du just pulled off something big in the UAE’s telecom space: the first 64T64R dual-band 5G-Advanced (5G-A) deployment in the region. Partnering with Huawei, they’ve switched on tech that brings better speeds, wider coverage, and more energy-efficient mobile networks.
This move puts the UAE in the spotlight as the first country in the region with live 5G-A capabilities. So what’s changing for customers and businesses?
What Is 5G-Advanced and Why It Matters
5G-Advanced is a beefed-up version of current 5G networks. Think faster downloads, more stable connections, and smarter coverage.
Here’s what du has rolled out:
- 64T64R Dual Band AAU in the 3.7 GHz (N78) and 2.6 GHz (N41) spectrum
 - Combined hardware that boosts efficiency
 - Power savings and a smaller carbon footprint
 
du developed and deployed this tech on its live network—meaning it’s not a lab test. It’s real, and it’s live. The new AAU design merges two frequency bands, improving how data is transmitted and received, even at the edge of the network.
Faster, Greener, Smarter Network
This upgrade isn’t just about speed. It’s a network overhaul aimed at sustainability and better performance.
Benefits include:
- Peak speeds of around 5.4Gbps
 - 33% average data rate improvement
 - Stronger coverage in remote areas
 - Better performance in uplink and cell-edge scenarios
 
It also brings tangible sustainability perks. The dual-band hardware reduces power usage, which helps du in its net-zero goals. It’s telecom done cleaner and smarter.
What It Means for Everyday Users and Businesses
This isn’t just tech for tech’s sake. Here’s what it unlocks:
- Smooth 8K streaming
 - Reliable video conferencing
 - Lower latency for real-time apps like self-driving vehicles
 - Massive IoT support for businesses
 
Whether you’re in your living room or a boardroom, this new layer of 5G makes sure your connection doesn’t drop—or drag.
Built for the UAE’s Digital Future
du’s latest rollout is part of its broader strategy to keep the UAE at the forefront of digital innovation. The network supports future features like:
- Ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC)
 - Massive machine-type communication (mMTC)
 - Intelligent automation for smarter city services
 
It’s not just faster internet—it’s infrastructure for smart cities and connected industries.

