The University of Dubai and MEA-Comm UAE, a technology company working to transform the region into a thriving digital economy, say they have signed an MoU to launch the first regional 5G testbed to, as they put it, “accelerate Industry Revolution 4.0 in the UAE and MEA region”.
Called the Industry 4.0 and Future Connectivity HUB, it marks the first 5G-based Industry 4.0 testbed in the UAE and MEA region.
The HUB provides a live 5G private network testbed to test and validate cutting-edge Industry 4.0 use-cases and solutions, enabling industries to harness transformative technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), big data, edge computing, and more.
At the launch event there was a demonstration of multiple use-cases utilising the live operational 5G private network testbed within the university campus. These demonstrations showcased innovative solutions serving various sectors, including safe and smart cities, ports automation, digital helmets for enhanced worker safety, smart education platforms, and many other transformative applications.
These live demonstrations illustrated the testbed's capability to drive validation of solutions before deployment, and real-world innovations, while addressing the unique needs of industries in the UAE and the broader MEA region.
Dr EESA AlBastaki, President of the University of Dubai, said at the event: "This partnership allows us to create a unique environment for academic and research excellence in the UAE, directly linked to real-world industry demands. By enabling practical, hands-on experiences for students and researchers, this initiative positions the UAE as a leader in the global technological landscape."
Dr Abdulhadi AbouAlmal, CEO of MEA-Comm and head of the Industry 4.0 and Future Connectivity HUB, called it a strategic milestone for the UAE and the region, and added: “It bridges the gap between academia and industry, offering a vital platform for industries to test and validate solutions on cutting-edge 5G infrastructure. Furthermore, it ensures compliance with regulatory and security standards set by government authorities and ICT regulators. This initiative will significantly accelerate the pace of Industry Revolution 4.0 adoption across the MEA region."
