du, a leading telecommunications and digital services provider in the UAE, has officially launched the du Innovation Center to support the country’s ambition of pioneering new business models using Next Generation Technology. The center aims to foster collaboration, accelerate technological development, and enhance customer experience.
At the launch event, Toni Eid, CEO of Trace Media International and Founder of Telecom Review Group, conducted an exclusive interview with Karim Benkirane, Chief Commercial Officer at du. Benkirane discussed how du is shaping the future of connectivity through continuous innovation and cutting-edge technologies.
The du Innovation Center is designed as a modern technology monetization hub to address the rapid pace of tech advancements and the growing demand for new solutions. The center focuses on exploring innovative ideas, fostering collaboration among industry leaders, and accelerating the development of transformative technologies. This initiative is part of du’s broader vision to elevate the UAE’s position as a global leader in digital transformation.
“The main focus of the du Innovation Center is to bring technology to life, enhance customer experience, and tailor new products and solutions for consumers, enterprises, and government sectors,” said Benkirane. “We aim to nurture innovation, foster collaboration, and cultivate an open atmosphere where ideas can flow freely. The goal is to transform concepts into tangible solutions that address real-world challenges.”
Benkirane highlighted the significance of Next Generation Technologies like 5G Advanced (5G-A) in enabling new use cases, including Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) for gaming and business. He also emphasized du’s focus on smart networks, SD-WAN, and mobile private networks as pivotal components of the next phase of connectivity.
The center is designed for rapid experimentation to meet the ever-evolving needs of both the consumer and enterprise segments. Benkirane noted that collaboration across various sectors is critical to driving du’s innovation strategy. He cited du’s partnership with the DIFC Innovation Hub, which supports entrepreneurs in building and scaling their businesses.
“As we look through various segments, we are creating a platform to ensure we can address customer needs. If a project works, we take it to the market. If it fails, we need to fail fast and move on to the next one,” he added.
du aims to set new industry standards with its early adoption of Next Generation Networks in both mobile and fixed services. By integrating 5G-A, the company is positioning itself at the forefront of the telecommunications industry, preparing for the future of 6G.
“The ambition is for this center to act as a catalyst for the monetization of innovative ideas,” Benkirane stated. “We want to accelerate digital solutions, enhance connectivity, and create business opportunities by incubating new technologies. The goal is to contribute to a more interconnected and technologically advanced world.”
Enterprises stand to benefit significantly from the innovations generated at the du Innovation Center, with improvements in connectivity, network performance, and access to the latest technological advancements. A prime example is the development of Mobile Private Networks, which promises to offer businesses tailored network solutions that provide enhanced control and security. Furthermore, advancements in 5G and Smart Networks will empower businesses to operate with greater efficiency.
The du Innovation Center underscores du’s commitment to driving the UAE’s tech sector forward, reinforcing its role as a leader in digital transformation and technological innovation in the region.
