H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance & Coexistence, officially opened the SAMENA Telecommunications Council Leaders’ Summit 2026 at Atlantis The Palm in Dubai. The summit, themed “Intelligent Networks for Sovereign and Sustainable Futures,” gathered prominent figures from the telecommunications, technology, policy, and investment sectors at a particularly critical moment for the region, reinforcing the value of sustained dialogue and stronger cross-industry collaboration.
Organized in strategic partnership with Huawei and held under the principal patronage of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), the summit underscored the UAE’s ongoing commitment to fostering a stable and forward-looking digital environment. The event drew extensive participation from key stakeholders across the digital sector, both on-site and remotely, further cementing the UAE’s reputation as a leading hub for industrial cooperation and high-level strategic exchange.
In his keynote address at the opening ceremony, H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan said, “It gives me great pleasure to join you on this important occasion. I would like to begin by extending my warmest congratulations to the SAMENA Council on the occasion of its twentieth anniversary. Over the past two decades, the Council has played a constructive role in shaping dialogue, fostering cooperation, and advancing strategic thinking across our region. During these years, I have come to know the SAMENA Council as an organization that embraces creativity, innovation, and forward-thinking, with a strong ability to adapt, while maintaining a deep commitment to regional development and global connectivity. Twenty years may not be a long time in the life of some institutions, but in the life of the digital economy, it represents multiple generations. When SAMENA was founded, broadband was a luxury, smartphones did not exist as we know them today, and the idea that artificial intelligence would one day be central to national economic strategies seemed closer to science fiction. The Council’s success and its growing relevance year after year reflect the clarity of its vision and its ability to evolve without losing its core purpose. I commend your significant contributions to shaping the digital and economic landscape of our region and express my appreciation for your steadfast commitment to our shared vision of an inclusive and sustainable digital economic future.”
He added, “It is fitting that your annual meeting is being held here in Dubai, a city that serves as a key nexus for trade and investment flows across SAMENA markets. This year’s meeting takes place at a time of heightened tensions and conflicts in the region. While this undoubtedly presents a challenge, the United Arab Emirates has never approached challenges with hesitation. We face them from a position of strength, built on firm foundations established with great care and exceptional vision over more than five decades. These foundations continue to be strengthened under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, with the strong support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, and through the wisdom and dedication of our people, both citizens and residents. Regardless of the pressures or challenges, the UAE will remain steady, capable, and forward-looking. We will continue to protect our nation and preserve peace. Under the guidance of His Highness the President, the UAE is committed to pursuing a path that safeguards lives and reduces violence. With his wise and visionary leadership, we will meet challenges with confidence, discipline, and determination. This is the strength of the UAE. This is its resilience. Our vision is clear, our leadership is wise, our people are committed to the values of peace and justice, and our institutions are built on strong principles and traditions. Accordingly, the UAE will continue to work for peace and prosperity, both domestically and internationally, with determination and dedication.”
He added, “The theme of this summit is both timely and highly relevant. ‘Intelligent Networks for Sovereign and Sustainable Futures’ reflects the reality that our digital future is inseparable from our economic future, our security, and our humanity. This theme addresses critical issues such as data centers, cybersecurity, and the regulation of technology companies. Above all, it concerns the ability of nations—and indeed regions—to make free, secure, lawful, and strategic decisions regarding their digital systems. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring that countries retain control over the digital foundations of their economic and social life, with the power to decide, the capacity to act, and the strength to endure. Naturally, the discussion around digital sovereignty and sustainability is shaped by regional considerations, prevailing political and legal environments, strategic realities, and global developments. No country can, or should, aim for complete digital self-sufficiency. Our world is interconnected, and our prosperity depends on cooperation, investment, openness, and exchange.”
