du, a leading UAE-based telecom service provider, has inaugurated the 5G-A Innovation Center at its Dubai headquarters, marking a pivotal step in advancing the next generation of 5G technology. This facility is set to be a cornerstone for the development of 5G-A (5G Advanced), a revolutionary upgrade to the existing 5G infrastructure, not only for the UAE but also for the global telecom landscape.
With the recent completion of 3GPP Release 18, which lays the groundwork for standardized 5G-A, du is ahead of the curve. The company is already preparing for the future by exploring the commercial applications and business models of 5G-A. The aim is to unlock the full potential of 5G-A, enabling applications such as ultra-intelligent vehicles, advanced transport network connectivity, AI-driven content, remote collaboration, and intelligent logistics—all with improved energy efficiency, lower latency, and faster speeds.
The 5G-A Innovation Center will be a key enabler for this transformation, showcasing and accelerating the commercial potential of 5G-A technology. By focusing on developing real-world applications, the center will foster the growth of high-bandwidth, low-latency, and highly reliable solutions across sectors like gaming, streaming, manufacturing, and smart cities.
Building on the already successful implementation of 5G across the UAE, du is actively deploying its nationwide 5G-A network. The company has also upgraded to standalone 5G, utilizing Time Division Duplex 3 Component Carrier Aggregation (TDD 3C) to maximize data rates and enhance the customer experience. This network deployment will span across thousands of sites, with the first phase covering Dubai and subsequent expansions to the rest of the country.
As part of the 5G-A rollout, du has already deployed the first indoor 5G-A network in the Middle East, which aims to enhance connectivity in places like shopping malls, hotels, and airports. This initiative reflects du’s commitment to improving user experience and enabling seamless access to 5G services indoors.
In addition to deploying cutting-edge technology, du is focusing on building the 5G-A Commercial Innovation Center. This facility will explore and incubate new business opportunities and services using 5G-A, including immersive XR (extended reality) services, AI-powered applications, and advancements in fixed wireless access (FWA) and business-to-business (B2B) applications. The center will also focus on providing high-quality services to consumers, households, and enterprises, such as enhanced live streaming, low-latency gaming, and gigabit-level speeds for home users.
The 5G-A Commercial Innovation Center will also support critical business applications like smart manufacturing and intelligent logistics. By offering faster, more reliable networks, it will aid enterprises in their digital transformation, enhancing operational efficiencies and collaboration.
This initiative aligns with the UAE’s vision of becoming a leader in digital transformation, leveraging 5G-A to drive innovation and improve connectivity. du’s continued investment in 5G-A will play a crucial role in shaping the future of telecommunications, offering transformative solutions for smart cities, advanced industries, and a connected society.
With the launch of the 5G-A Commercial Innovation Center, du is positioned at the forefront of 5G-A’s evolution, preparing to unlock new business opportunities and technologies that will transform the way we connect, communicate, and innovate.
