The UAE’s 145 Gbps 6G Breakthrough Redefines Global Connectivity
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) took a commanding lead in next-generation connectivity. Its lead follows the completion of the region’s first 6G Terahertz (THz) trial. The 6G THz trial achieved an astonishing 145 Gbps throughput. Conducted by e& UAE (formerly Etisalat) in partnership with New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), the trial is a transformative test for both regional telecom innovation and global 6G research.
The pilot validates the UAE’s ambition. It adopts new technologies early that actively advance the global 6G ecosystem. It further cements the nation’s role as a leader in sustainable, intelligent, and immersive connectivity that extends beyond today’s 5G limits.
What’s Happening & Why This Matters
The First 6G Terahertz (THz) Trial
The pilot project was conducted under the 6G Collaboration Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between e& and NYU Abu Dhabi. It demonstrates how THz frequencies can support ultra-high-capacity and ultra-low-latency links. These links are critical for advanced use cases such as holographic telepresence, extended reality (XR), digital twins, and terabit-class backhaul.
According to Marwan Bin Shaker, Acting Chief Technology and Information Officer at e& UAE, the milestone conveys the UAE’s determination. They are set to pioneer at the frontier of technology:
“Achieving a 145 Gbps milestone is a breakthrough moment for the industry and the UAE. This demonstrates our ability to innovate at the edge of connectivity and explore 6G’s transformative potential to reimagine how people, businesses, and cities connect.”
The trial pushes the boundaries of wireless spectrum innovation. It tests frequencies in the Terahertz range (0.1–10 THz) — well beyond 5G’s current millimetre-wave bands. This allows data to travel faster and more efficiently, enabling previously impossible levels of real-time interaction and data transfer.
Academia Meets Industry: The Power of Collaboration
The UAE’s approach recalls a model of academia–industry collaboration. NYUAD’s Research Institute and e&’s network innovation team jointly developed the testbed and research environment. They produced the white paper “Building the Fabric of 6G: Spectrum Frontiers and Enabling Technologies.”
Sehamuddin Galadari, Managing Director of NYUAD’s Research Institute, described the partnership as a template for future innovation:
“This pilot is a major milestone for the region, showing how academic excellence and real-world expertise can together unlock new frontiers in wireless technology.”
Professor Murat Uysal, Founding Director of the NYUAD Wireless Center, added that THz bands are a crucial enabler for the 6G era:
“Their unique propagation characteristics and hardware challenges demand entirely new system architectures. Through this collaboration, we’re building local expertise and global partnerships that directly contribute to 6G standardization.”
The joint research effort ensures that the UAE is not merely implementing 6G technologies — it is helping define them alongside international standard-setting organisations.
Why Terahertz Technology Matters
The THz spectrum spans microwave and infrared frequencies. It offers enormous potential for ultra-fast data transmission. However, it also presents obstacles in signal propagation and energy efficiency. Solving these requires deep interdisciplinary work. It combines artificial intelligence, reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS), and integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) — all core components of the next-generation wireless ecosystem.
The initiative sets the UAE as one of the few countries developing local testbeds. They strive to validate and refine 6G technologies in partnership with global research networks and standards bodies like the 3GPP and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
(Credit: TV Telecom)
TF Summary: What’s Next
The UAE’s success in completing the region’s first 6G THz test shows more than technical mastery. It signals a strategic ambition to lead the world’s next connectivity revolution. Expect e& UAE, NYU Abu Dhabi, and other regional partners to play an active role. They will be defining 6G standards, launching commercial pilots, and influencing policy frameworks for future spectrum allocation.
MY FORECAST: By 2030, the UAE hopes to be a global hub for 6G research, testing, and commercialisation. It will draw new investments and foster an ecosystem that merges AI, quantum computing, and digital twins into real-world applications. The country isn’t just preparing for 6G — it’s helping build its blueprint.
Background:
Zara ‘Z’ Patel stands as a beacon of expertise in the field of digital innovation and Artificial Intelligence. Holding a Ph.D. in Computer Science with a specialization in Machine Learning, Z has worked extensively in AI research and development. Her career includes tenure at leading tech firms where she contributed to breakthrough innovations in AI applications. Z is passionate about the ethical and practical implications of AI in everyday life and is an advocate for responsible and innovative AI use.
