The UAE is first in the Arab region and fourth globally to roll-out and use the fifth-generation cellular wireless network, popularly known as 5G, a new study found.
“Countries were ranked on the basis of 5G connectivity levels. They were selected if they had one or more 5G deployments and if they had 5G connectivity in the pre-release stage,” said the report — compiled by London-headquartered Carphone Warehouse which specialises in technology benchmarking.
A 5G network promises an internet speed of up to 1.2 gigabits per second which will gradually evolve to reach 10Gbps, over 100 times faster than 4G. Additionally, 5G has the latency of less than one millisecond compared to 20 milliseconds on a 4G network.
In May, Etisalat — UAE’s biggest telecom operator — became the first service provider in the region to announce the availability of 5G network, supporting smartphones for commercial use. It was soon followed by UAE’s second operator du and Bahraini telco Batelco.
The UAE is also the third most-connected country globally, after US and Switzerland, the study found.
The Arab world's second largest economy gained its place in the top three in global connectivity “thanks to the high number of immigrants living there”, the report said. It is also the most socially connected nation followed by the US and China.
“5G is the key to the future … the main foundation for civilisation milestones that the world will witness in the next few years,” Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, director general of UAE’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, which regulates the country’s telecom sector, said of the report.
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Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
If you go...
Etihad Airways flies from Abu Dhabi to Kuala Lumpur, from about Dh3,600. Air Asia currently flies from Kuala Lumpur to Terengganu, with Berjaya Hotels & Resorts planning to launch direct chartered flights to Redang Island in the near future. Rooms at The Taaras Beach and Spa Resort start from 680RM (Dh597).
