News related to
Industrial

du has initiated live deployment of 5G-Advanced technology on its network, becoming the first operator in the region—and marking the United Arab Emirates as the first country—to roll out this next-generation capability in cooperation with Huawei. This accomplishment underscores du’s ambition to pioneer telecommunications innovation and strengthen the nation’s digital infrastructure.

The rollout centres on the Dual Band Active Antenna Unit, operating simultaneously in the 3.7 GHz and 2.6 GHz bands. Conceived by du and realised in collaboration with Huawei, this advanced solution merges hardware consolidation with enhanced spectrum efficiency, delivers superior network performance, and significantly trims energy consumption and carbon footprint.

According to du’s chief technology officer, the deployment represents “a monumental leap forward” for both the operator and the telecom sector in the UAE. He stressed that the milestone reflects du’s dedication to offering world-class connectivity and aligns with national objectives to position the country as a global technology leader—in parallel emphasising the importance of building sustainable, future-ready networks.

From Huawei’s perspective, Felix Liu, head of its Carrier Business for the UAE, noted that the company is honoured to support this frontier in 5G-Advanced infrastructure. He described the 5G Dual Band AAU as a flagship solution delivering outstanding network performance and user experience while resonating with the UAE’s sustainability goals.

This achievement builds on du’s history in the region’s 5G evolution. In 2024, du and Huawei introduced the Middle East’s first indoor 5G-Advanced network using three-carrier aggregation alongside Huawei’s LampSite X solution, achieving peak speeds of 5.1 Gb/s in spaces such as malls, hotels, airports, and residential buildings. Prior to that, the two companies had collaborated on a “5G-Advanced Country” initiative and unveiled a 5G-A-enabled demonstration villa featuring 10 Gbps Fixed Wireless Access and XR capabilities.

Technical advances in this live deployment include more efficient use of spectrum and reduced dependence on extensive hardware—a strategic move given the growing demand for capacity and coverage. Dual-band AAUs are expected to support dense urban environments while reducing operational energy use.

This development assumes added significance against the backdrop of the UAE’s broader digital transformation objectives. The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority has championed advanced 5G trials, including initiatives to unlock 10 Gbps speeds with 6 GHz spectrum, in collaboration with service providers such as du.

The industry now closely watches how the live 5G-Advanced network, powered by dual-band AAUs, will impact key user segments—whether in high-density urban zones, enterprise campuses, or immersive content scenarios. Future use cases could span ultra-high-definition streaming, real-time XR, holographic conferencing, and enhanced industrial IoT applications. du and Huawei’s previous commitment, through a memorandum of understanding, to establish a joint innovation centre to drive 5G-A adoption and incubate next-generation services indicates a clear roadmap for expanding from infrastructure to ecosystem development.

Abu Dhabi’s non-oil foreign trade has seen a remarkable surge in the first half of 2025, marking a robust 34.7% growth to AED 195.4 billion compared to AED 145 billion in the same period of 2024. This growth highlights the ongoing strength of the emirate’s economic diversification efforts, underpinned by its expanding infrastructure and logistical capabilities.

The first six months of 2025 saw a significant increase across various trade segments. Non-oil exports jumped by 64%, reaching AED 78.5 billion, up from AED 47.9 billion in the first half of 2024. This surge underscores the growing demand for products manufactured and processed in Abu Dhabi, with key sectors such as chemicals, metals, and machinery playing a pivotal role in this expansion. The rise in exports reflects the emirate’s increasing competitiveness in international markets, driven by its strong manufacturing base and strategic trade agreements with global partners.

On the import front, Abu Dhabi recorded a 15% increase, amounting to AED 80 billion in H1 2025, up from AED 70 billion in the same period last year. This increase in imports is largely attributed to a growing demand for raw materials and technological advancements, as the emirate continues to develop its industrial and technological sectors. Imports have supported the growth of local industries, providing them with the necessary components to maintain high levels of production and innovation.

Meanwhile, re-exports also showed a healthy rise, increasing by 35% to surpass AED 36 billion, compared to AED 26.6 billion during the same period in 2024. Re-exports have become an increasingly vital part of Abu Dhabi’s trade strategy, leveraging the emirate’s strategic location as a key logistics hub. The UAE’s positioning between Asia, Europe, and Africa has made it an essential node for goods flowing to and from global markets. Abu Dhabi’s efficient ports and transport infrastructure further enhance its appeal as a re-export centre, enabling businesses to access regional and international markets more easily.

Key factors contributing to the growth of Abu Dhabi’s non-oil trade include the continuous improvement of its infrastructure, the advancement of logistics services, and the emirate’s strategic positioning as a global trade hub. The development of world-class airports, ports, and transportation networks has facilitated the smooth movement of goods, bolstering trade flows and enhancing the efficiency of supply chains. Additionally, the UAE’s free trade agreements with various countries and regions have opened up new markets for Abu Dhabi’s goods, further driving growth.

The performance of the non-oil trade sector is also a testament to the success of the UAE’s economic diversification policies. The country has long sought to reduce its reliance on oil revenues by fostering growth in other sectors such as manufacturing, trade, and services. Abu Dhabi, in particular, has been at the forefront of this push, with substantial investments in infrastructure, innovation, and education.

Abu Dhabi Customs has played a key role in supporting this growth by enhancing border management and customs procedures, making it easier for businesses to trade globally. Customs reforms and the adoption of digital technologies have streamlined the trade process, reducing delays and costs for traders and facilitating smoother transactions across borders.

