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5G technology will be a key component of the Expo 2020 Dubai ‘smart site’
Milestone affirms reputations of UAE, Dubai as leaders in innovation and state-of-the-art infrastructure
DUBAI – The UAE has set another benchmark for the early adoption of advanced new technology, with Expo 2020 Dubai becoming the first major commercial customer in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region to access 5G services, through its partnership with Etisalat.
The leading UAE telecom provider connected Expo 2020 Dubai to its 5G network, making the site of the next World Expo the first commercial location in the MEASA region to experience 5G. The milestone reinforces the reputation of both UAE and Dubai as leaders in innovation and infrastructure.
At around 20 times faster than 4G and with ultra-low latency, 5G technology will enable users to stream live 4K resolution video anywhere at any time, with virtually no lag.
Etisalat’s network will provide the most advanced digital and telecom services to Expo 2020 Dubai and its millions of visitors, supporting an expected 300,000 users on peak days.
It will be a key component of the Expo 2020 ‘smart site’, that will deliver a unique and memorable experience for the millions of visitors and 200 participants, while also enabling business and raising public awareness of sustainability.
Mohammed Alhashmi, Senior Vice President, Innovation and Future Technology at Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “Becoming the first major 5G commercial customer in the MEASA region is a major milestone for UAE and Dubai, and supports Expo 2020’s goal to be one of the most connected places on Earth, both physically and virtually.
“At Expo 2020 we plan to optimise every visitor’s experience by digitally connecting them with their surrounding environment and enriching their interactions throughout the Expo journey. Etisalat’s 5G network will play a significant role in supporting this overall goal and providing a seamless digital experience to all visitors.”
Today’s milestone announcement further supports and enhances the reputations of both the UAE and Dubai as leaders in innovation, infrastructure and development.
The introduction of the new technology takes forward the ‘Smart Dubai’ vision of a digital and interconnected city and provides further impetus to its aspirations to be the world’s smartest city.
Through its ‘Smart Dubai’ initiative, Dubai aims to empower, deliver and promote an efficient, seamless, safe and impactful experience for residents and visitors. Expo 2020, and the experience it delivers through collaboration with partners including Etisalat, will play an important role in contributing to this.
Saeed Al Zarouni, Senior Vice President, Mobile Network at Etisalat, said: “Today’s announcement is significant, with Etisalat setting a global benchmark that supports UAE’s 2021 Vision, which identifies digital technology as one of the top seven primary national sectors.
“Our ability to provide 5G services to Expo 2020 is only possible due to our commitment to invest in line with our strategy to ‘Drive the Digital future to empower the society’ with solutions and services that are at the forefront of the digital journey.”
International standardisation of 5G parameters is expected to be announced later this year. 5G is anticipated to support advancements in applications such as networking vehicles, including autonomous driving, the Internet of Things (IoT) and industrial automation.
As Expo 2020 Dubai’s Official Telecommunications Partner and Official Digital Services Partner, Etisalat’s 5G network will help attract top tier companies to District 2020, the mixed purpose development that will carry on Expo 2020’s legacy as a place to connect, create and innovate.
5G connectivity will enhance District 2020’s plans to be one of the most connected and tech-enabled destinations for working, living and relaxing.
Expo 2020 will run from 20 October, 2020 to 10 April, 2021 and expects to attract 25 million visits. About 70 per cent of visitors are expected to come from outside the UAE, the largest proportion in the 167-year history of World Expos.
About Expo 2020
Expo 2020 Dubai is guided by the belief that innovation and progress are the result of people and ideas combining in new ways. For six months from 20 October, 2020, Expo aims to bring together 180 countries and millions of people to celebrate human ingenuity: ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’.
- During the six months from 20 October, 2020 to 10 April, 2021, we expect millions of people to visit Expo
- About 70 percent of all visitors are anticipated to come from outside the UAE – the largest proportion of international visitors in Expo history
- We aim to create and deliver an inclusive and global Expo with more than 200 participants, including nations, multilateral organisations, businesses and educational institutions
- Expo 2020 also has an ambitious volunteer programme, which aims to include more than 30,000 volunteers from a wide range of ages, nationalities, cultures and backgrounds
- The Expo site covers a total of 4.38 sqkm, including a 2 sqkm gated area. It is located adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai South
- Expo 2020 Dubai is the first World Expo to take place in the MEASA (Middle East, Africa and South Asia) region
Visit: www.expo2020dubai.com
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About World Expos
In 1851 the Crystal Palace was the centrepiece of London’s Great Exhibition – the first World Expo. It celebrated the man-made industrial wonders of a rapidly changing world. Architecture, contents and a theme, ‘Industry of All Nations’, were combined to create a big idea of nations meeting nations in shared technological and commercial progress. In more recent years, participants in World Expos, including governments, international organisations and companies, have gathered to find solutions to universal challenges and to promote their achievements, products, ideas, innovations, their national brand, and their nations as destinations for tourism, trade and investment.
World Expos are held under the auspices of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the intergovernmental organisation responsible for overseeing and regulating international exhibitions (‘Expos’) and for fostering their core values of Education, Innovation and Cooperation. Today, four types of Expos are organised under the BIE’s auspices: World Expos, Specialised Expos, Horticultural Expos and the Triennale di Milano.
About Etisalat
Etisalat Group is one of the world’s leading telecom groups in emerging markets. Etisalat’s current market cap is AED 152 billion (41 billion USD). With reported net revenues of AED 51.7 billion and net profit of 8.4 billion for 2017, Etisalat ranks amongst the most profitable telecom groups in the world. Its high credit ratings at AA-/A+/Aa3 reflect the company’s strong balance sheet and proven long-term performance.
Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, Etisalat was established four decades ago in the UAE as the country’s first telecommunications service provider. An international blue-chip organisation, Etisalat provides innovative solutions and services to 144 million subscribers in 16 countries across the Middle East, Asia and Africa.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Courtney Trenwith
Interim Editor-in-Chief (English)
Email: courtney.trenwith@expo2020.ae
Tel: +971 55 955 4305
P.O. Box 2020, Dubai, UAE
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