Nokia and Du deploy commercial cloud RAN solution in Abu Dhabi

A first in the MEA region

Nokia and Du, a UAE-based telecom and digital services provider, have achieved a significant milestone by deploying the first commercial 5G Cloud Radio Access Network (Cloud-RAN) solution in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region.

The partnership marks a pivotal step in Du’s digital transformation agenda, showcasing its commitment to enhancing the UAE’s technological infrastructure and meeting its evolving digital demands.

This deployment is a key component of Du’s hybrid Radio Access Network (RAN) strategy, which blends purpose-built and cloud-native infrastructures for enhanced flexibility, scalability, and efficiency. The new solution aims to drive advancements in key sectors such as manufacturing, energy, logistics, AI, machine learning, and private wireless networks.

The first 5G Cloud RAN site, deployed in Abu Dhabi, leverages Nokia’s flexible anyRAN approach, built to support virtualised Distributed Units (vDU) and Centralised Units (vCU).

These units run on Dell PowerEdge XR8620 servers and are powered by Red Hat OpenShift, the hybrid cloud application platform powered by Kubernetes. This integration supports cloud-native RAN functions across Du’s network, enabling the telecom provider to scale its 5G capabilities more efficiently while rapidly introducing new services.

By adopting Nokia’s commercial Cloud RAN solution, Du can ensure the smooth coexistence of cloud-native networks with purpose-built networks, allowing for a future-proof and seamless RAN evolution. Nokia’s RAN software guarantees consistent features and performance across cloud and purpose-built networks, catering to the growing demand for RAN cloudification in the telecom industry.

The flexibility and scalability of this solution allow Du to capitalise on strategic options for its network evolution, enabling the provider to monetise its 5G infrastructure. The commercial deployment also supports Du’s vision to develop and deliver new services, leveraging the latest advancements in 5G technology, including AI-driven use cases and industry-specific applications.

Saleem Alblooshi, Du’s Chief Technology Officer, said: “Our collaboration with Nokia represents a major leap forward in Du’s mission to deliver exceptional network performance and innovative services. Leveraging 5G Cloud RAN will enhance our network’s efficiency and flexibility and enable us to explore new opportunities and services that can deliver genuine value to our customers and society.”

Mark Atkinson, Nokia’s Head of RAN, added: “This strategic partnership with Du is much more than just an infrastructure deployment. Both companies are committed to driving innovation by developing pioneering use cases that leverage the transformative power of AI and private wireless networks.

“Our RAN approach combines Nokia’s expertise and performance with leading partner solutions to offer flexibility and scalability to operators and enterprises. This collaboration will empower businesses and individuals alike by enabling the development of innovative services.”

Hero image: Nokia’s RAN software guarantees consistent features and performance across cloud and purpose-built networks. Credit: Nokia