5G Future Summit

From World-Leading Networks to World-Shaping Innovations

The 5G Future Summit will explore the transformative journey from 5G Standalone to 5G-Advanced ready networks and the early shaping of 6G, spotlighting how today’s networks are enabling new levels of intelligence, performance, and industry and consumer-specific innovation and growth. 

Through a series of presentations, real-world showcases, and discussions, the 5G Future Summit will explore the Gulf region as a key player in the global telecom evolution. Attendees will gain actionable insight into monetisation models, infrastructure readiness, and ecosystem development needed to lead in the 5G-Advanced era and prepare for the next-generation of mobile services.

Session 1: Standalone Networks – Building Network Foundations for Consumer Growth & Innovation

Duration: 60 minutes 

Moderator: Henry Calvert, Head of Network, GSMA

With Standalone Network deployments gaining momentum in the Middle East, consumer services like cloud gaming, immersive AR/VR, ultra-HD streaming, and smart home integration are set to thrive.

This session explores how MNOs and infrastructure providers are building intelligent, high-capacity networks needed for low-latency, SLA-backed consumer experiences. Regional and global experts will share insights from early deployments, the role of infrastructure in unlocking new consumer revenue streams, and strategies for maximising 5G Standalone’s potential.

Session 2: 5G-Advanced - Shaping the Future of MNO Service Monetisation

Duration: 60 minutes 

Moderator: Barbara Pareglio, Senior Technical Director, GSMA

5G-Advanced enhances Standalone networks with major uplink performance gains, removing one of the biggest bottlenecks for next-generation services. Features such as uplink carrier aggregation, supplementary uplink for wider coverage, and UL-aware scheduling enable industries to scale use cases like live multi-camera streaming, industrial machine vision, XR-based remote assistance, and drone inspections.

Beyond uplink, 5G-Advanced also brings AI-driven network intelligence, ultra-reliable low-latency communications, and efficient device categories like RedCap, supporting advanced digital twins, energy optimisation, and immersive event experiences. Combined with the growing role of private networks, these capabilities unlock secure, tailored connectivity for enterprises seeking to digitalise operations and accelerate Industry 4.0. The challenge that remains is turning these capabilities into sustainable monetisation.

This session will share how 5G-Advanced enables MNOs to create new revenue streams, enhance customer experiences, and drive industrial efficiency and transformation, and explore why investing in Standalone networks now is essential to capitalising on these emerging opportunities.