du, the UAE’s leading telecom and digital services provider, has explored cutting-edge 5G Advanced technologies aimed at transforming urban mobility with China Mobile International (CMI) and China Mobile Shanghai.
The du delegation’s visit to China marked a key step in a joint effort to drive digital innovation through next-generation connectivity and metro station digitization, supporting smarter and more efficient urban transportation systems.
The team visited Shanghai Shentong Metro Group, operator of the world’s largest metro network with over 896 kilometers of operational lines to assess 5G-enabled technologies at People’s Square Station, a transit hub intersecting three metro lines and serving 1.5 million passengers daily at the peak season.
The key innovations showcased included passenger flow analytics powered by AI, real-time data systems, and dynamic network configurations designed to optimize peak-time bandwidth allocation.
Fahad Al Hassawi CEO – du
“Our recent visit with China Mobile International, China Mobile Shanghai and Shanghai Shentong Metro Group is a step forward in our journey towards digital transformation and advancement. Our delegation explored state-of-the-art 5G innovations and their transformative potential for urban mobility. This inspiring exchange of ideas has set the stage for future collaborations, where we aim to bring pioneering solutions to the UAE, aligning with its forward-looking national vision. We are committed to reimagining the possibilities of smart infrastructure and reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global hub for cutting-edge technology.”
The visit showcased cutting-edge innovations driving metro digitization, including a 5G Public-Private Network model designed to replace traditional wireless systems for greater cost efficiency and scalability.
The highlights also included the ‘One Line One Net’ architecture, which uses AI-powered ‘tide slice’ technology to dynamically allocate bandwidth during peak travel times, and compact infrastructure solutions such as Small XAU devices, transparent antennas, and 5G-enabled Set-Top Boxes that enhance coverage while reducing physical space requirements.
According to the statement, these technologies demonstrate the transformative power of 5G, enabling high-speed connectivity that delivers a 40-fold increase in consumer downlink speeds and uplink enhancements applicable for industrial IoT functions. Tangible applications include predictive congestion management and advanced communication-positioning systems to minimize operational gaps and improve passenger experiences.
