Nokia covers Dubai's smart city critical communications needs with 5G-ready network

Nokia won a contract to deploy a 5G-ready network in Dubai to provide mission-critical smart city and Internet of Things (IoT) services to a range of government departments.

The company said the contract covers the deployment of comprehensive security solutions, core and radio access products, IP/MPLS, optical and microwave backhaul networks, and professional services. The deployment will take place over the next two years and provide connected services to various government agencies and departments that Nokia said are required to meet stringent requirements for critical communications.

Nokia's deployment will be overseen by Esharah Etisalat Security Solutions, the approved technology provider to the Dubai government's security networks provider Nedaa, Professional Communication Corporation. Services that will be covered by the network include backing for emergency services, e-government, transportation, and healthcare.

Amr El-Leithy, head of MEA at Nokia, said Dubai's government has a "far reaching" vision to create the "safest and smartest city in the world".

A mission-critical "communications network is the foundation for realising this vision, and enables public safety and other IoT use cases," El-Leithy continued, explaining that Nokia would leverage its knowledge of 4G technology and its "pioneering work in 5G" to satisfy the contract.

The contract builds on a 15-year relationship between Nokia and the Dubai government, the vendor explained in a statement.

Nedaa CTO Yousif Al Ali said Nokia's long history and its "eagerness to adapt to our new, stringent security requirements" were key factors in awarding the contract to the infrastructure vendor.

Nokia made strides in terms of its 5G development in the Middle East in October, when it signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Dubai-headquartered operator du covering early demonstrations of the next-generation technology.

The agreement set out objectives for testing technologies that will pave the way for full 5G, and also covered the development of IoT technologies.

For more:
- see this Nokia announcement

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