du, a leading telecom operator in the UAE, is playing a pivotal role in the country’s digital transformation, having made significant strides in adopting 5G-Advanced (5G-A) technology. In a recent interview with Saleem Alblooshi, du’s Chief Technology Officer, it was revealed that the company has accelerated the rollout of its 5G-A network and plans to expand it significantly in 2025, enhancing indoor coverage and meeting the growing demand for faster speeds.
Alblooshi emphasized du’s commitment to innovation, stating that the company has already demonstrated 4.5 Gbps throughput on its 5G-A network. The launch of the du Innovation Center further exemplifies the company’s efforts to drive connectivity and support business transformation by offering ultra-high-speed capabilities.
Looking ahead, du is also preparing for the transition to 6G technology, having collaborated with the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) and industry vendors to publish a paper on 6G standards. Du’s early adoption of 6G technology is part of the country’s broader vision to position the UAE as a global leader in digital infrastructure by 2030.
With data consumption soaring, driven by the rise of AI, du has experienced a 700% increase in mobile data traffic in the past four years. The company is committed to expanding its infrastructure to meet future data demands while balancing innovation with sustainability, aiming to reduce carbon emissions through its “Solar on Tower” initiative and other environmentally-conscious efforts.