UAE Makes Middle East’s First 6G Leap at 145 Gbps
▼ Summary
– e& UAE and NYU Abu Dhabi completed the Middle East’s first 6G Terahertz pilot, achieving a record 145 Gbps throughput.
– 6G networks will enable ultra-high-capacity, low-latency applications like holographic telepresence, extended reality, and digital twins.
– The 6G architecture integrates connectivity with sensing, quantum-resistant security, and embedded compute for intelligent, resilient networks.
– 6G will use integrated sensing for precise positioning and environment awareness, crucial for autonomous vehicles and smart cities.
– The collaboration between e& UAE and NYU Abu Dhabi highlights how academia-industry partnerships accelerate 6G innovation and digital sovereignty.
In a groundbreaking development for the region, the United Arab Emirates has successfully conducted the first 6G Terahertz pilot in the Middle East, achieving a staggering data throughput of 145 gigabits per second. This landmark trial, carried out by e& UAE in partnership with New York University Abu Dhabi, represents a significant stride toward establishing the UAE as a hub for intelligent, immersive, and sustainable connectivity solutions.
The 6G pilot demonstrates the extraordinary capabilities of next-generation networks, which promise ultra-high capacity and near-instantaneous communication. Such performance will unlock advanced applications including holographic telepresence, extended reality environments, terabit-class backhaul, and digital twin technologies.
Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, CEO of e& UAE, emphasized that 6G extends well beyond speed improvements. He described it as a system delivering faster-than-instant responses, nearly flawless uptime, massive bandwidth, and networks that merge connectivity with sensing, local computing, and quantum-resistant security. According to Mahmood, 6G introduces an architecture where the network becomes intelligent, perceptive, and sovereign by design, supporting digital resilience at a national level. Unlike earlier network generations focused primarily on speed, 6G integrates satellites, high-altitude platforms, and terrestrial systems into a cohesive “network of networks,” ensuring continuous service across diverse environments like deserts, sea routes, and airspace.
Mahmood detailed how 6G will transform network functionality across three core areas. First, integrated sensing allows radios to function as radar, providing centimeter-level positioning and environmental awareness essential for robotics, autonomous vehicles, and smart city infrastructure. Second, post-quantum security involves adopting quantum-resistant encryption to protect national and industrial data flows long into the future. Third, embedded compute blurs the line between cloud and edge, with processing workloads dynamically following data to ensure deterministic, high-performance outcomes. He noted that these features collectively enhance network resilience, enabling systems to remain responsive under virtually any condition.
Marwan Bin Shaker, Acting Chief Technology and Information Officer at e& UAE, highlighted the critical role of collaboration between industry and academia in driving 6G innovation forward. He stated that the successful pilot illustrates how such partnerships can accelerate the development of futuristic technologies, bringing them closer to practical implementation. This achievement not only positions the UAE at the forefront of global telecommunications innovation but also reinforces its strategic vision for digital sovereignty and leadership in smart infrastructure across the Middle East.
(Source: MEA Tech Watch)
