Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
du has completed the world’s first integration of a 25Gbps E-band microwave link into a 5G-Advanced network, delivering fiber-equivalent backhaul capacity over wireless infrastructure. The deployment supports nationwide 5G-A expansion, improves scalability, and aligns with the UAE’s long-term 6G roadmap.
The deployment of the world’s first 25Gbps E-band microwave link signals a major advancement in 5G-Advanced transport networks. By delivering fiber-like capacity wirelessly, du and Huawei are enabling faster rollout, broader coverage, and scalable infrastructure that supports the UAE’s transition toward 6G-ready digital connectivity.
du and Huawei have deployed the world’s first 25Gbps E-Band microwave link for 5G-Advanced, delivering fibre-equivalent capacity in fibre-scarce areas. The three-year partnership supports scalable, high-performance network expansion across the UAE while laying technical foundations for future 6G services.
The TRS 2025 panel on 5G-Advanced highlighted how GCC operators are leveraging AI, automation, and advanced network capabilities to move beyond connectivity and unlock experience-based monetization. Industry leaders emphasized competitive markets, trusted AI, and cross-sector collaboration as critical to turning 5G-Advanced into sustainable revenue and long-term digital value.
GCC telecom operators are accelerating the commercial rollout of 5G-Advanced networks, with Zain KSA, Ooredoo Kuwait, stc Kuwait, du, and e& leading deployments. With over 10,000 5G-A sites and more than one million users across the UAE and Kuwait, the region is emerging as a global 5G-A hub. These developments will be explored at the Telecom Review Leaders’ Summit, focusing on monetization, AI integration, and cross-industry applications.
A new GSMA study reveals that GCC countries lead the world in 5G-Advanced deployments, IoT adoption, and enterprise use of AI and digital technologies. MENA enterprises are investing nearly 10% of revenues in digital transformation, with Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia emerging as regional frontrunners. Generative AI, private 5G networks, and IoT are driving major efficiency gains across sectors, while telcos are becoming key transformation partners.
stc Bahrain and Huawei have signed a strategic partnership to co-develop 5G-Advanced and AI-powered digital services, focusing on enterprise solutions, private networks, and enhanced network operations. The collaboration aims to drive Bahrain’s digital transformation and position it as a regional leader in AI and next-generation connectivity.
stc Bahrain and Huawei have signed a strategic agreement to jointly develop 5G-Advanced and AI-powered digital services. The partnership will focus on enterprise private networks, AI-enhanced solutions, and training programs to accelerate Bahrain’s digital transformation and leadership in next-generation connectivity.
e& UAE has set a world record by achieving a 600Mbps uplink speed on a live 5G network using FR1 band aggregation and uplink 3Tx technology, fully compliant with 3GPP Release 17. This milestone advances 5G-Advanced capabilities, empowering applications like 8K video uploads, cloud gaming, and smart homes with unprecedented speed and low latency. It reinforces the UAE’s position as a global tech leader driving next-generation digital innovation.
Experts at the Mobile Broadband Forum in Istanbul emphasized the importance of 5G-Advanced in driving digital transformation and regional economic growth. Discussions centered on the technology’s role in Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), sustainability initiatives, and its potential to enhance connectivity across various sectors in the GCC region.