EASE. Following the successful opening of its first store, in 2023 at the Al Kifaf Building, e& UAE inaugurated the second EASE store this year at Dubai Mall. Powered by cutting-edge AI and smart technologies like FastPass and biometrics, the store offers visitors seamless shopping and self-service checkout for a wide range of products and services.

Corporate functions are increasingly automated across the company, with AI-driven solutions successfully reducing technical calls by 30 per cent and technician visits by 40per cent.

An AI Competency Hub connects internal and global AI talent. e& UAE leverages pre-built GenAI models, tailors them to specific needs, and develops new foundational models with deep learning, placing it at the forefront of AI innovation. Initiatives like the AI Graduate Programme further strengthens this ecosystem by equipping Emirati graduates with advanced skills in AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity, aligning with the UAE’s national development goals.

Q5: How do you envision the convergence of 6G and AI shaping the future of the telecom industry and transforming the broader technology landscape in the UAE?

The convergence of 6G and AI is poised to redefine the telecom industry and reshape the broader technology landscape in the UAE. At e& UAE, we envision that 6G, with its anticipated ultra-low latency, ultra-high speeds, and integrated sensing capabilities, will act as the backbone for the next wave of AI-driven solutions, enabling transformative applications that extend far beyond traditional telecommunications.

We foresee that with 6G’s unparalleled infrastructure, AI technologies like GenAI and advanced machine learning will unlock hyper-personalized, real-time interactions and immersive experiences, such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), precisely tailored to individual preferences and delivered seamlessly. The ultra-responsive nature of 6G combined with AI-driven predictive analytics will allow us to proactively manage network performance, addressing issues before they impact users, and ensuring an elevated level of reliability and service quality across all sectors.

From an operational perspective, the fusion of 6G and AI will drive us towards a fully autonomous, self-optimizing network that enhances efficiency, security, and speed. This will empower us to deliver faster, more resilient, and highly secure connectivity to our diverse clientele, from consumers to enterprise and government customers. Furthermore, AI-powered insights on a 6G network will enable us to provide industry-specific solutions across smart cities, IoT, logistics, and automated industrial processes, supporting the UAE’s ambitions to lead in digital transformation.

Looking to the future, the convergence of 6G and AI will open up new avenues for growth and innovation across industries, supporting the UAE’s vision of a connected, intelligent nation. By leveraging these advancements, we are committed to driving new business opportunities, setting new benchmarks in customer experience, and transforming the UAE’s technological landscape, establishing the country as a global leader in the digital age.

Q6: Could you share insights on the timelines for 6G development for the telecom industry and when we might expect widespread adoption?

The commercial launch of 6G, currently targeted for 2029/2030, hinges on several critical elements coming together, including standardization, technology development, spectrum allocation, device readiness, and industrial-scale manufacturing. Each of these steps is crucial to ensuring 6G delivers on its promise of transformative connectivity. The anticipated roadmap for 6G adoption is as follows:

• 2024-2025: Foundational Research: Exploration of use cases, technical requirements, and enabling technologies. In addition to collaboration among academia, industry, and governments to define the vision for 6G.
• 2026-2027: Standardization and Prototyping: Initial standardization efforts by organizations like 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Start with early prototypes for testing key 6G technologies.
• 2028-2029: Technical Trials: Real-world testing of 6G systems to validate performance and feasibility.
• 2030-2031: Early Commercial Launch: Rollout of 6G in select regions and industries, focusing on early adopters and high-impact sectors.
• 2032 and Beyond: Widespread Adoption: Expansion of infrastructure and services, enabling mass-market applications.

This roadmap outlines a progressive approach, ensuring that 6G evolves from research to impactful real-world applications, transforming communication and connectivity globally. However, at e&, we believe in shaping this timeline rather than following it. We're already investing in critical research areas and building the necessary ecosystem to accelerate this timeline where possible.

Q7: The ITU’s “wheel diagram” for IMT-2030 (see below) outlines six usage scenarios for 6G, including both extensions from 5G and new scenarios. How does e& UAE plan to leverage these scenarios, particularly the new ones like AI & Communication and Integrated Sensing & Communication, to drive innovation and growth in the UAE?

