Technology

The SAMENA Telecommunications Council has confirmed that its annual Leaders’ Summit 2026 will take place on April 1 at Atlantis The Palm, bringing together policymakers, telecom operators, and technology stakeholders to align strategies across the region’s digital ecosystem.

The summit will be held under the patronage of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) and in collaboration with Huawei, reinforcing its role as a key platform for dialogue on policy, innovation, and investment in the ICT sector.

Strategic timing and regional engagement

Positioned as the first major regional leadership forum following Eid al-Fitr, the summit aims to re-engage stakeholders across the UAE and the wider GCC on shared priorities. Organisers said maintaining the original schedule reflects the need for continuity in coordination amid evolving global and regional conditions.

The event is expected to attract participants from across the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, and South Asia, focusing on strengthening market confidence and aligning institutional and commercial agendas.

Focus on future-ready digital infrastructure

Held under the theme “Intelligent Networks for Sovereign & Sustainable Futures,” the summit will address key issues shaping the future of digital infrastructure. Discussions will include policy dialogue on spectrum management, particularly the 6 GHz band, and early preparations for global regulatory developments such as WRC-27.

Artificial intelligence adoption will also feature prominently, with sessions exploring the transition from pilot projects to large-scale deployment across telecom networks and industries. In parallel, telecom operators are expected to examine new business models, including data-driven monetisation strategies that align with privacy regulations.

Emerging technologies and resilience planning

The agenda will further explore hybrid connectivity models that integrate terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, alongside the growing role of space-based infrastructure. Topics such as space sustainability and orbital governance are expected to gain attention amid increasing satellite deployments.

Given current global dynamics, the summit will also include discussions on infrastructure protection, network resilience, and continuity planning, highlighting the interconnected nature of cloud systems, data centres, and communication networks.

Strengthening regional collaboration

According to Bocar BA, sustained leadership dialogue is essential to ensuring stable and forward-looking development of digital infrastructure across the region.

The UAE’s coordinated approach between regulators, operators, and technology providers provides a strong foundation for such engagement, organisers noted. The summit is expected to further reinforce collaboration and support long-term growth across the regional ICT ecosystem.

To facilitate international participation, SAMENA has partnered with AMH Tourism as the Smart Destination Partner, offering streamlined travel and on-ground arrangements for attendees.

Driving long-term digital growth

The SAMENA Leaders’ Summit 2026 will serve as a platform to align policy, investment, and technological priorities, ensuring that the region’s digital infrastructure remains resilient and capable of supporting future economic growth.

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