In a recent report by the Global Connectivity Index, the UAE is ranked first in the Arab Region and fourth globally in the launch and use of 5G networks.
The Connectivity Index, which has been issued by Carphone Warehouse, specializes in technology benchmarking.
UAE 5G: the 1st in Arab Region, 4th in the World – Report
In line with this, the UAE also ranked third globally in the overall ranking of the index, which measures the Total Connectivity Rating (Most Connected Countries) through four pillars: the movement infrastructure, information technology, global connectivity, and social connectivity, as shared in a report by WAM.
The achievement can be attributed to the result of the efforts of the telecommunications sector in general, and the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, TRA, as the main driver of the launch of the 5G in the country.
In recent years, the RTA has worked in cooperation with operators to raise the telecom sector readiness to enter this state-of-the-art technology, which helped the UAE reach global leadership and made it among the first ones to deploy and operate 5G networks in the world.
Speaking during the event, Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, TRA Director-General, said, “The UAE is reaching positions and achievements on a daily basis, which confirms its leadership and global competitiveness. A few days ago, the UAE has been ranked first in the Arab Region and 12th globally among the most competitive countries in the Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2019.”
He added, “Today, we are ranked first in the Arab Region and fourth globally in the use and application of 5G, ahead of the most advanced countries in the world. We will continue to strive for the lead with determination and strength, guided by the directives of our wise leadership, to achieve the UAE Vision 2021 and the National Agenda Goals.”
Al Mansoori noted that the achievement shows that the UAE is on track to complete the digital transformation and enter the age of Artificial Intelligence and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
He shared, “5G is the key to the future and the main foundation for civilization milestones that the world will witness in the next few years. In the UAE, in the light of these facts, it is evident that we need to accelerate strategies and plans of 5G in terms of foresight, analysis, and planning, in preparation to the transition from smart government to a full intelligent lifestyle where machines, devices, and places connect in all directions to serve humanity.”
The TRA started implementing and using IMT2020 technology, known as 5G, at the end of 2017, as licensed operators of telephone networks started to prepare the infrastructure to deal with the requirements of the next phase, including the use of harmonized spectrum bands, and significant development of ICT infrastructure.
This development will enable the UAE to achieve its goals in terms of global competitiveness, especially its stated goal of achieving the first global position in online government services, and a top ten position in the ICT infrastructure readiness.
This also comes in preparation for global events such as the Expo 2020 in Dubai, among others.