5G-Advanced network in the UAE initiated by Du and Huawei, marking a first for the region.
In a groundbreaking development, du, the leading telecom and digital services provider in the UAE, has successfully deployed 5G-Advanced (5G-A) technology on its live network, making the UAE the first country in the region and the first globally to roll out this next-generation 5G capability [1][5].
This advanced solution, a collaboration with Huawei, features a 64T64R Dual Band Active Antenna Unit (AAU) operating on the 3.7 GHz (N78) and 2.6 GHz (N41) spectrum bands. This cutting-edge technology enables du to deliver faster speeds, improved coverage, greater capacity, and higher spectrum efficiency, setting a global benchmark for 5G deployments [1][3].
For consumers, the benefits are substantial. The 5G-Advanced network offers ultra-fast data speeds sufficient for high-bandwidth applications such as 8K video streaming and real-time conferencing. It also improves coverage, including in previously hard-to-reach or remote areas, and provides ultra-low latency that supports mission-critical applications like autonomous vehicles and smart city infrastructure. The network enhances user experience through more reliable and responsive connectivity [3][5].
For businesses and enterprises, the 5G-Advanced network offers a greener, more energy-efficient network by consolidating hardware and reducing power consumption and carbon footprint, aligning with national sustainability goals and du’s net-zero objectives [1][3][5]. It supports massive Internet of Things (IoT) deployments and large-scale digital services. Moreover, it enables intelligent automation, ultra-reliable low-latency communication, and massive machine-type communication to power smart industrial and digital transformation initiatives.
Saleem AlBlooshi, Chief Technology Officer of du, stated that the deployment of 5G-Advanced is a monumental leap forward for du and the UAE's telecom sector. He further emphasised that this deployment reaffirms du's focus on building a green, sustainable network for the future [2].
The 5G-Advanced network delivers a peak data rate of ~5.4Gbps and average data rate improvements of up to ~33% [1]. It is a foundation for future innovation, integrating intelligent automation and enabling ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) and massive machine-type communication (mMTC) [4].
This deployment significantly reduces power consumption and carbon footprint, making it a cornerstone for building smarter cities, connected industries, and a fully digitized society [1]. It is a part of Du's broader strategy to lead the evolution of 5G and beyond, in collaboration with global technology partners and local regulators [6].
In conclusion, du’s 5G-Advanced rollout not only enhances digital experiences for consumers and enterprises but also supports the UAE’s national vision of becoming a global technology leader with a sustainable telecom infrastructure [1][5].
[1] Emirates News Agency (WAM) [2] Gulf News [3] ZDNet [4] Telecoms.com [5] du Press Release [6] Khaleej Times