At e& UAE, we see the six usage scenarios outlined by the ITU as a roadmap for shaping the future of telecommunications. The extensions from 5G, such as Immersive Communication and HRLLC, will allow us to further enhance existing services, delivering more reliable, high-performance connectivity for applications like augmented and virtual reality, which are critical for industries like healthcare, education, and entertainment.

The new scenarios, particularly “AI & Communication” and “Integrated Sensing & Communication,” present transformative opportunities. For example, AI & Communication enables us to embed intelligence directly into our networks, automating decision-making processes and optimizing resource allocation in real time. Integrated Sensing & Communication, on the other hand, allows us to combine connectivity with environmental sensing, opening doors for smart city applications, enhanced traffic management, and next-generation IoT services.

Furthermore, the overarching aspects of sustainability, security, and connecting the unconnected are fully aligned with our strategic priorities. By leveraging these principles, we aim to extend the benefits of 6G to underserved areas, enhance the resilience of our networks, and build a foundation for a sustainable and inclusive digital future for the UAE.

Q8: The “palette diagram” for IMT-2030 highlights 15 capabilities, including targets for research and their alignment with sustainability goals like the Paris Agreement. How is e& UAE positioning itself to address these capabilities, and what role do you see them playing in driving sustainable and innovative network solutions?

At e& UAE, we view the 15 capabilities outlined in the IMT-2030 framework as essential pillars for driving the next generation of telecommunications. These capabilities, particularly the nine derived from IMT-2020, provide us with a strong foundation to enhance network performance while ensuring that we meet the new targets for research and innovation.

One of our priorities is to leverage these capabilities to address environmental, social, and economic sustainability challenges. For instance, we're integrating energy-efficient technologies into our networks to align with the Paris Agreement and reduce carbon emissions. Additionally, by focusing on capabilities such as low-latency communication and massive machine-type communication, we aim to drive innovations in areas like smart cities, connected industries, and advanced healthcare systems.

Through active participation in global research initiatives and collaboration with industry partners, we are committed to shaping the standards and benchmarks for IMT-2030. This enables us to not only meet these capabilities but also transform them into actionable, sustainable solutions for the UAE and beyond.

Finally, could you summarize e& UAE’s 6G vision?

e& UAE’s 6G vision is built on a foundation of technological innovation, practical applicability, and sustainability, focusing on the following key areas:

1. AI/ML Integration: Native adoption of AI/ML across all 6G layers, including devices, access networks, and core networks, to enhance automation, efficiency, and decision-making.
2. Investment Protection: Ensuring 6G serves as an upgrade to existing cloud-native 5G Standalone deployments with backward compatibility, safeguarding operator investments.
3. Seamless Voice Integration: Addressing voice services from the outset to prevent challenges like those experienced with VoLTE.
4. Generative AI for Rich Communication: Leveraging Generative AI platforms for enhanced communication experiences, with a focus on low latency and strict privacy controls.
5. Practical Communication & Sensing Technologies: Prioritizing real-world applications of communication and sensing technologies to solve real use cases effectively.
6. Cautious Adoption of THz Technology: Exploring THz technology based on genuine use cases rather than hype around speed.
7. Air Interface Evolution: Minimizing changes to air interface protocols unless warranted by significant improvements or new frequency bands.
8. Real-World Use Cases: Driving 6G development based on practical, impactful use cases rather than theoretical speed claims.
9. Edge Computing Integration: Embedding edge computing for real-time data processing and analysis, enabling faster and more responsive services.
10. Enhanced Privacy & Security: Strengthening privacy and security measures to protect user data in an increasingly interconnected world.
11. Sustainability Commitment: Embracing green technologies and energy-efficient designs to support global sustainability goals.
12. Interoperability & Open Standards: Promoting open standards and interoperability to foster collaboration and drive innovation.
13. Inclusivity & Accessibility: Designing networks and services that are inclusive and accessible to ensure no one is left behind.
14. Ethical AI & Responsible Innovation: Upholding ethical AI practices and responsible innovation for the benefit of society as a whole.

Through this comprehensive vision, e& UAE aims to lead the way in building a future-ready 6G network that balances cutting-edge technology with practical and sustainable solutions for the UAE and beyond.