The 2026 Summit is not only a celebration of SAMENA Council’s two decades of industry support and contributions to the ICT ecosystem, it is a defining moment to shape the next twenty years of digital growth and innovation across the region. In a technology and business landscape, where rapid convergence between telecommunications, artificial intelligence, and space-based connectivity is driving change and innovation, the Leaders’ Summit 2026 will explore how intelligent networks can enable sovereign and sustainable futures. Leaders and experts will discuss AI-native and autonomous networks, the evolution of 5G-Advanced, future-ready broadband, and hybrid connectivity integrating terrestrial, satellite, and device-to-device technologies. The Summit will also examine edge and distributed intelligence, national strategies for sovereign AI, cybersecurity and trust, sustainable digital infrastructure, ecosystem and operator transformation, and the emergence of new value chains defining the digital economy.
The SAMENA Council Leaders’ Summit offers a collaborative, workshop-centric experience to exchange ideas and receive inspiring leadership knowledge from prominent CEOs and Chairmen from the Telecom & ICT sector from the SAMENA region and beyond.
1st April, 2026
Atlantis, The Palm - Dubai, UAE
Cabinet Member
Minister of Tolerance & Coexistence
ITU
Switzerland
Online
President
CRA
Qatar
Deputy Director General
Telecom
TDRA
UAE
Secretary General
DCO
KSA
Assistant Director General
Aerospace Engineering
Sector - MBRSC
UAE
Director General
WBBA
Switzerland
President - Carrier Business
Huawei
China
Chief Operations Officer
e& lnternatlonal
UAE
AI-driven automation improving network operations, efficiency, reliability, accountability, and service delivery.
Enhancing network performance, enterprise applications, monetization strategies, and commercial deployment realities.
Expanding fiber, wireless, and satellite networks ensuring affordability, resilience, and investment.
Integrating terrestrial, satellite, and device connectivity for seamless universal network coverage.
Building national AI capabilities through data governance, infrastructure, partnerships, and policy.
Strengthening network security, intelligence sharing, fraud prevention, and regulatory coordination.
Balancing infrastructure growth with energy efficiency, environmental responsibility, and cost.
Deploying edge computing enabling low-latency services, enterprise innovation, and distributed processing.
Telecom operators evolving into techcos through partnerships, innovation, and business models.
New digital revenues across enterprise services, platforms, public sector, and data.
Cross-regional collaboration shaping ICT policies, investment strategies, and regulatory alignment.
Mobilizing sustainable funding for broadband, infrastructure expansion, and digital transformation initiatives.
The Morning Session sets the strategic tone of the summit through opening remarks, keynote addresses, and high-level discussions. Global leaders and industry experts explore the evolving role of intelligent networks, sovereign AI, and digital transformation in shaping sustainable digital futures.
9:20 AM – 10:35
AM
Opening Ceremony
Welcome and opening remarks marking the beginning of the Leaders' Summit 2026, featuring keynote speakers and an overview of the day's agenda.
11:15 AM – 12:10
PM
Capability Building, Governance, and Public Value
National approaches to AI are increasingly being shaped by concerns around data control, access to compute, national development priorities, geopolitics, and strategic autonomy. Governments are seeking to build local AI capabilities while remaining connected to global innovation ecosystems. In 2026, across regions, the emphasis is shifting from high-level strategies and declarations toward practical implementation across public services, industry, and critical infrastructure.
This panel will examine how countries are defining and operationalizing sovereign AI strategies, and what capabilities currently exist in the market in terms of sovereign AI development. The discussion will address data governance, infrastructure and compute requirements, priority public sector use cases, and partnerships with private sector players. Panelists will explore realistic pathways for building national capability that avoid duplication, inefficiency, and technological isolation, while aligning with international standards and collaboration frameworks.
Potential Questions:
11:15 AM – 12:45
PM
Space Sustainability Roundtable
Discussion on sustainable practices in space technology and communications.
12:10 PM – 01:15
PM
TELCO to TECHCO Transformation Forum
Exploring the transformation of telecommunications operators into technology companies.
The Afternoon Session focuses on technology innovation and industry collaboration, featuring forums, roundtables, and discussions on 5G-Advanced evolution, AI applications, broadband investment, and spectrum policy. Participants engage in deeper dialogue on advancing connectivity and creating new digital value.