He noted that, “Digital sovereignty and sustainability are of critical importance to the SAMENA region. It is a region defined by strategic geography, ambitious digital transformation, advanced infrastructure, energy systems, logistics corridors, financial flows, smart cities, and growing investments in artificial intelligence. It is also home to dynamic populations and governments committed to building a brighter future. This presents tremendous opportunities, but also significant responsibilities. These responsibilities require that digital sovereignty be understood in practical terms, supported by appropriate policies and regulations, and strengthened through regional cooperation and coordination.”
He said, “This brings me to the current tensions in our region. In times of conflict, the digital domain becomes part of the battlefield, potentially targeted to create disruption, fear, and economic instability. It is therefore essential that digital infrastructure remains resilient and capable of serving the needs of the nation and its people under all circumstances. In the UAE, we have embraced digital transformation with clarity and confidence. We have invested in digital government, AI-powered public services, strategic infrastructure, and future-ready governance. We encourage innovation, welcome global partnerships, and recognize the importance of effective regulation and long-term strategic planning.”
He concluded, “Allow me to conclude by emphasizing that the future of digital sovereignty and sustainability in our region must be built on four key principles: First, resilience — our infrastructure must be secure, redundant, and prepared for disruption. Second, trust — individuals, businesses, and governments must have confidence in the legality, reliability, and governance of their digital systems. Third, partnership — no country can succeed alone, and responsible regional and international cooperation remains essential. Fourth, wisdom — technology policy must serve people and protect dignity, stability, prosperity, and peace. I once again congratulate the SAMENA Council on twenty years of distinguished service, leadership, and regional contribution. This anniversary is not only a celebration of past achievements but also an opportunity to look ahead and shape the next chapter with purpose and courage. I wish you continued success.”
The summit attracted broad participation from telecom operators, regulators, global technology companies, and international organizations. Through a series of specialized sessions led by industry partners, discussions covered the advancement of 5G technologies, the growing role of artificial intelligence in networks and industrial operations, and emerging connectivity models that bridge terrestrial and non-terrestrial infrastructure.
Delegates examined the increasingly complex landscape facing telecom operators, shaped by surging data demand, rising capital requirements, shifting regulatory environments, and the urgent need for viable and sustainable revenue strategies. A central takeaway was that the sector must move beyond its traditional connectivity role and pivot toward value creation through enterprise services, digital platforms, and tailored applications.
Artificial intelligence was a dominant theme throughout the summit, with dedicated sessions exploring its shift from pilot programs to full-scale deployment, and the governance structures needed to ensure accountability and alignment with national development goals. The concept of “sovereign AI” gained traction as a practical approach to reconciling technological innovation with regulatory autonomy.
Attendees also examined the broader transformation of telecom companies into technology-driven enterprises, the convergence of satellite and ground-based networks, and the rise of direct-to-device connectivity — a development that promises to extend coverage and strengthen network resilience, though one that demands closer coordination on spectrum management and regulatory harmonization.
The upper 6 GHz spectrum band attracted notable attention, with participants calling for greater policy alignment to meet evolving connectivity demands. Space sustainability and the governance of orbital resources also featured in discussions, reflecting growing concern over the accelerating pace of space activity.
A dedicated CEO roundtable examined the role of senior leadership in shaping the future of digital infrastructure, with practical demonstrations of artificial intelligence tools — including digital twins — as instruments for strategic planning and decision-making. SAMENA Council CEO and Board Member Bocar BA highlighted that holding the summit during a period of regional tension speaks to the urgency of maintaining open channels of dialogue and coordination among industry stakeholders, stressing that investment in digital infrastructure is an imperative that cannot be delayed.
He noted that the summit’s outcomes are expected to meaningfully inform ongoing regional and international conversations around spectrum policy, AI governance, next-generation connectivity, and digital infrastructure investment. The summit closed by reaffirming the SAMENA Council’s central role as a platform that bridges the public and private sectors, cultivates strategic partnerships, champions innovation, and works to ensure that technological progress delivers concrete economic and social benefits across the region.
