Nahyan bin Mubarak inaugurates the Samena Communications Council Leaders Summit 2026
DUBAI, 1st April, 2017 (WAM) – His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, opened the 2026 Leaders Summit, organized by the Samena Communications Council at the Atlantis Hotel – The Palm in Dubai, under the slogan “Smart Grids for a Sovereign and Sustainable Future.”
The summit was held at a sensitive regional stage, as it brought together an elite of senior leaders and decision-makers from the communications, technology, policy and investment sectors, stressing the importance of continuing dialogue, coordination and strengthening partnerships within the sector.
The summit was held in cooperation with Huawei, and with the main sponsorship of the Communications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority, reflecting the UAE’s continued leadership in establishing a stable and forward-looking digital system.
The event witnessed wide participation, both in person and virtually, from various actors in the digital system, which reflects the continued confidence in the UAE as a reliable center for industrial cooperation and strategic dialogue.
His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan delivered a keynote speech during the opening of the summit, in which he said: I am very pleased to be with you on this important occasion. I would first like to extend my warmest congratulations to the Samena Council on the occasion of its twentieth anniversary. For two decades, the Council has played a constructive role in shaping dialogue, enhancing cooperation, and consolidating strategic thinking in our region. During these years, SAMENA Council has been known as an institution that embraces creativity, innovation and forward-thinking, has a high ability to adapt, and has a firm commitment to supporting regional development and enhancing global connectivity. Twenty years may not be considered a long time in the lifespan of some organizations, but in the age of the digital economy it represents several successive generations.
His Excellency added: When the Samena Council was established, broadband services were a luxury, smartphones had not yet appeared in the form we know today, and the idea of artificial intelligence becoming a major focus in national economic strategies was closer to the imagination of writers. The Council’s prosperity during these years and the growth of its status and importance year after year clearly reflects its vision and ability to develop without losing its basic identity. I congratulate you on your significant contributions to shaping the digital and economic landscape in our region. I express my appreciation for your firm commitment to our shared vision towards an inclusive and sustainable digital economic future.
His Excellency said: It is appropriate that your annual meeting be held here in Dubai, a city that is a major meeting point for trade and investment flows between SAMENA markets. This meeting this year comes at a time when the region is witnessing increasing tensions and conflicts. There is no doubt that this constitutes a challenge, but we in the UAE have never dealt with challenges with hesitation. Rather, we face them from a position of strength, relying on solid foundations built with great care and exceptional vision over more than five decades.
His Excellency stressed that these foundations are based and continue to advance thanks to the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, “may God protect him,” and with the strong support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, “may God protect him.” And thanks to the wisdom and loyalty of our people, both citizens and residents, and whatever the pressures or challenges, the UAE will remain steadfast, capable, and looking to the future. We will continue to protect our homeland and maintain peace, under the guidance of His Excellency. His Highness the President, the UAE is committed to adopting an approach that seeks to save lives and reduce violence, and thanks to his wise leadership and sound visions, we will face challenges with confidence, discipline and determination. This is the strength of the UAE, and this is its flexibility. Our vision is clear, our leadership is wise, our people are committed to the values of peace and justice, and our institutions are based on solid foundations of values, principles and traditions. Based on this, the UAE will continue to work for peace and prosperity, internally and externally, with determination, determination and commitment.
His Excellency added: I appreciate your choice of the topic for this summit. The slogan “Smart Grids for a Sovereign and Sustainable Future” reflects a very important timing, and embodies the fact that our digital future is inseparable from our economic future, our security, and our humanity. This topic addresses multiple issues, including data centers, cybersecurity, and regulation of technology companies. Above all, it is about the ability of countries, and even regions, to make free, secure, lawful and strategic decisions about their digital systems. It reflects the need for countries not to lose control over the digital foundations of their economic and social life, but rather to have the ability to make decisions, the ability to implement, and the strength to continue.
His Excellency said: Of course, the discussion about digital sovereignty and sustainability is affected by regional considerations, political and legal environments, strategic circumstances, and global developments. No country can, and should not, strive to achieve complete digital self-sufficiency. The world is interconnected, and our prosperity depends on cooperation, investment, openness and exchange.
