du and Khalifa University unveil region’s first AI-native 6G blueprint

du, the UAE telecom and digital services provider, has released its first industry whitepaper outlining a blueprint for AI-native 6G networks, developed in collaboration with Khalifa University.

Titled “The Intelligence Network: A 6G Blueprint for Telcos,” the whitepaper was developed by du Infra and the Digital Future Institute at Khalifa University. It examines how telecom operators can transition from traditional connectivity providers into intelligence infrastructure providers through autonomous, software-defined and commercially scalable networks.

The publication also highlights findings from du's upper 6 GHz field trials in Mohamed Bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi, where the company tested the performance of upper-mid-band spectrum using existing 5G macro infrastructure.

Field trials demonstrate multi-gigabit potential

According to du, the live trials achieved outdoor coverage of up to 500 metres and peak downlink speeds approaching 1.5 Gbps using existing site infrastructure.

The company said the results represent an important step towards validating the potential of upper 6 GHz spectrum for future high-capacity mobile networks.

The trials were conducted on live macro infrastructure rather than a standalone experimental setup, providing insights into how existing network assets could support the transition towards future AI-native connectivity.

Khalifa University President H.E. Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri said collaboration between academia and industry is important to advancing next-generation technologies, adding that the partnership aims to translate research into practical telecommunications solutions.

From connected networks to intelligent infrastructure

The whitepaper argues that the next generation of telecom networks will need to do more than transmit data. AI-native 6G networks are expected to operate as software-defined platforms capable of sensing network conditions, predicting demand, making decisions and responding in real time.

The report points to technologies including intent-based orchestration, Network Digital Twins and Telecom World Models as key components of this transition.

It also identifies the Radio Access Network (RAN) as a potential centre of network intelligence. Rather than functioning primarily as a radio transmission layer, the future RAN could incorporate sensing, automation and energy-efficiency capabilities to support intelligent wireless communications.

AI could create new telecom revenue streams

Beyond network performance, the blueprint explores the commercial opportunities associated with AI-native infrastructure.

According to du, operators could develop new revenue streams through AI-powered network operations, enterprise digital twins, autonomous AI agents and outcome-based service guarantees.

The approach is designed to address the expected growth in mobile data consumption while operators face comparatively slower revenue growth. The whitepaper positions network intelligence as a potential way for telecom companies to provide higher-value services to enterprises and other customers.

du CEO Fahad Al Hassawi said the telecom industry is moving towards networks that can understand customer and economic needs rather than simply provide connectivity.

He added that the company's upper 6 GHz field results demonstrate that the development of AI-native infrastructure is already progressing through existing network deployments.

Building on 5G-Advanced

du's proposed 6G roadmap builds on its existing 5G-Advanced infrastructure and its commitments under the TM Forum Autonomous Networks Manifesto.

The company said its approach is intended to provide a practical path towards greater network autonomy while maintaining a focus on sustainability and commercial viability.

The collaboration with Khalifa University combines academic research with live network deployment experience, with the companies aiming to contribute to the wider development of AI-native telecommunications in the region.

The release of the whitepaper marks du's latest effort to contribute to discussions around the future of 6G and the potential role of artificial intelligence in transforming telecom networks into autonomous and commercially scalable digital infrastructure.