UAE: TDRA Fixed Radio Systems Consultation Reviews Fixed Link and Amateur Radio Rules
United Arab Emirates: TDRA Fixed Radio Systems Consultation Targets Revisions to Fixed Link and Amateur Radio Regulations
The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) of the United Arab Emirates has conducted a public consultation on proposed amendments to two of its core spectrum regulatory instruments: the Regulations on Fixed Radio Systems and the Regulations on Amateur Radio. The consultation window ran from 3 September to 21 September 2026, during which TDRA invited operators, equipment manufacturers, radio amateurs and other interested parties to comment on the proposed text and respond to the questions set out in the consultation documents.
With the comment period now closed, TDRA will review stakeholder input before deciding on the final revised regulations. Companies supplying fixed wireless and amateur radio equipment to the UAE market should monitor the outcome closely, as revised spectrum conditions can translate into new technical parameters for authorized equipment.
Scope of the TDRA Fixed Radio Systems Consultation
The consultation covers proposed changes to the articles of two existing TDRA regulatory instruments:
Regulatory instrument | Current version | Issue date | Main scope |
Regulations on Fixed Radio Systems | Version 3.0 | 27 December 2021 | Spectrum authorization and technical conditions for fixed service stations, including point-to-point (PTP) links, fixed wireless access (FWA) and wireless access systems |
Regulations on Amateur Radio | Version 3.0 | 21 December 2020 | Authorization classes, frequency bands, power limits, call signs and operating conditions for the amateur and amateur-satellite services |
TDRA published a separate consultation document for each instrument, and participants were also free to comment on any other aspect of the proposed texts that they considered relevant. TDRA has stated that none of the ideas or comments in the consultation will necessarily result in formal decisions, and that the consultation does not limit its powers to regulate the sector at any time.
Regulatory Background
Fixed Radio Systems Regulations v3.0
The current Fixed Radio Systems framework governs the authorization of fixed service stations in the UAE. Among its key provisions, it:
Defines Wireless Access Systems (WAS) as equipment complying with ITU-R Recommendations, ETSI standards, the IEEE 802.11 family or related 3GPP standards.
Sets operational EIRP on the basis of the minimum power needed to meet the applicant's propagation availability requirements, specified as an authorization condition.
Requires FWA stations to coexist with and protect existing Fixed Satellite Service earth stations in the 3400–3600 MHz band.
Stopped granting new PTP authorizations in the 24.25–27.5 GHz band from 1 January 2022 due to IMT use, allowing only renewals of existing authorizations.
Encourages applicants to use higher frequency bands wherever the required hop length permits.
Amateur Radio Regulations v3.0
The current Amateur Radio framework establishes:
Class A (Advanced Class) authorizations covering HF, VHF, UHF and SHF, for UAE nationals.
Class B (Novice Class) authorizations limited to VHF, for UAE nationals, without permission to operate beacons or repeaters.
Special Class authorizations for amateur satellites, limited to amateur societies, club stations and university or college facilities.
Call sign allocation within the A60AA–A69ZZ series, and rules for visiting amateurs operating under bilateral agreements.
Provisions for the use of amateur stations in disaster and emergency communications.
Part of a wider 2026 regulatory review cycle
This consultation forms part of an active review of TDRA's spectrum instruments during 2026. In July 2026, TDRA approved updated frameworks for Aeronautical Radio Systems (v4.0) and Unmanned Aircraft Radio Systems (v3.0), and it has also consulted on a National Framework for Private Mobile Networks (IMT), Earth Station Regulations and Guidelines for Coordination of Satellite Networks. The overall direction is aligned with the UAE Spectrum Outlook 2026–2031 and the outcomes of WRC-23.
Summary of the Consultation
Item | Detail |
Authority | Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), UAE |
Instruments under review | Regulations on Fixed Radio Systems v3.0; Regulations on Amateur Radio v3.0 |
Consultation opened | 3 September 2026 |
Consultation closed | 21 September 2026 |
Submission channel | |
Clarification meetings | Available on written request to the same address |
Status | Comment period closed; TDRA reviewing stakeholder feedback |
Next step | Publication of revised regulations (expected versions 4.0) — date not yet announced |
What This Means for Manufacturers
Although both instruments are spectrum authorization regulations rather than equipment type approval rules, changes to them have direct consequences for product compliance in the UAE:
Microwave and millimetre-wave PTP radio suppliers may see changes to permitted bands, channel arrangements, EIRP limits or antenna requirements. Any revision to band availability, similar to the earlier restriction in 24.25–27.5 GHz, can affect which product variants remain viable in the UAE.
FWA and wireless access system vendors should watch for changes to coexistence conditions, particularly in bands shared with satellite services or IMT.
Amateur radio transceiver manufacturers and distributors could be affected by revised band plans, power limits or authorization classes, which influence the configurations end users may legally operate.
Operators and system integrators deploying fixed links should expect that new authorization applications and renewals will follow the revised conditions once adopted.
Because TDRA type approval requires equipment to comply with UAE technical requirements and the national frequency plan, any change in spectrum conditions should be reflected in future equipment registrations.
Certification Impact Summary
Area | Expected impact | Level |
TDRA equipment type approval | No immediate change; future approvals must align with revised technical conditions once adopted | Low (short term) / Medium (post-adoption) |
Existing type-approved equipment | Remains valid under current rules; review needed if bands or limits change | Low–Medium |
Spectrum authorization for fixed links | Revised conditions likely to apply to new applications and renewals | Medium–High |
Amateur station authorizations | Possible changes to classes, bands, power or call sign rules | Medium |
Product documentation and labeling | May need updates if frequency ranges or power settings change | Low–Medium |
Market access timelines | Minimal disruption expected before final publication | Low |
Timeline and Required Actions
Timeline
Date | Milestone |
21 December 2020 | Amateur Radio Regulations v3.0 issued |
27 December 2021 | Fixed Radio Systems Regulations v3.0 issued |
1 January 2022 | New PTP approvals in 24.25–27.5 GHz discontinued (IMT use) |
3 September 2026 | TDRA opens public consultation on both instruments |
21 September 2026 | Consultation closes |
Q4 2026 onward (TBC) | TDRA review of stakeholder feedback |
To be announced | Publication and entry into force of revised regulations |
Required actions
Now (post-consultation):
Download and review both consultation documents to identify proposed changes relevant to your product portfolio.
Map affected products (PTP radios, FWA equipment, amateur transceivers) against the bands and technical parameters under review.
If a submission was made, keep records and remain available for any follow-up from TDRA.
Before final adoption:
Assess whether current UAE type approvals and product configurations would remain compliant under the proposed text.
Brief local distributors, operators and customers on possible changes to authorization conditions.
Plan for potential firmware, configuration or documentation updates.
After publication of the revised regulations:
Confirm effective dates and any transition periods for existing authorizations and equipment.
Update technical files and submit new or amended TDRA type approval applications where required.
Verify that end-user spectrum authorizations align with the updated conditions.
Conclusion
The TDRA Fixed Radio Systems consultation reflects the UAE's continued effort to modernize its spectrum framework in line with technology developments and international decisions. For manufacturers of fixed wireless and amateur radio equipment, the key priority is to track the final revised regulations and assess their effect on permitted bands, power levels and authorization conditions before they take effect.
CERTA Global Consulting monitors UAE regulatory developments and supports manufacturers with TDRA type approval and market access. Contact our team to evaluate how these changes may affect your products.
