All of 13 researched countries in the MENA region, except Algeria and Lebanon, have identified the lower 6 GHz band for RLAN/Wi-Fi use.

Saudi Arabia has taken the most expansive approach among the researched countries by making the full 6 GHz band available for unlicensed use, primarily for indoor Wi-Fi. CST, the Saudi regulator, plans to allow outdoor WLAN use under an automated frequency coordination (AFC) framework.

Cullen International’s new benchmark examines regulatory treatment of the 6 GHz band, which is attracting increasing regulatory attention as demand grows for additional spectrum to support Wi-Fi and mobile broadband services.

Historically, the band has been used mainly by fixed services, including point-to-point links and satellite services. However, regulators are now considering the band to support future wireless demand.

The upper 6 GHz band remains subject to differing regulatory approaches. Bahrain, Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have identified this band for mobile services, although only the UAE has so far announced the official assignment of this spectrum to mobile operators.

e& in the UAE plans a commercial launch of mobile services in the upper 6 GHz band by the end of 2026, using 350 MHz of spectrum.

Cullen International’s new benchmark provides information for selected MENA countries on:

• whether the lower 6 GHz band has been made available for RLAN/Wi-Fi use;
• whether the upper 6 GHz band has been identified or assigned for mobile services; and
• the operating environment for allowed technologies.

Scope

• Region: Middle East & North Africa 
• Countries covered: 13 MENA countries
• Policy area: radio spectrum
• Last updated: June 2026

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