NTRA Egypt and the RIPE NCC Convene the Ninth Roundtable Meeting for Arab Governments and Regulatory Authorities

Cairo, 10 December 2025 - The National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Egypt (NTRA), in cooperation with the RIPE NCC, hosted the ninth annual Roundtable Meeting for Arab Governments and Regulatory Authorities on Thursday, 4 December 2025, at the Nile Ritz-Carlton in Cairo. The meeting brought together high-level delegations from ten Arab countries, including the heads and directors of national regulatory authorities, the League of Arab States, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and AFRINIC.

This year’s roundtable was held under the theme “Strengthening Regional Synergies in Internet Infrastructure and Governance”, with discussions focused on advancing Internet ecosystems across the Arab region. Participants explored opportunities to deepen regional cooperation, expand connectivity, adopt global best practices in routing security and align with global developments in Internet governance, including WSIS+20 and the Global Digital Compact.

H.E. Eng. Mohamed Shamroukh, CEO of NTRA, opened the meeting by affirming Egypt’s leadership in supporting digital stability in the region, stating: “Egypt’s hosting of this meeting reinforces our regional role in safeguarding Internet stability and developing Internet-related policies. Together, we are building digital infrastructure capable of addressing geopolitical complexities and meeting the requirements of digital transformation. Arab digital integration is no longer optional: it is essential for service continuity and for building resilient and robust networks.”

H.E. Hans Petter Holen, CEO of the RIPE NCC, emphasised the importance of technical cooperation with Arab governments: “This year saw remarkable progress in IPv6 deployment and routing security across the Arab region. We remain committed to supporting regulators, governments and the Internet community through capacity- building and transparent measurement data that enables long-term planning. Our role is to safeguard the foundations of an open Internet and support governments in developing evidence-based policies that protect global technical operations.”

H.E. Dr Khaled Wali, Plenipotentiary Ambassador, Director of the Communications and IT Development Department at the League of Arab States, highlighted the importance of joint Arab cooperation: “Strengthening digital infrastructure in the Arab region is a top priority. Collaboration with the RIPE NCC has yielded significant progress in IPv6 deployment and network security. We are now integrating measurement tools into the Arab institutional framework, enabling decision-makers to rely on accurate and transparent data. This meeting is another step towards a more balanced and sustainable Arab digital future.”

H.E. Dr Noah Al-Shayab, Commissioner at Jordan’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, stressed the value of a unified Arab position: “The experience of the past year shows that joint Arab action delivers tangible results, whether in IPv6 deployment or routing security. Jordan is proud to have contributed alongside Egypt and Lebanon to drafting the unified WSIS+20 submission, most of which was adopted, demonstrating the power of speaking with one voice.”

H.E. Dr Jenny Gemayel, CEO of Lebanon’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, spoke about Lebanon’s new regulatory phase: “Lebanon is undergoing a renewed regulatory phase aimed at revitalising the authority’s institutional mandate and strengthening cooperation on priority topics such as IPv6, routing security and IXPs. Lebanon’s participation in the WSIS+20 process reflects our commitment to supporting unified Arab positions and reinforcing our region’s presence in global digital governance.”

H.E. Eng. Abdulbaset Al-Baour, CEO of Libya’s General Authority for Communications and Informatics, stated: “Libya continues implementing its National Communications Strategy 2023–2027, with IPv6 deployment as a core objective. We are advancing next-generation networks, expanding national measurement systems and deepening cooperation with the RIPE NCC and AFRINIC to build infrastructure capable of meeting global developments.”

H.E. Dr Al-Sadiq Jamal El-Din, Director General of Sudan’s Telecommunications and Postal Regulatory Authority, emphasised network security: “Digital stability begins with strong, secure networks capable of protecting critical data and services. This roundtable provides a vital platform for developing a shared vision that enhances routing security and strengthens Arab digital infrastructure.”

H.E. Eng. Abdulrahman Al Marzouqi, Acting Director General of the UAE Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority, underscored the role of innovation: “Adopting modern technologies and developing digital infrastructure are essential to boosting regional competitiveness. A strong Arab digital future requires collaborative work rooted in innovation and skills development.”

H.E. Eng. Manal Mazyad, Vice Chair of the Communications and Information Technology Authority of Kuwait, added: “Arab experience shows that integrated digital infrastructure development is the most effective path for sustainable digital transformation. Kuwait continues to support IPv6 deployment, routing security and IXP development, alongside capacity-building and cooperation with the RIPE NCC.”

H.E. Eng. Mohammed Al Nuaimi, Director of Technology and Network Security at Bahrain’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, highlighted: “Routing security and resilient digital infrastructure are essential for service sustainability and user trust. Achieving this requires broad Arab cooperation and continuous coordination between governments and technical bodies.”

From Qatar, H.E. Eng. Maryam Al Ishaq, Director of Infrastructure at the Communications Regulatory Authority, noted: “Qatar has achieved remarkable progress in IPv6 deployment. We are working with the RIPE NCC to strengthen measurement capabilities at the national IXP. IXPs are essential for reducing dependence on external routing paths and improving network efficiency.”

AFRINIC representative Ms Wafa Dhamani confirmed the organisation’s return to normal operations: “AFRINIC has entered a new phase of stability and governance. We thank Arab states, Egypt and the RIPE NCC for their support during challenging years and look forward to renewed cooperation with all stakeholders.”

The sessions of the meeting covered several key topics, including the deployment of IPv6 as a foundation for growth, innovation and the digital economy; strengthening the security of Internet infrastructure through the adoption of secure routing standards to reduce hijacks and leaks; and the role of Internet exchange points (IXPs) in enhancing service quality and reducing reliance on external routes.

Participants also discussed the latest regional and international developments in Internet governance, including preparations for the WSIS+20 process, the renewal of the mandate of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) and a review of outcomes from related international meetings. The Arab delegations stressed the importance of coordinating Arab positions and enhancing regulatory authorities' participation in international forums to ensure an influential Arab role in shaping global digital policy.

Experts from the RIPE NCC and the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Egypt delivered technical presentations on the latest data and trends related to IPv6 deployment, routing security and critical Internet infrastructure. They also highlighted initiatives undertaken by the organisation in several Arab countries during 2025, including specialised training programmes and partnerships with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to support digital skills development, Internet measurements and sustainable digital transformation.

At the conclusion of the meeting, participants’ recommendations underscored the importance of continuing joint Arab efforts to build strong and secure digital infrastructure; developing regulatory policies capable of keeping pace with technological and economic challenges; launching initiatives to strengthen local content hosting and promote regional interconnection among Arab countries; and supporting technical programmes that enhance the readiness of regulatory bodies to address global developments. The roundtable was reaffirmed as a central platform for fostering cooperation and building a more inclusive and sustainable digital future for the Arab region.

ENDS

About NTRA Egypt

The National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) is the official body responsible for regulating Egypt’s telecommunications sector. It ensures service quality, promotes competition and drives digital infrastructure development to support national economic growth. NTRA also formulates regulatory and legislative frameworks that foster sustainable sectoral development and a secure, advanced technological environment for individuals and institutions.

Read the full meeting report for more information.

You can also view this press release in Arabic.

About the RIPE NCC

The RIPE NCC is a non-profit technical organisation and the Regional Internet Registry responsible for the distribution and management of Internet number resources (IPv4, IPv6 and ASNs) across Europe, the Middle East and parts of Central Asia. It provides critical Internet infrastructure services, including open data, measurement tools and specialised training programmes, supporting technical communities, governments and regulators in building a secure, stable and globally interoperable Internet.