His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, inaugurated the Leaders’ Summit 2026, organized by the SAMENA Telecommunications Council at the Atlantis, The Palm hotel in Dubai, under the theme “Smart Networks for a Sovereign and Sustainable Future.”
The summit was held during a critical regional phase, bringing together prominent leaders and decision-makers from the telecommunications, technology, policy, and investment sectors, emphasizing the necessity for continued dialogue, coordination, and strengthened partnerships within the industry.
This event was co-hosted with Huawei and prominently sponsored by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority and the Digital Government, highlighting the UAE’s ongoing leadership in establishing a stable and forward-thinking digital ecosystem.
The summit witnessed extensive participation, both in-person and virtually, from various stakeholders in the digital landscape, reflecting ongoing confidence in the UAE as a reliable hub for industrial collaboration and strategic dialogue.
During his opening address at the summit, His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan expressed his delight to attend this significant occasion. He extended his heartfelt congratulations to the SAMENA Council on its 20th anniversary, recognizing its constructive role in fostering dialogue and cooperation and strengthening strategic thinking in the region. Over the past two decades, the SAMENA Council has established itself as an organization that embraces creativity and innovation while being highly adaptable and committed to supporting regional development and enhancing global connectivity. While twenty years may not seem long for some institutions, in the realm of the digital economy, it represents several successive generations.
He continued, stating that when the SAMENA Council was founded, broadband services were a luxury, smartphones were not yet prevalent, and the notion of artificial intelligence being central to national economic strategies seemed far-fetched. The council’s growth over the years and its increasing significance underscore its vision and ability to evolve without losing its core identity. He congratulated all attendees on their substantial contributions to shaping the digital and economic landscape in the region and expressed appreciation for their steadfast commitment to a shared vision for a comprehensive and sustainable digital economic future.
He remarked that it is fitting to hold the annual meeting in Dubai, a key convergence point for trade and investment flows among SAMENA markets. This year’s gathering comes at a time marked by increasing regional tensions and conflicts, presenting challenges that the UAE has consistently faced with resolve, relying on solid foundations crafted with exceptional vision over the past five decades.
His Excellency reiterated that these foundations continue to advance under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and with strong support from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. He emphasized that regardless of pressures or challenges, the UAE will remain steadfast, capable, and future-oriented, committed to protecting its homeland and preserving peace. Under the guidance of the President, the UAE is dedicated to pursuing approaches that aim to save lives and reduce violence, ensuring that it meets challenges with confidence, discipline, and determination. This reflects the strength and resilience of the UAE, with a clear vision, wise leadership, and a populace committed to the values of peace and justice.
He further stated that the theme of the summit is timely and captures the reality that our digital future is intertwined with our economic future, security, and humanity. It addresses multiple issues, including data centers, cybersecurity, and the regulation of technology companies. Above all, it concerns the capacity of nations, and regions, to make free, secure, lawful, and strategic decisions regarding their digital systems, stressing the importance of nations retaining control over the digital underpinnings of their economic and social lives.
He remarked that discussions on digital sovereignty and sustainability are influenced by regional considerations, political and legal environments, and strategic developments. No country can, nor should, seek to achieve complete digital self-sufficiency, as the world is interconnected, and our prosperity relies on cooperation, investment, openness, and exchange.
His Excellency noted that digital sovereignty and sustainability are critical issues for the SAMENA region, which enjoys a strategic location, ambitious digital transformations, advanced infrastructures, energy systems, logistical corridors, financial flows, smart cities, and growing investments in artificial intelligence. The region is also home to dynamic populations and governments committed to building a brighter future, presenting vast opportunities but also imposing significant responsibilities. This responsibility necessitates a practical understanding of digital sovereignty, supported by suitable policies and legislation while enhancing regional cooperation and coordination.