His Excellency pointed out that digital sovereignty and sustainability are vital issues for the Samina region, as it is a region that enjoys a strategic location, is witnessing ambitious digital transformations, and includes advanced infrastructure, energy systems, logistical corridors, financial flows, smart cities, and growing investments in artificial intelligence. It also embraces dynamic people and governments committed to building a bright future. This opens up wide horizons of opportunities, but at the same time imposes great responsibilities. This responsibility requires understanding digital sovereignty in a practical way, supporting it with appropriate policies and legislation, and strengthening it through regional cooperation and coordination.
His Excellency said: Here I return to the current tensions in our region. In times of conflict, the digital space becomes part of the arena of confrontation and may be targeted to cause disruption, spread fear, and destabilize economic stability. Therefore, it is essential that the digital infrastructure remains strong and capable of meeting the needs of the state and society under various circumstances. In the UAE, we have embraced digital transformation with confidence and clarity, investing in digital government, AI-powered public services, strategic infrastructure, and future governance. We also encourage innovation, welcome global partnerships, and recognize the importance of effective organization and long-term strategic planning.
His Excellency concluded his speech by saying: In conclusion, allow me to point out that the future of digital sovereignty and sustainability in our region must be based on four basic principles. First: Resilience – our infrastructure must be secure, multi-alternative, and resilient to disruption. Second: Trust – individuals, businesses and governments must have confidence that their digital systems are legal, reliable, and efficiently managed. Third: Partnership – no country can succeed alone, and responsible regional and international cooperation remains a fundamental necessity. Fourth: Prudence – technology policies must serve humanity, protect dignity, stability, prosperity and peace.
I renew my congratulations to the Samina Communications Council on the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of its distinguished contribution, leadership and regional contributions. This occasion is not only a celebration of past achievements, but an opportunity to anticipate the future and formulate the next stage with a clear and courageous vision. With best wishes for continued success.
The summit witnessed strong participation from telecommunications operators, regulators, global technology providers and international organizations, as partners contributed to providing specialized sessions that addressed the most prominent transformations in the sector, including the development of advanced fifth generation technologies, the integration of artificial intelligence into industrial networks and systems, in addition to the emergence of new communication models based on the integration of terrestrial and satellite networks.
During the discussions, the increasing complexity of the operating environment for telecommunications operators emerged, in light of the rapid growth in demand for data and digital services, in contrast to the high investment requirements, the development of regulatory frameworks, and the need to innovate sustainable revenue models, as the participants stressed that the next stage requires going beyond traditional models of communication, and focusing on creating value through institutional solutions, digital platforms, and specialized applications.
The role of artificial intelligence also received great attention, as the sessions discussed its transition from the experimental stage to actual application, highlighting issues of governance, responsibility, and compatibility with national priorities, in addition to introducing the concept of “sovereign artificial intelligence” as a practical framework that ensures achieving a balance between innovation and regulatory sovereignty.
The summit also touched on the accelerating transformation of telecommunications companies towards broader technological business models, in addition to the integration of terrestrial networks with satellite systems, and the emergence of direct device communication technologies, which contributes to enhancing coverage and network flexibility, and requires higher levels of coordination in the areas of spectrum management and regulatory standards.
In this context, the upper frequency band (6 GHz) emerged as one of the main topics of discussion, with participants stressing the importance of aligning spectrum policies with future needs, while the summit also highlighted issues of space sustainability and orbital governance in light of increasing space activity.
The summit witnessed a special session at the CEO level that addressed the role of leadership in shaping the future of digital infrastructure and innovation, where practical applications of artificial intelligence, such as digital twins, were reviewed in the context of supporting strategic decision-making.
For his part, Mr. Boukar, CEO and member of the Board of Directors of SAMENA Council, stressed that holding the summit in light of the current regional circumstances reflects the importance of continuing dialogue and coordination between the various parties, stressing that the development of digital infrastructure represents a necessity that cannot be postponed.
He added that the summit’s outcomes will contribute to supporting regional and international dialogues on spectrum policies, artificial intelligence governance, communication models, and investment in digital infrastructure.
At the conclusion of its work, the summit stressed the pivotal role of the SAMENA Council as an unifying platform for the public and private sectors, contributing to strengthening partnerships, supporting innovation, and ensuring the translation of technological developments into tangible economic and societal value.
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