e& UAE, the flagship telecom arm of global technology group e&, has partnered with Khalifa University to launch a new white paper outlining the future of AI-native 6G networks. Titled “6G AI-Native Networks: Architecture, Intelligence, and the Path to Autonomous Connectivity,” the report presents a comprehensive framework aimed at shaping next-generation connectivity and contributing to global standardisation efforts, including IMT-2030 and future 3GPP Release 21+.
The white paper introduces a transformative vision where intelligence is embedded at the core of network architecture, moving beyond incremental enhancements seen in 5G. It proposes a fully AI-native design that integrates learning, reasoning, and autonomous decision-making directly into network operations, positioning 6G as a cognitive and self-optimising system.
Marwan Bin Shakar, Chief Technology Officer at e& UAE, said: “6G is not about incremental performance; it is about redefining the network as an intelligent system. With this blueprint, we are introducing an AI-native architecture where learning, reasoning, and autonomous decision-making are built into the DNA of the network. Our contribution goes beyond vision. We are proposing a structured AI-plane, closed-loop autonomy frameworks, measurable AI KPIs, and open standards interfaces that can directly inform IMT-2030 and 3GPP Release 21+. As a national operator, e& UAE is committed to shaping global standards, accelerating research testbeds, and ensuring that AI-native 6G becomes a trusted, secure, and globally interoperable foundation for the digital economy.”
Professor Ahmed Al Durra, Associate Provost at Khalifa University, added: “This joint white paper reflects the power of deep industry–academia collaboration in shaping the next era of connectivity. AI-native 6G demands not only new wireless technologies, but new architectural thinking, new AI lifecycle governance models, and new standards frameworks. Khalifa University is proud to contribute research-driven insights that integrate distributed intelligence, digital twin ecosystems, and autonomous network orchestration into a coherent global framework. Through this work, we aim to position the UAE at the forefront of AI-native standardisation and innovation, ensuring that 6G networks are intelligent by design, secure by architecture, and globally interoperable.”
At the core of the blueprint is the introduction of a dedicated AI-plane, operating alongside traditional user, control, and management planes. This new layer enables continuous sensing, learning, reasoning, and autonomous action across radio, core, and edge environments. The framework also highlights the role of distributed AI agents, closed-loop automation, AI lifecycle orchestration, and digital twin integration, all supported by standardised interfaces to ensure interoperability across multi-vendor and multi-domain ecosystems.
The white paper outlines five foundational pillars for AI-native 6G: pervasive AI and machine learning frameworks, distributed cloud-edge computing, advanced technologies such as integrated sensing, open programmable architectures, and sustainability-led design. Together, these elements position 6G as more than a high-speed network, evolving it into an intelligent infrastructure capable of predictive optimisation, autonomous operations, and intent-based service delivery. This could unlock use cases ranging from immersive holographic communications to large-scale intelligent transportation systems.
Additionally, the framework introduces measurable AI-native key performance indicators (KPIs), including decision latency in closed-loop systems, learning accuracy, and energy efficiency per AI inference. These metrics are expected to play a critical role in ongoing global standardisation discussions.
Through this collaboration, e& UAE and Khalifa University reinforce their commitment to advancing the UAE’s leadership in AI-native connectivity, fostering innovation, and contributing to the global evolution of next-generation network standards.
