UAE becomes first Middle East country conduct 6G trial , achieves record speed of 145 Gbps

In a landmark achievement set to redefine the future of connectivity across the region, the UAE, in collaboration with New York University, Abu Dhabi (NYU), has successfully demonstrated the Middle East’s first-ever 6G Terahertz (THz) pilot, reaching a staggering throughput of 145 gigabits per second (Gbps).

The pioneering trial, led by e& UAE , builds on a strategic 6G collaboration memorandum signed earlier with NYU Abu Dhabi. This partnership laid the foundation for cutting-edge research, knowledge exchange, and the development of advanced 6G testbeds in partnership with global standards bodies.

Marwan Bin Shaker, Acting Chief Technology and Information Officer at e& UAE said, “This achievement demonstrates our ability to pioneer at the edge of technology, exploring the transformative potential of 6G to reimagine how people, businesses, and cities connect."

Harnessing the unique properties of THz frequencies, the pilot demonstrated ultra-high-capacity, ultra-low-latency links capable of supporting next-generation applications like holographic telepresence, extended reality (XR), terabit-class backhaul, and digital twins. The success of the trial signals a major leap forward in the region’s quest for intelligent, immersive, and sustainable connectivity.

e& UAE CEO Masood M. Sharif Mahmood described 6G as far more than just a speed race, and 6G will bring about a new network architecture that is intelligent, resilient, and sovereign, integrating satellites and high-altitude platforms to create a seamless “network of networks” ensuring uninterrupted service across vast landscapes such as deserts, seas, and airspaces.

UAE’s 6G innovation is shaping the future of connectivity

The technology also promises revolutionary features including built-in sensing that turns radios into radar for precise positioning and environment awareness - critical for autonomous vehicles and robots sharing public spaces as well as quantum-resistant security safeguarding critical infrastructure.

The joint research initiative also produced a definitive white paper, “Building the Fabric of 6G: Spectrum Frontiers and Enabling Technologies,” highlighting AI-native networking, reconfigurable intelligent surfaces, and integrated sensing and communication as key pillars shaping the future of global 6G standards.

This milestone not only propels the UAE to the cutting edge of wireless innovation but also underlines the vital role of academia-industry collaboration in shaping next-generation telecommunications.

Sehamuddin Galadari, Managing Director of NYU Abu Dhabi’s Research Institute, said, “This pilot is a major milestone for the region, demonstrating how joint collaboration can unlock new frontiers in wireless technology. By combining academic excellence with real-world operator expertise, the UAE is positioning itself as a co-creator of the 6G era.”

As the world eagerly anticipates the rollout of 6G, the UAE’s breakthrough strengthens its reputation as a global hub for technology and a pioneer shaping the future of digital connectivity.