Huawei, a leading global information and communication technology (ICT) solutions provider, has successfully deployed its transmission network solution on the Dubai Metro through Du, enabling passengers and small retail businesses access to mobile services in the stations across 18 metro stops in total on the green line.
Huawei announces the successful completion of the project following the Middle East Rail that took place recently where it showcased its portfolio of railway solutions and participated in a series of panel discussions.
Huawei offers a comprehensive set of products and solutions to urban rail operators and has completed a number of ground-breaking rail projects worldwide. With the MENA region currently the world’s fastest growing market for rail projects, expected to double in size in the next decade, rail is central to Huawei’s growth in the region.
Dr. Liu Qi, President, Middle East for Huawei Enterprise, commented: “Dubai is a great place to live, work and do business in, but as the city continues to grow, congestion and traffic are becoming more problematic. Better public transport infrastructure is an added draw for businesses investing in the region, and since it was created in 2009, the Dubai Metro has made the daily commute easier for thousands of workers.
“The transmission network we have built with Du provides access to 2G, 3G, WiFi and WiMAX services, so passengers on the Green Line can now enjoy the commuting experience that little bit more by browsing the Internet, checking their emails, working on their laptops or even conducting meetings on the move. In the forty years UAE has achieved many milestones – the construction of the Dubai Metro is a significant one, and we’re very pleased to have played our part.”
While the region is undergoing more than $250bn of planned investment in the railways sector, the GCC is leading the way with expected rail project spend of around $245bn, according to the MEED Railways Report 2011.
Hatem Bamatraf, Senior Vice President – Network Development and Operations, du, added: “By introducing our wireless broadband service on the Green Line, we have today taken another step in supporting Dubai leadership’s vision of providing a seamless transport network for the people of the emirate, Today our WiFi service is available across the entire network of Dubai Metro.”
“Passengers can purchase internet time either through credit cards or WoW recharge cards (available from du Shops and authorised outlets throughout the UAE), which allows them to connect to the Internet using WiFi enabled devices, conveniently as per their needs,” he added.
Huawei’s track record in the telecommunications industry, providing communications networks for 45 out of 50 of the world’s top telecom operators, means it is in a strong position to develop communications for the region’s modern high speed railways and metro transport systems. Huawei has worked on over 20 rail projects around the world and equipped a total length of 8000 kilometers of railway tracks with reliable and secure wireless systems.
Huawei recorded regional contract sales in 2011 of $3.22bn, an increase of 20% compared with 2010. While consolidating its leading position within the telecom market, Huawei is also growing rapidly in the enterprise market; specifically in the transportation, government, banking and finance, oil and gas, power and utilities sectors.
Samer Marzouq
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