Oil prices fell sharply after OPEC+ announced plans to raise its production output by 547,000 barrels per day, effective from September. The decision, which came in line with market expectations, has raised fresh concerns about the potential for a global oversupply, especially as fears mount over the long-term impact of economic challenges driven by the US-led trade war.

Brent crude dipped toward $69 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate hovered near $67, reflecting a sharp pullback following the announcement. The decision to increase output marks a shift in OPEC+ strategy, after several months of production cuts aimed at stabilising oil prices during periods of uncertain demand. However, with global economic headwinds, particularly from trade tensions and slowing growth in major economies, questions are now being raised about whether this increase in supply could overwhelm demand.

Analysts have pointed out that the ongoing US-China trade conflict may be having a profound effect on global energy consumption. The trade war, which has led to tariffs and retaliatory measures between the two largest economies, continues to disrupt global supply chains and dampen business activity. Slower growth in industrial production and manufacturing in key markets has prompted concerns that energy demand could continue to weaken in the face of broader economic struggles.

The increase in production from OPEC+ countries, particularly from the likes of Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Iraq, comes at a critical juncture for global oil markets. While the move was made to ease rising prices and provide some breathing room for oil-dependent economies, the effect of this policy shift is complex. Economists argue that by adding more barrels to an already fragile market, OPEC+ could inadvertently drive down prices further, straining the economic recovery in various parts of the world.

For the time being, the immediate impact of the decision has been reflected in market reactions, with investors showing caution. Oil futures have displayed heightened volatility in response to these developments, as traders remain uncertain about how the oil market will balance the twin pressures of increased supply and potential demand weakness.

The decision was met with mixed reactions from within OPEC+ itself, with some members pushing for a more aggressive increase in output, while others expressed concerns about the potential for exacerbating the supply glut. The divergence of views within the coalition underscores the challenges facing the organisation as it attempts to navigate global economic headwinds. Some member states with economies heavily reliant on oil exports may welcome the production increase as a means to inject more revenue into their national coffers. However, the overall effect on oil prices may ultimately prove counterproductive, especially as the US energy sector continues to grow and exert pressure on global markets.

The decision by OPEC+ to increase output by this amount is also raising questions about the future of production cuts and supply management. The group has made strides to curtail output in recent years in a bid to boost prices, but with uncertainty surrounding demand forecasts, it remains to be seen whether these additional barrels will be absorbed by the market or contribute to further price erosion.

Some market watchers have speculated that the OPEC+ move could be an attempt to pre-emptively counterbalance a potential slowdown in demand as a result of ongoing geopolitical tensions. The trade war, for instance, has prompted governments to enact policies aimed at reducing energy consumption and shifting toward greener, more sustainable energy sources, all of which could place long-term downward pressure on fossil fuel consumption.

Amid these shifting dynamics, some experts are also questioning whether OPEC+ will be able to continue its production increase strategy without facing backlash from consumers and governments alike. With many nations already feeling the strain of high fuel prices, there is a growing sentiment that increasing output may not be the best course of action, particularly in light of concerns about the broader economic slowdown.

Factory activity in China showed unexpected signs of contraction in July, signalling deeper challenges for the world’s second-largest economy. This downturn comes despite a partial thaw in trade tensions with the US, with early data indicating a slowdown in exports and continued weakness in domestic demand.

The Purchasing Managers’ Index for July, a key indicator of factory activity, dropped below expectations, highlighting a downturn in production and new orders. Official data indicated that the PMI for manufacturing fell to 49.3, dipping below the critical 50-point mark that separates expansion from contraction. This marks a stark contrast to the optimism that initially followed trade negotiations between the US and China.

The Chinese economy has been grappling with several systemic issues, including ongoing structural imbalances and shifts in consumer behaviour. Economic experts attribute the stagnation in factory activity not only to the global economic uncertainty but also to persistent domestic challenges. While the export sector has been a critical driver of China’s growth in the past decades, the country’s trade surplus has been narrowing as demand for its goods slows down in key markets like the US and Europe.

China’s trade relationship with the US, although stabilised, still faces a challenging landscape. A shift in global trade patterns, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions and the lingering effects of the pandemic, has taken a toll on China’s manufacturing sector. Exports of major products such as electronics and textiles have begun to show signs of slowing, even as Beijing has attempted to bolster its trade position through policy adjustments.

Compounding the issue, domestic demand has failed to pick up the slack. Despite various government efforts to stimulate spending, consumer confidence remains low, particularly in sectors like retail and real estate. The country’s efforts to transition from an export-driven economy to one more reliant on domestic consumption have yet to show significant results, and the reliance on government spending for growth is becoming increasingly evident.

The weakness in the manufacturing sector is linked to a sharp decline in the production of industrial goods, which has directly impacted job creation. Although the government has taken steps to mitigate the effects of unemployment by investing in infrastructure and green technologies, these efforts have yet to yield the desired economic recovery in the short term.

Economists are increasingly concerned that without more comprehensive structural reforms, China may continue to face these economic headwinds. Some analysts suggest that more aggressive monetary policies or fiscal stimulus could be required to stabilise the economy. The People’s Bank of China has already hinted at such moves, potentially lowering interest rates further to spur investment and consumer spending.

However, the global economic context remains challenging. Countries that traditionally rely on Chinese exports are also facing downturns, which could further dampen demand. Additionally, as global inflation continues to impact the purchasing power of consumers worldwide, the potential for China’s manufacturing recovery to take hold seems uncertain.