e& UAE, the telecommunications arm of e&, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dubai Airports to explore the use of 5G Private Network technology to improve airport operations. This would be the first private 5G deployment in an airport in the region.

The 5G network will improve several aspects of airport operations. It will enhance guest experiences by optimising journey management and improving luggage handling. This technology will also help reduce delays and prevent luggage losses.

Additionally, 5G will provide uninterrupted shopping experiences for travellers. Digitised passenger management systems will ease congestion at boarding gates and runways, making operations smoother. The new network will also reduce operational and maintenance costs for ground services.

Fadi Shannah, Vice President of Enterprise Sales at e& UAE, said, “This partnership marks a significant step in improving operational efficiency at Dubai International and Dubai World Central. By leveraging 5G, we aim to enhance everything from guest experience to ground services. e& UAE is leading the way in 5G adoption across industries in the UAE.”

Private 5G networks offer several advantages over traditional Wi-Fi, especially in large settings like airports. A private 5G network reduces the cost and complexity of building and managing a network, offering businesses a more affordable option for staying connected.

e& UAE’s 5G private network will ensure seamless connectivity across all areas of the airport, including indoor, outdoor, and tunnel spaces. The integration of SIM-based authentication will add security, enabling remote management while safeguarding the network’s integrity.

Omar Binadai, Chief Technology and Infrastructure Officer at Dubai Airports, said, “This MoU with e& UAE opens up exciting opportunities to enhance airport operations. We are at the early stages but see great potential in 5G to improve connectivity and the guest experience.”

After exploring 5G use cases, deployment, and business models, e& and Dubai Airports will work on an implementation plan.

e& UAE has already deployed a 5G private network in the oil and gas sector with ADNOC. Now, it is looking to bring similar success to the aviation industry. The 5G network will drive automation, increase efficiency, and improve safety across critical sectors. - TradeArabia News Service