The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is preparing to allocate 600MHz and 6GHz bands soon, a decision aimed at accelerating the development of 6G services within the Arab world’s second largest economy. The announcement was made by the Telecommunications and Digital Regulatory Authority (TDRA) on Friday.

Majed Al Mesmar, the director general of the TDRA, emphasized that this move would significantly enhance the future of communication in the UAE. He stated that “the adoption of the new bands would provide the quantum leap needed to ensure that the UAE, which has always been ahead, will maintain this pioneer ship for years to come.”

The TDRA explained that the allocated bands will be utilized for mobile telecommunications systems, enabling consumers to eventually access 6G technology. Al Mesmar noted that “6G technologies represent a paradigm shift in the world of technology, as they provide blazing-fast data speeds in the terabit level, a response time [latency] of less than a millisecond, and improved networking through artificial intelligence.”

This advancement is expected to facilitate real-time hologram connectivity, as well as enhance virtual and augmented reality experiences, along with a large-scale integration of the Internet of Things (IoT). The IoT is described as a network of connected devices that allows for seamless communication between computing systems through wired and wireless networks, enabling near-frictionless digital monitoring and control of the physical environment.

Sixth-generation technology will build upon the successes of 5G and 4G technologies by providing faster speeds and data transfers for users of smartphones, tablets, and laptops. The TDRA pointed out that the UAE is among the first countries globally to take the initiative to allocate such bands to operators, with the actual operation of these new frequency bands expected to commence between 2025 and 2026.

The TDRA introduced a 6G roadmap, which aims to replicate the UAE’s achievements as one of the first nations to deploy 5G technology. The authority noted, “In 2018, the UAE emerged as the fourth country globally to deploy 5G, marking a pioneering stride in technology.”

The TDRA added that as 5G continues to evolve, the current strategic plans include ongoing development of an advanced 5G network, with a targeted transition to 6G by 2030. Talal Belhoul Al Falasi, the chairman of the TDRA’s board, remarked that this latest announcement coincides with Eid Al Etihad, also known as Union Day, underscoring the importance of establishing a foundation for modernization and evolution in this rapidly changing era.