du and Khalifa University Outline AI-Native 6G Roadmap for the UAE
du and Khalifa University have outlined a potential framework for the development of AI-native 6G networks, combining academic research with findings from live telecom infrastructure trials in Abu Dhabi.
The organisations have published a whitepaper titled The Intelligence Network: A 6G Blueprint for Telcos, developed by du Infra in collaboration with the Digital Future Institute at Khalifa University. The paper examines how telecommunications networks could evolve from connectivity infrastructure into AI-driven platforms capable of supporting autonomous network operations and new commercial services.
As part of the work, du conducted upper 6 GHz field trials on live macro network infrastructure in Mohamed Bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi. The trials achieved outdoor coverage of up to 500 metres and peak downlink speeds approaching 1.5 Gbps using existing site infrastructure, according to the companies.
The results provide an indication of how upper-mid-band spectrum could contribute to future network deployments without requiring entirely new infrastructure.
H.E. Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President, Khalifa University, said, “Advancing next-generation technologies requires deep collaboration between academia and industry. Through this partnership with du, Khalifa University is translating world-class research into practical solutions that help shape the future of intelligent telecommunications. By combining scientific expertise with real-world deployment, we are not only contributing to the evolution of AI-native 6G networks but also reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global hub for innovation, advanced technologies and knowledge-driven economic growth.”
Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO of du, said, “The next decade of telecom will be defined by how much intelligence they can deliver. This whitepaper sets out du’s conviction that networks must evolve from infrastructure that connects to infrastructure that understands the needs of our customers and the wider economy. Our upper 6 GHz field results show that this future is not theoretical. It is being built today, on our existing network, and positions du to lead the region’s transition toward AI-native, autonomous telecom infrastructure.”
The whitepaper examines the expected evolution of 6G from the capabilities introduced with 5G and 5G-Advanced. It describes future networks as software-defined, AI-native platforms capable of sensing network conditions, predicting demand, making decisions and responding in real time.
The research comes as mobile data consumption continues to increase. The whitepaper references GSMA projections that mobile data traffic could more than triple by 2030, while telecom revenue growth is expected to remain comparatively modest.
To address the resulting pressure on network capacity and economics, the proposed 6G architecture incorporates technologies such as intent-based orchestration, Network Digital Twins and Telecom World Models. These technologies are intended to enable networks to understand their operating environments and requirements more effectively, automate network decisions and improve the efficiency of infrastructure management.
The Radio Access Network (RAN) is also given a broader role in the proposed architecture. Rather than functioning primarily as a radio transmission layer, the RAN could become a platform for network intelligence, sensing capabilities and more energy-efficient wireless communications.
The blueprint also examines the potential commercial impact of AI-native networks. Rather than limiting operators to connectivity services, the proposed model would allow network intelligence to become a service that can be offered to enterprises and other customers.
Potential applications include AI-assisted network operations, enterprise digital twins, autonomous AI agents and outcome-based service guarantees. For operators, this could create additional revenue opportunities while allowing network resources to be managed more dynamically.
du’s roadmap builds on its existing 5G-Advanced infrastructure and its participation in the TM Forum Autonomous Networks Manifesto. The company said the approach is intended to provide a practical path towards increasing network autonomy rather than treating 6G as a technology transition that begins only with the arrival of new radio infrastructure.
The whitepaper combines the field-trial findings with research into network architecture, automation and commercial models, providing a framework for how telecom operators could prepare for the transition towards AI-native 6G networks.
