A panel discussion held during the second edition of MWC26 Doha at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center shed light on the future of 6G networks, artificial intelligence, and connected infrastructure in shaping the next phase of the global telecommunications sector.
Titled '6G, AI, and Connected Infrastructure', the session was moderated by Director of Technology at GSMA Dr Nadia Brahmi and featured leading experts and specialists from regional and international technology firms.
Participants included Professor at Khalifa University and head of 6G R&D programmes Merouane Debbah; Head of Networks of Ericsson in Middle East and North Africa, Ante Mihovilovic; Global Head of Spectrum Standardisation at Nokia, Eiman Bushra; Director of Networks at Ooredoo Group Brahim Ben Mustapha; and Head of Future Technology at UAE Etisalat Group, Bushra Abdelaziz.
Head of Networks of Ericsson in Middle East and North Africa Ante Mihovilovic emphasised that the global telecommunications sector is undergoing a strategic shift toward 6G supported by artificial intelligence, underscoring that continued investment in 5G is vital as 6G represents a gradual, evolutionary path extending toward 2030 rather than a sudden leap.
For his part, Professor Merouane Debbah explained that the technology sector is experiencing an unprecedented structural transformation driven by rapid AI advancements and the proliferation of intelligent agents, noting that telecommunications networks will increasingly serve these systems alongside human users.
Head of Spectrum Standardisation at Nokia in Middle East and North Africa Eiman Bushra highlighted that 6G standardisation is progressing steadily through co-ordination between the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). She noted that 3GPP Release 21 will serve as the initial milestone for defining 6G specifications ahead of commercial deployment expected between 2029 and 2030, adding that 6G will build upon existing 5G infrastructure facilitated by Multi-Radio Spectrum Sharing (MRSS) technology.
Meanwhile, Head of Future Technology Bushra Abdelaziz stated that successful deployment requires a flexible approach tailored to individual market characteristics rather than a universal model, requiring the integration of legislative and technical readiness, spectrum availability, and commercial co-operation.
Director of Networks at Ooredoo Group Brahim Ben Mustapha highlighted a strategic partnership launched at MWC26 Doha between GSMA Industry Services and Exponent, noting that the initiative empowers mobile operators to offer advanced digital services to small and micro-enterprises, bridges the digital divide, and supports inclusive development.
Panellists concluded by emphasising the importance of fostering regional and international co-operation and aligning efforts of operators and technology providers to harness 6G and AI potential for sustainable smart economies.