He returned to the current tensions in the region, noting that in times of conflict, the digital space becomes a battleground, targeted for disruption, fear, and economic destabilization. Therefore, it is crucial for digital infrastructure to remain robust and capable of meeting the needs of the state and society under various circumstances. The UAE has confidently and clearly embraced digital transformation, investing in digital government, AI-supported public services, strategic infrastructure, and future governance. The UAE encourages innovation, welcomes global partnerships, and recognizes the importance of effective regulation and long-term strategic planning.
Concluding his remarks, he stated that the future of digital sovereignty and sustainability in the region should rest on four fundamental principles: First, resilience—our infrastructure must be secure, multi-faceted, and able to withstand disruptions; second, trust—individuals, businesses, and governments must have confidence that their digital systems are lawful, reliable, and well-managed; third, partnership—no country can succeed alone, and responsible regional and international cooperation is essential; and fourth, wisdom—technological policies must serve humanity while protecting dignity, stability, prosperity, and peace.
He concluded by reiterating his congratulations to the SAMENA Telecommunications Council on its 20 years of outstanding contributions, leadership, and regional engagement, viewing this occasion as not just a celebration of past achievements but an opportunity to envision the future with a clear and courageous perspective. Wishing continued success and progress ahead.
Fifth-Generation Technologies
The summit’s sessions highlighted the major transformations within the telecommunications and technology sectors, focusing on the evolution of fifth-generation technologies and the application of artificial intelligence in networks and industrial systems, alongside the concept of sovereign AI as a framework to ensure a balance between innovation and regulatory sovereignty. Discussions also covered the shift toward broader technological business models that integrate terrestrial networks with space systems, direct device connectivity technologies for enhanced coverage and network flexibility, and the importance of aligning spectrum policies with future needs, sustainability of space, and governance of orbits amidst increased space activity. A special CEO-level session showcased practical AI applications, such as digital twins, aimed at supporting strategic decision-making and enhancing operational efficiency within digital infrastructures.
Eng. Saif bin Ghalita, Executive Director of Technology Development Affairs at the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, participated in the SAMENA Leaders’ Summit 2026, congratulating the council on its two decades of contributions to the region’s information and communication technology sector. He emphasized the council’s role in providing a platform for dialogue and knowledge sharing while promoting cooperation among regional entities, noting the diverse summit program that addressed sovereign artificial intelligence, autonomous networks, advanced fifth-generation technology, and hybrid connectivity.
He pointed out that the UAE considers the telecommunications sector fundamental to national progress, highlighting that the robust digital infrastructure and the national digital identity “UAE PASS” reflect the country’s resilience and superior performance. He also referred to the national sixth-generation initiative and investments in sovereign AI as strategic steps ensuring a forward-looking and sustainable digital future.
He ended by stating that regional and international cooperation is essential for addressing shared challenges and asserted that digital transformation in the UAE aims to create a tangible impact on individuals’ lives, stressing, “The next twenty years begin today.”
Supporting Partnerships
Bokar Ba, CEO and Board Member of the SAMENA Council, confirmed that holding the summit amid current regional circumstances underscores the importance of continuing dialogue and coordination among various parties. He emphasized the necessity of developing digital infrastructure to foster innovation and translating technological advancements into tangible economic and community value. The summit concluded by reiterating the pivotal role of the SAMENA Council as a unifying platform for the public and private sectors, contributing to supporting partnerships and enhancing innovation while ensuring technology developments translate into beneficial outcomes for the economy and society in the region.
The summit saw robust participation from telecommunications operators, regulatory bodies, global technology providers, and international organizations, delivering specialized sessions that addressed the latest shifts in the digital sector, including the integration of AI into networks, digital infrastructure development, and discussions on the challenges of digital sovereignty and sustainability in the region. The discussions shed light on the increasing complexities of the operational environment, the rising demand for digital services, and the necessity for innovative sustainable revenue models, focusing on creating real value through institutional solutions, digital platforms, and specialized applications, contributing to advancing the digital development trajectory and enhancing the region’s position as a global hub for technology and digital investment.