Business & Investments

Dubai telecom provider du has rolled out the world’s first 25Gbps E-band microwave link in a 5G-Advanced network. The upgrade boosts the UAE’s digital connectivity, supporting fast-paced city life and mobile-first entertainment. Announced on December 17, it comes as demand for high-speed networks continues to grow.

The three-year partnership with Huawei goes beyond a standard equipment deal. It sets up a framework for ongoing innovation in high-capacity wireless transmission. du's Chief Technology Officer Saleem Alblooshi said the deployment is key to bridging connectivity gaps across the UAE, from dense city centers to remote areas. It also supports the country’s 2030 vision for 6G readiness.

Older microwave links couldn’t handle the demands of 5G-Advanced, especially in places where fiber installation is challenging or expensive. The new 25Gbps solution delivers speeds comparable to optical fiber. At the same time, it allows faster deployment and reduces overall costs.

For residents of a fast-moving city, the upgraded network directly improves mobile entertainment. Streaming runs smoothly during commutes. Gaming stays lag-free in public spaces. Video calls remain buffer-free. The faster connection also opens access to platforms that were previously difficult to reach. Residents can stream concerts at City Walk, download shows on the metro, or explore content unavailable locally. Sports fans in the UAE, for example, often explore offshore betting platforms for a wider variety of sports and betting options. 

Resources like the CasinoBeats comparison of betting sites for UAE players make it easier to find secure and trustworthy options. They cover competitive odds across many sports such as football, tennis, and many more. The site also explains what to look for in a trustworthy platform, including checking for verified licenses and encrypted payment methods. Even when accessing these platforms, the low-latency connection keeps live odds and in-play markets smooth. The fast connection also brings a wider world of entertainment to residents’ devices. Residents can watch films or follow live events not available locally. People can stay connected and enjoy content anywhere.

In a city that moves fast, mobile-first entertainment fits right into daily life. Residents can watch, play, or stream on the go without slow downloads or buffering. Multiple 25GE connections keep everything smooth, reliable, and ready for growing demand.

The broader implications of 5G extend beyond speed. High-capacity networks allow thousands of users to stay connected simultaneously without congestion. They support real-time services. They also enable smart city applications and large-scale IoT systems. Advanced microwave deployments like du’s 25Gbps rollout are critical for providing high-bandwidth wireless backhaul in areas where fiber installation is challenging.

Notably, in early 2025, the UAE had 21.9 million active cellular connections, equivalent to 195% of the population. Internet penetration reached 99%, with 11.1 million users online. These figures show how robust network infrastructure supports mobile-first lifestyles and urban productivity. They also enable residents to stay connected across the city and drive technological innovation and economic growth.

The microwave deployment’s flexibility is particularly valuable for Dubai’s diverse geography. Dense urban areas benefit from quick installation without extensive street excavation, while developing zones like Dubai South gain connectivity faster than traditional fiber rollouts would allow.

James Zeng, President of Huawei's Microwave Product Line, emphasized that large-capacity E-band is a key direction for continued innovation. The 2D intelligent beam tracking antenna (IBT) addresses common challenges in pole site installations, where swaying and twisting can degrade signal quality. The system automatically adjusts to maintain optimal signal levels and link reliability.

For entertainment applications, reliability matters as much as speed. Dropped connections during gaming or buffering during live sports streams frustrate users. The enhanced stability provided by intelligent beam tracking ensures consistent performance, even during extreme weather or infrastructure movement.

The commercial deployment follows successful trials that validated the technology under Dubai’s challenging RF conditions. du’s microwave rollout supports smart city initiatives and densifies networks without costly civil works. In a fast-paced city, mobile-first entertainment is no longer a convenience. It fits seamlessly into commutes, work breaks, and daily life across Dubai.

• Tags
• #du 5G-Advanced
• #UAE telecom news
• #25Gbps microwave rollout
• #Dubai 5G network
• #Huawei du partnership
• #