du’s 5G+ Boost: Powering UAE’s Smart Cities & Startup Boom
▼ Summary
– du has launched an enhanced 5G+ network to advance the UAE’s smart city and digital innovation goals.
– The 5G+ service offers up to double the speed of existing 5G for downloads, streaming, and real-time AI applications.
– It will support government smart city initiatives and help startups innovate in areas like IoT and autonomous mobility.
– Coverage began in key areas of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and other emirates and will expand nationwide by the end of 2025.
– The technology is an evolution of 5G with improved performance and has been deployed in other markets like the United States.
Telecommunications provider du has officially launched its upgraded 5G+ network, a significant development set to accelerate the United Arab Emirates’ progress in building smart cities and fostering digital innovation. Karim Benkirane, Chief Commercial Officer at du, emphasized that this enhancement represents a pivotal move in supporting the nation’s broader technological and sustainability objectives.
The new 5G+ service is engineered to provide users with speeds up to double those available on standard 5G networks. This leap in performance will dramatically improve activities such as high-definition video streaming, lag-free online gaming, crystal-clear video conferencing, and the operation of real-time artificial intelligence applications.
Benkirane highlighted the substantial impact expected for both government initiatives and the entrepreneurial community. “For enterprise clients, 5G+ is a foundational technology that will help the government realize its smart city and sustainability agendas,” he stated. He further explained that the network will serve as a powerful tool for startups, fostering a dynamic environment where new ideas can flourish and partners are equipped to drive future advancements.
Initially, the 5G+ network is active in prominent downtown districts and key landmarks across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and other emirates. The company has outlined an ambitious plan to achieve nationwide coverage before the conclusion of 2025. To access the enhanced service, customers will need a compatible smartphone and SIM card, which together unlock the benefits of faster data speeds, significantly reduced latency, and more reliable connectivity for demanding applications.
5G+ is understood as an evolutionary step beyond standard 5G, delivering a substantial boost in performance and near-instantaneous responsiveness. The “+” designation indicates a more advanced, next-generation network capability. This technology tier has already seen deployment in other global markets, including the United States, where providers like AT&T began rolling out early iterations several years ago.
du anticipates that the upgraded network will prove especially transformative for AI-focused creators, software developers, and forward-thinking businesses. It is expected to enable seamless collaboration and accelerate innovation in fields such as autonomous transportation, the Internet of Things (IoT), and the creation of fully immersive digital environments.
During a recent event for the launch of the iPhone 17, Benkirane also observed that consumer appetite for the newest Apple devices continues to be robust. This demand is partly fueled by early adopters who are keen to leverage the full capabilities offered by the advanced 5G+ infrastructure.
With this strategic rollout, du is cementing its position as a key enabler of the UAE’s digital economy. The initiative is designed to help solidify the nation’s status as a global leader in next-generation connectivity and technological innovation.
(Source: MEA Tech Watch)
