The University of Dubai has collaborated with MEA-Comm UAE, the technology company dedicated to accelerating the region's digital economy, to announce the launch of the first-ever regional 5G testbed. The testbed is going to help drive the acceleration of Industry 4.0 in the UAE and the broader MEA region. Named the Industry 4.0 and Future Connectivity HUB, this testbed is the first of its kind in the region, built on a 5G infrastructure to support Industry 4.0 innovations. The collaboration will enable industries to test and validate new technologies and solutions, advancing the digital transformation process in the 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".