Ericsson and Zain Bahrain Expand Strategic Partnership to Launch Advanced 5G Edge Solutions

Ericsson and Zain Bahrain have announced an expanded strategic partnership to deploy advanced 5G Edge solutions in Bahrain, centered on Ericsson’s Local Packet Gateway with Edge User Plane technology. The initiative marks a major step in strengthening the Kingdom’s digital infrastructure and supporting its vision for a sustainable, innovation-driven digital economy.

The new deployment is designed to enhance network performance by enabling ultra-low latency, optimized traffic management, and more resilient connectivity across Zain Bahrain’s 5G network. These capabilities will support advanced Industry 4.0 use cases and create a strong foundation for next-generation industrial and enterprise applications nationwide.

With the introduction of Edge User Plane technology, Zain Bahrain’s network will be able to support AI-powered predictive maintenance, autonomous systems, and real-time monitoring. This will allow businesses and government entities to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and accelerate digital transformation across multiple sectors.

Commenting on the partnership, Ammar Al Ketbi, Acting CEO of Zain Bahrain, said the collaboration represents an important milestone in advancing Bahrain’s digital ecosystem. He noted that the new 5G Edge capabilities will enable a new era of intelligent connectivity, empowering industries to innovate and thrive in an increasingly digital environment.

Petra Schirren, President Gulf at Ericsson Europe, Middle East and Africa, said the partnership demonstrates how advanced 5G Edge solutions can drive meaningful transformation across industries. She added that deploying Ericsson’s Local Packet Gateway with Edge User Plane technology will enable near-instant connectivity and robust network performance, reinforcing Ericsson’s commitment to supporting digital innovation in the region.