Khalifa University, e& UAE Propose AI-Plane and Closed-Loop Autonomy for 6G

e& UAE,  the flagship telecom division of the global technology group e&, together with Khalifa University,  has released a landmark white paper titled “6G AI-Native Networks: Architecture, Intelligence, and the Path to Autonomous Connectivity.” The document presents a comprehensive blueprint for AI-native 6G networks, proposing a transformative approach that embeds intelligence as a core attribute of the network itself. It also provides a structured framework to advance discussions on IMT-2030 and the forthcoming 3GPP Release 21+ standards.

“6G is not about incremental performance; it is about redefining the network as an intelligent system. With this blueprint, we are introducing an AI-native architecture where learning, reasoning, and autonomous decision-making are built into the DNA of the network. Our contribution goes beyond vision. We are proposing a structured AI-plane, closed-loop autonomy frameworks, measurable AI KPIs, and open standards interfaces that can directly inform IMT-2030 and 3GPP Release 21+. As a national operator, e& UAE is committed to shaping global standards, accelerating research testbeds, and ensuring that AI-native 6G becomes a trusted, secure, and globally interoperable foundation for the digital economy.”

– Marwan Bin Shakar, Chief Technology Officer, e& UAE

“This joint white paper reflects the power of deep industry–academia collaboration in shaping the next era of connectivity. AI-native 6G demands not only new wireless technologies, but new architectural thinking, new AI lifecycle governance models, and new standards frameworks. Khalifa University is proud to contribute research-driven insights that integrate distributed intelligence, digital twin ecosystems, and autonomous network orchestration into a coherent global framework. Through this work, we aim to position the UAE at the forefront of AI-native standardisation and innovation, ensuring that 6G networks are intelligent by design, secure by architecture, and globally interoperable.”

– Professor Ahmed Al Durra, Associate Provost, Khalifa University

The blueprint moves beyond incremental AI improvements in 5G, introducing a dedicated AI-plane alongside the traditional user, control, and management planes. This new plane enables continuous sensing, learning, reasoning, and autonomous actions across radio, core, and edge domains. It also incorporates distributed AI agents, closed-loop autonomy, AI lifecycle orchestration, digital twin integration, and standardised cross-domain interfaces, supporting multi-vendor, multi-domain intelligence at scale.

The white paper identifies five key pillars for AI-native 6G: pervasive AI/ML frameworks, distributed cloud-edge computing, advanced technologies including integrated sensing, open programmable architectures, and sustainability-driven design. Combined, these pillars position 6G as a cognitive infrastructure capable of autonomous operation, predictive optimisation, and intent-based service delivery, powering applications from immersive holographic experiences to intelligent, city-scale transportation systems.

Additionally, the white paper defines measurable AI-native KPIs, including decision latency for closed-loop autonomy, learning accuracy, and energy efficiency per AI inference. These metrics aim to provide structured guidance for ongoing global standardisation discussions.

Through this collaboration, e& UAE and Khalifa University reaffirm their commitment to establishing the UAE as a global leader in AI-native connectivity research, ecosystem development, and standards contribution.