5G deployment has progressed rapidly over the past four years. Since its initial launch in 2019, 28 commercial 5G networks have been operating in the Middle East. The region is truly at the forefront of 5G development, having already witnessed significant strides. And now regional experts reaffirmed that the Middle East is already gearing up to be a pioneer in 5G-Advanced (5G-A) deployment as well.

During the SAMENA Leaders’ Summit 2024, global ICT leaders delved into the multifaceted progression from 5G to 5G-A at the 5G-A Leaders' Forum, examining both the technological advancements and practical implications of this transition, including the need to improve cyber resilience.

The year 2024 is a significant milestone for 5G-A, as it marks the official commercialization of this advanced technology. This transition is set to establish a network ecosystem that is not only ubiquitous and offers ultra-experiences but is also characterized by intelligent stability.

The global ICT leader, Huawei, is already said to be collaborating with leading operators worldwide. This collaboration has led to the launch of 5G-A commercial verification and testing in more than 20 cities worldwide, highlighting the company's commitment to advancing network capabilities to meet the demands of new applications and services. Huawei’s proactive collaborations with Middle Eastern operators are pivotal in this shift, advocating for a deeper digital transformation and sustainable development across the telecom landscape.

Dr. Philip Song, Chief Marketing Officer of Huawei Carrier Business, gave a speech entitled “Advancing the 5G-A Era” and emphasized that global pioneers are paving the way to the 5G-A Era. “The Middle East has the potential to lead the 5G-A globally,” he added.

Recognizing the critical role of cybersecurity in the digital era, the summit also hosted a roundtable discussion titled "Building Telecom Cyber Resilience to Protect Business in the Digital Era." The session, organized by Huawei, in collaboration with the SAMENA Telecommunications Council and stc, emphasized the paramount importance of cybersecurity and privacy protection for businesses across all sectors, particularly in the telecom industry. As 5G-A networks become more prevalent, ensuring the security and resilience of these networks will be crucial to fostering trust and driving adoption among businesses and consumers alike.

Led by Mazen Al Ahmadi, General Manager of Cyber Defense at stc, the panel marked the second edition of Huawei’s Global Carrier CISO Roundtable series.

Mazen Al Ahmadi, General Manager of Cyber Defense at stc, said, "In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, cybersecurity and privacy protection have emerged as paramount concerns for businesses across all sectors, particularly in the telecom industry. The potential for cyber threats and data breaches has grown exponentially as the world becomes increasingly interconnected and reliant on digital infrastructure. Recognizing the critical importance of addressing these challenges, the roundtable was a vital platform for industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions, share invaluable insights, and collaborate on strategies to fortify the telecom industry against the ever-present menace of cyber threats."

Mohammed Alosaimi, Chief Security Officer at Huawei Saudi Arabia, reaffirmed Huawei's commitment to reinforcing cybersecurity infrastructure, stating, "As an industry leader actively engaged in cybersecurity R&D and building a cybersecurity ecosystem in the region, Huawei remains steadfast in our collaboration  with carriers and partners to strengthen the construction of digital infrastructure around the world, build a thriving ecosystem, and unleash the potential of the digital world securely."

The panel discussed various cybersecurity concerns, including cyber threats, vulnerabilities, insider threats, supply chain risks, and the challenges of securing older signaling systems (2G & 3G) compared to modern IP-based networks (4G & 5G). Additionally, the speakers shared cybersecurity use cases that demonstrate how they support the success of telecom businesses.

The session concluded with an engaging discussion between the speakers and the audience on how collaboration among industry stakeholders can help tackle current and future cybersecurity challenges. The discussion centered on enhancing resilience and security across the telecom ecosystem, and following international standards and guidelines such as GSMA NESAS, MCKB, and OIC-CERT recommendations.

The previous edition of the Global Carrier CISO Roundtable, hosted by Huawei on February 27, saw 50 carriers and industry organizations, engage in in-depth industry discussions at MWC2024. Participants shared insights on industry standards and best practices in enhancing digital trust and safeguarding the digital world.

SAMENA Telecommunications Leaders’ Summit is an annual international industry-leadership meeting. The 2024 edition was held under the theme "Evolving toward Integration, Intelligence & Sustainability in Infrastructure." The event brought together over 20 telecom regulators, more than 30 regional telecom operators and carriers, and more than 300 industry leaders, policymakers, industry associations, and leading global technology firms. The event provided a platform for critical discussions on topics such as leading the 5G-A era, digital transformation, cyber resilience, and new spectrum opportunities.