UAE Makes History: First-Ever 6G Terahertz Test in the Middle East Hits Record 145 Gbps Speed
A Giant Leap Toward the Future of Global Connectivity
In a momentous technological milestone, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has etched its name into history as the first country in the Middle East to successfully test 6G Terahertz technology. The test, conducted by e& UAE (formerly known as Etisalat) in collaboration with New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), achieved an astonishing data speed of 145 gigabits per second (Gbps) — setting a new benchmark in next-generation wireless communication.
This record speed isn’t just another step up from 5G — it’s a quantum leap into the future of ultra-fast, intelligent, and secure digital connectivity. The breakthrough signals the dawn of a new era where communication networks go beyond just transferring data — they will think, adapt, and protect on their own.
What Makes 6G So Revolutionary
While 5G technology transformed how we connect and communicate, 6G aims to redefine reality itself. It’s not simply about faster internet — it’s about creating a world where the physical and digital realms merge seamlessly.
Imagine this future:
- Holographic video calls that feel as real as in-person conversations.
- Autonomous vehicles that respond instantly to every change in traffic or weather.
- Smart cities where energy grids, traffic systems, and emergency services communicate in perfect synchronization.
These are not science-fiction dreams anymore — they are the real-world applications that 6G will make possible. With near-zero latency, AI-powered intelligence, and unprecedented bandwidth, 6G networks will act like digital nervous systems — constantly learning, adapting, and optimizing our connected world.
A “Thinking” Network: Intelligent, Secure, and Perceptive
According to Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, CEO of e& UAE, 6G represents far more than just lightning-fast speed.
“The network itself becomes more perceptive, resilient, and secure — sovereign by design,” Mahmood explained.
This means that 6G networks will come with built-in awareness and advanced sensing abilities. Using Terahertz frequencies, devices can detect and interpret their surroundings with centimeter-level precision, acting almost like radar systems.
Imagine your phone being able to sense nearby objects or your car detecting hazards with absolute accuracy — all powered by the network itself.
Security will also reach new heights with post-quantum encryption, making 6G virtually immune to future cyberattacks. As digital threats evolve, so too will the network’s ability to self-protect and secure sensitive national and personal data.
Collaboration that Drives Innovation
The success of this milestone highlights the UAE’s growing emphasis on collaboration between academia and industry.
Marwan Bin Shaker, Acting Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of e& UAE, emphasized how partnerships like these are reshaping the technological landscape.
“Our work with NYU Abu Dhabi shows how academia and industry together can redefine connectivity. We’re not just building faster networks — we’re reimagining how people, businesses, and cities connect,” he said.
By combining cutting-edge research from NYUAD with the innovation power of e& UAE, this collaboration has placed the UAE at the forefront of global 6G research and development — a field expected to revolutionize industries across health, transport, education, defense, and beyond.
Aligning with UAE Vision 2031: Building a Digital Nation
This breakthrough aligns perfectly with the UAE Vision 2031, which aims to position the country as a global hub for innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable development.
With 5G-Advanced networks already delivering world-leading speeds of up to 62 Gbps, the UAE has consistently demonstrated its leadership in telecommunications. The success of the 6G Terahertz test further cements its role as a trailblazer in future-ready infrastructure.
The UAE’s approach reflects a broader ambition — not just to adopt new technology but to shape its global evolution. From AI-driven governance to smart city ecosystems, the country is investing heavily in projects that will define the next digital age.
What Lies Ahead: From Research to Reality
Although 6G technology is still in its early experimental phase worldwide, experts predict commercial deployment by around 2030. However, with this latest achievement, the UAE is already years ahead of the curve — setting the foundation for regional and global leadership in 6G innovation.
The transition from 5G to 6G will open unimaginable possibilities in telemedicine, defense communication, remote learning, immersive entertainment, and more. It will enable massive-scale IoT (Internet of Things) systems that can interconnect billions of devices in real time — all while maintaining top-tier security and sustainability.
The future that once seemed far away is already taking shape — and the UAE is standing right at its frontiers.
The UAE’s record-breaking 6G Terahertz test marks not just a technological triumph but also a symbol of national vision and innovation excellence. With 145 Gbps speed, AI-integrated intelligence, radar-level precision, and next-gen security, this achievement signals the start of a new digital era — one where connectivity becomes limitless, intelligent, and deeply human-centered.
The world is watching as the UAE paves the way for the future of global communication — faster, smarter, and more secure than ever before.
