The Samena Telecommunications Council has confirmed the 2026 Leaders’ Summit will take place as scheduled on April 1st at the Atlantis, The Palm hotel in Dubai. This event is being supported by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority and is organized in collaboration with Huawei, underlining the UAE’s prominent role as a regional and global hub for digital transformation and telecommunications development.
This year’s summit, themed “Smart Networks for a Sovereign and Sustainable Future,” will cover a range of critical topics, including spectrum policies, particularly in the 6 GHz range, preparations for the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference, and the application of artificial intelligence in networks along with shifts in business models for telecommunications operators. These discussions aim to enhance the competitiveness of the sector in the UAE and align with its advanced digital economy goals.
According to Bokar A. Ba, the CEO of the Samena Council, holding the summit in the UAE reflects confidence in its position as a central hub for dialogue and coordination in the telecommunications sector. He emphasized the ongoing importance of leadership discussions to ensure sustainable and forward-thinking digital infrastructure development. The summit will also contribute to achieving consensus among various stakeholders on immediate and long-term priorities that support digital market stability. Additionally, arrangements have been made with AMH Tourism as the smart destination partner to facilitate international delegation participation, enhancing the attendees’ experience in Dubai and showcasing the country’s readiness to host major global events.
The Samena Council encourages stakeholders in communications, technology, and digital services to participate in the summit, asserting that its location in the UAE enhances its role in steering the digital future of the sector and supports the creation of a more resilient, integrated, and sustainable ecosystem in the region.
The summit exemplifies the effectiveness of the UAE’s regulatory environment and its ability to meet market demands while ensuring continuous coordination among policymakers, operators, and technology partners, thereby boosting market confidence and reinforcing the sustainability of the digital economy.
This summit, which will be the first regional leadership dialogue following Eid al-Fitr, serves as a strategic platform originating from the UAE to realign sector priorities in the region, leveraging the country’s advanced digital infrastructure and fostering an environment conducive to innovation and collaboration among various stakeholders.
Moreover, the summit will highlight hybrid connectivity models that combine terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, the growing role of space infrastructure, and the UAE’s rapid investments in the space sector, alongside discussions on space sustainability and orbital governance.
It will also address frameworks in light of global changes concerning the protection of digital infrastructure and the resilience of networks.