Dubai — H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance & Coexistence, inaugurated today the SAMENA Telecommunications Council Leaders’ Summit 2026, held at Atlantis The Palm in Dubai, under the theme: “Intelligent Networks for Sovereign and Sustainable Futures.”
The summit convened at a sensitive time in the region, bringing together a distinguished group of leaders and decision-makers from the telecommunications, technology, policy, and investment sectors, underscoring the importance of continued dialogue, coordination, and strengthened partnerships across the industry.
The summit was held in strategic collaboration with Huawei and under the principal patronage of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), reflecting the UAE’s continued leadership in advancing a stable, forward-looking digital ecosystem. The event witnessed broad participation, both in person and virtually, from key stakeholders across the digital landscape, reaffirming the UAE’s position as a trusted hub for industrial cooperation and strategic dialogue.
Al Nahyan said, “It gives me great pleasure to join you on this important occasion. I would like to begin by extending my warmest congratulations to the SAMENA Council on the occasion of its twentieth anniversary. Over the past two decades, the Council has played a constructive role in shaping dialogue, fostering cooperation, and advancing strategic thinking across our region. During these years, I have come to know the SAMENA Council as an organisation that embraces creativity, innovation, and forward-thinking, with a strong ability to adapt, while maintaining a deep commitment to regional development and global connectivity. ”
The theme of this summit, ‘Intelligent Networks for Sovereign and Sustainable Futures, reflects the reality that our digital future is inseparable from our economic future, security, and humanity, pointed out Al Nahyan. This theme addresses critical issues such as data centers, cybersecurity, and the regulation of technology companies. Above all, it concerns the ability of nations—and indeed regions—to make free, secure, lawful, and strategic decisions regarding their digital systems.
He said: “In the UAE, we have embraced digital transformation with clarity and confidence. We have invested in digital government, AI-powered public services, strategic infrastructure, and future-ready governance.”
“We encourage innovation, welcome global partnerships, and recognise the importance of effective regulation and long-term strategic planning.”
“The future of digital sovereignty and sustainability in our region must be built on four key principles: First, resilience — our infrastructure must be secure, redundant, and prepared for disruption. Second, trust — individuals, businesses, and governments must have confidence in the legality, reliability, and governance of their digital systems. Third, partnership — no country can succeed alone, and responsible regional and international cooperation remains essential. Fourth, wisdom — technology policy must serve people and protect dignity, stability, prosperity, and peace. I once again congratulate the SAMENA Council on twenty years of distinguished service, leadership, and regional contribution. This anniversary is not only a celebration of past achievements but also an opportunity to look ahead and shape the next chapter with purpose and courage. I wish you continued success,” added Al Nahyan.
The summit witnessed strong participation from telecom operators, regulators, global technology providers, and international organisations. Partners contributed specialised sessions addressing key industry transformations, including the evolution of advanced 5G technologies, the integration of artificial intelligence into networks and industrial systems, and the emergence of new connectivity models combining terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks.
Discussions highlighted the increasing complexity of the operating environment for telecom operators, driven by the rapid growth in demand for data and digital services, rising investment requirements, evolving regulatory frameworks, and the need for sustainable revenue models. Participants emphasised that the next phase requires moving beyond traditional connectivity models and focusing on value creation through enterprise solutions, digital platforms, and specialised applications.
Artificial intelligence featured prominently, with sessions examining its transition from experimentation to real-world deployment, alongside governance, accountability, and alignment with national priorities. The concept of “sovereign AI” was also highlighted as a practical framework to balance innovation with regulatory sovereignty.
The summit also addressed the accelerated transformation of telecom companies into broader technology-driven business models, the integration of terrestrial and satellite networks, and the emergence of direct-to-device connectivity technologies, enhancing coverage and network resilience while requiring greater coordination in spectrum management and regulatory standards.
In this context, the upper 6 GHz band emerged as a key discussion point, with participants stressing the importance of aligning spectrum policies with future requirements. The summit also highlighted issues related to space sustainability and orbital governance amid increasing space activity.
A high-level CEO session explored leadership roles in shaping the future of digital infrastructure and innovation, showcasing practical applications of artificial intelligence, such as digital twins, to support strategic decision-making.
Bocar BA, CEO and Board Member of the SAMENA Council, emphasised that convening the summit amid current regional conditions reflects the importance of continued dialogue and coordination among stakeholders, noting that developing digital infrastructure is a necessity that cannot be postponed.
He added that the outcomes of the summit will contribute to advancing regional and international discussions on spectrum policy, AI governance, connectivity models, and investment in digital infrastructure.
The summit concluded by reaffirming the SAMENA Council’s pivotal role as a platform uniting public and private sectors, fostering partnerships, supporting innovation, and ensuring that technological advancements translate into tangible economic and societal value.
