Digital DEWA and du have unveiled the region’s first industrial 5G slicing through 5G SA technology. In a move to turn Dubai into the smartest city in the world, the first industrial private 5G slicing through 5G stand-alone (SA) technology was implemented in the region as part of a strategic partnership between Digital DEWA, the Digital Digital Arm of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), the Dubai 10X Initiative and Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC). Digital DEWA will be the first company in the region to offer the utility industry the private 5G slice driven by edge computing in cooperation with InfraX, the ICT service subsidiaries. The solution allows DEWA to improve efficiency and handle business through a dedicated, secured, and state-of-the-art network.
Du will create DEWA’s new mobile core edge infrastructure using a Network Function Virtualization (NFV) infrastructure solution, independently separating and scaling the control and user planes. DEWA’s InfraX will provide smooth and innovative services to DEWA and its subsidiaries thanks to du’s 5G SA solution. Both sides have agreed to develop new use cases for mobile edge computing to improve operations, secure networks, and speed up the digital transition.
His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, said, “Digital DEWA operates as per the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai the smartest and happiest city in the world. Our collaboration with du reflects our efforts to bring the latest and most advanced solutions that will drive the country’s digital transformation. The implementation of 5G slicing through 5G SA is a game-changer to the efficiency of the utility industry and others, as it enables business model innovation and provides businesses with the flexibility to offer services faster with higher security. The 5G network is a critical element of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and aligns with UAE’s Centennial 2071 plan and Dubai 10X initiative.”
Fahad Al Hassawi, Chief Executive Officer of EITC, said, “As one of the leading telecom and digital service providers in the region, our services are aligned with the vision and directives of the wise leadership. As such, we are delighted to announce our cooperation with Digital DEWA on this project and drive further innovative action concerning the 5G SA agenda, In doing so, we will not only showcase our technical expertise but also promote service excellence with innovative solutions, which will present us with further opportunities to enhance customer experiences and solidify our prominent role in the digitization of the economy.
Utilities, industrial, healthcare, transportation, airports, ports, media, and entertainment will all benefit from the region’s first Industrial 5G slicing using 5G SA technology. The new technology will meet and exceed the emerging requirements of a wide range of users, from private network vehicle-to-anything to autonomous driving, remote surgery, remote education, and local hosting.
