By Rashid Al Ahmedi, COO, InfraX
The UAE has positioned itself as a global frontrunner in adopting and deploying 5G technology. With a strong commitment from both the government and leading telecom operators like Etisalat and du, the nation has achieved near-complete 5G coverage, surpassing many global counterparts. This aggressive push has created a fertile ground for innovation and has placed the UAE at the forefront of the region's digital transformation journey.
The UAE's 5G ecosystem extends far beyond traditional consumer-focused mobile services. The nation's telecom infrastructure has been strategically designed to accommodate the burgeoning demands of the industry and enterprises. With a keen focus on enabling private 5G network deployments, network slicing, and other advanced technologies, the UAE has created a robust platform for digital transformation. This forward-thinking approach has positioned the country as a global leader in 5G innovation.
The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is at the forefront of leveraging 5G technology for operational excellence. Through its strategic partnership with InfraX, DEWA is accelerating the deployment of private 5G networks. As a subsidiary of DEWA, InfraX plays a pivotal role in building and piloting these advanced networks. By combining DEWA’s deep industry knowledge with InfraX's technical expertise, the entities are creating a robust ecosystem for 5G innovation. Together, they are exploring a wide range of applications, including smart grid management, remote asset monitoring, and drone-based inspections to enhance efficiency, reliability, and service delivery.
The UAE's strategic investments in 5G technology have positioned the nation as a global leader in digital transformation. By fostering a robust 5G ecosystem and encouraging the adoption of private networks, the UAE is creating a competitive advantage across various industries. While challenges such as spectrum allocation, cybersecurity, and talent development persist, the potential benefits of 5G private networks far outweigh these obstacles. Through strong public-private partnerships, focused policymaking, and continued investment in research and development (R&D), the UAE can fully unlock the potential of 5G and drive economic growth, innovation, and societal progress.
5G mobile operators must work closely with enterprises and industry players to understand their specific requirements and tailor network solutions accordingly. By simplifying the deployment process and offering clear pricing structures, operators can encourage greater adoption of private 5G networks.
InfraX, a key player in the UAE's 5G landscape, is committed to collaborating with telecom operators to develop and test innovative private network business models. By investing in research, development, and pilot projects, InfraX aims to accelerate the adoption of 5G technology across industries and contribute to the growth of the broader DEWA ecosystem.
This research and development falls in tandem with the first utility setup of a 5G standalone network—piloted at Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in collaboration with du to enable real-time monitoring of the overhead line inspection process and improve the reliability and efficiency of the electricity network.
Vast expansion and more use cases are under development to prepare for a future-proof grid and infrastructure.
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