01:15 PM – 02:00
PM
Technology Showcase, Networking & Hospitality
Interactive exhibition of cutting-edge technologies with networking opportunities and hospitality services.
02:00 PM – 04:00
PM
5G-A & AI Applications Forum
Exploring advanced 5G capabilities and artificial intelligence applications in telecommunications and enterprise solutions.
02:00 PM – 04:15
PM
6 GHz & Wi-Fi Alignment Forum TDRA, GSMA, SAMENA Council
Collaborative discussion on 6 GHz spectrum and Wi-Fi alignment strategies with telecommunications and industry partners.
04:15 PM – 05:00
PM
Leadership Frontiers CEO Live Session
Exclusive live session featuring CEOs and industry leaders discussing the future of telecommunications and digital transformation.
05:00 PM – 05:45
PM
Hybrid Connectivity
Exploring integrated connectivity solutions combining terrestrial, satellite, and device connectivity for seamless network coverage.
The Evening Session highlights leadership insights and forward-looking discussions, bringing together CEOs and industry leaders to examine hybrid connectivity, strategic partnerships, and the future direction of digital ecosystems in the global technology landscape.
05:45 PM – 08:30
PM
Closing, Evening Networking & Hospitality - Leader's Dinner
Exclusive closing ceremony and gala dinner featuring networking with industry leaders, technology partners, and global stakeholders.
Regulators
Operators
Leaders
The SAMENA Telecommunications Council Leaders’ Summit symbolizes SAMENA Council’s sector- development partnership and visibility value-proposition extended to the Public and Private sector entities active within and outside of the Telecom/ICT Industry. Chairmen and Chief Executives of leading communications services companies, Regulators, Ministers, Investors, Influencers, and renowned Industry and Media Professionals attend Leaders’ Summit, which is designed to verbalize critical business, policy and regulatory challenges, as well as open doors to new opportunities and bridging gaps in an ambience conducive to open communication among a diverse group of key stakeholders.
Stakeholder close-door meetings
Enables design of new strategies,
Aligning industry priorities
Exhibit, showcase and position
Empowering visionaries, uniting regions
Participation of world-renowned personalities
Stakeholder bi-lateral meetings
Stakeholder bi-lateral, close-door meetings are some of the most effective ways designed by SAMENA Council to foster opening communication, build co-operation, and seek collaborative means of working together to address challenges and issues, and maintain sustainability in the digital ecosystem.
Tuesday, 27th January, 2026
Dubai, UAE — January 27, 2026 — With the esteemed patronage of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) of the United Arab Emirates, the SAMENA Telecommunications Council is pleased to announce the 2026 edition of its invitation-only Leaders’ Summit, marking the Council’s 20th anniversary. The Summit, to be held at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, on April 1st, will bring together government leaders, regulators, global industry CEOs, investors, and heads of international organizations for an unparalleled dialogue on the future of digital convergence and collaboration.
Leaders’ Summit convenes leaders from the SA-ME-NA region’s 25 markets as well as other geographies. This executive gathering serves as a platform for direct representation of the ICT policy interests of Operators, with yearly participation from 350-plus Chief Executives, Chairmen, Ministers’ and other leaders from around the world.
Intelligent & Sustainable Transformation of Digital Economies
26th May, 2025
Madinat Jumeirah,
Dubai, UAE
Evolving toward Integration, Intelligence & Sustainability in Infrastructure
13th May, 2024
Atlantis, The Palm
Dubai, UAE
Sustainable Connectivity and Emerging Ecosystems in Digital Economy
17th May, 2023
Atlantis, The Palm
Dubai, UAE
Thriving with Resilience & Integration in the New Opportunity Realm
9th May, 2022
Atlantis, The Palm
Dubai, UAE
Championing Digital Economic Growth from Policy to Reality
8th April, 2021
Atlantis, The Palm
Dubai, UAE
5G+X: Harnessing 5G Across Industries for Investment Revival
9th July, 2020
Atlantis, The Palm
Dubai, UAE
Visualizing Impact of 5G in Boosting ICT Business & Innovation
18th April, 2019
Dubai, UAE
Buliding The Digital Economy of the Middle East
3rd April, 2018
Atlantis, The Palm
Dubai, UAE
#304, Alfa Building, Knowledge Village, P.O. Box: 502544, Dubai, UAE
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