e& UAE, the telecom arm of the global technology group, has partnered with Huawei to launch the Optical Innovation Centre (OIC). This new initiative aims to accelerate the UAE’s transition to AI-ready networks by combining lab-to-field trials with joint development of enabling technologies across transport, access, and in-home digital experiences. The OIC establishes a forward-looking collaboration model designed to enhance e& UAE’s leadership in network performance, user experience, and business sustainability.
A Strategic Partnership For Network Leadership
The collaboration between e& UAE and Huawei elevates their strategic relationship by fostering co-innovation to reinforce e& UAE’s market leadership. The joint efforts focus on two key frameworks: ‘Network for AI’ and ‘AI for Network’. Through a series of successful trials, the partnership has already delivered industry-leading results that strengthen the UAE’s optical network capabilities for the demands of the AI era.
“Enhancing user experience through AI-driven networks remains a key priority,” said Abdul Rahman Al Humaidan, Senior Vice President of Access Network Development at e& UAE. “Our collaboration introduces advanced optical capabilities, such as hollow-core fibre DCI, zero-loss protection, and fine-grained OTN, that raise performance where it matters: lower latency, predictable capacity and greater resiliency for AI workloads across the UAE.”
Pioneering Trials For The AI Era
To meet the essential requirements of ultra-low latency, high capacity, and agile connectivity for AI, the OIC has successfully trialed three industry-leading innovations. The first is a regional-first trial of hollow-core fibre (HCF) for AI data centre interconnection (DCI), which achieved record-breaking transmission speeds of 128 Tb/s per fibre while cutting latency by one-third per kilometre.
The second innovation is a seamless, zero-loss protection mechanism for DCI, ensuring uninterrupted remote computing performance. This is critical for AI workloads, where even a 0.1% packet loss can reduce training efficiency by up to 50%. Thirdly, the partnership completed the region’s first trial of next-generation fine-grained Optical Transport Network (fgOTN) technology, demonstrating dedicated and secure low-latency channels with bandwidth adjustable down to 10 Mbps.
Advancing Towards Zero-Touch Operations
The OIC is also focused on evolving e& UAE’s optical network into an AI-based infrastructure using its globally pioneering Transmission Digital Map. This system, built on digital-twin technology, AI agents, and a Copilot, enables proactive network management. An AI agent named AssurSpirit identifies 42 types of potential risks across all network layers in real time to prevent outages.
Furthermore, a Generative AI-based Copilot was trialed to support closed-loop service planning, provisioning, and performance optimisation through an intuitive conversational interface, paving the way for zero-touch network operations.
About e&
e& is a global technology group committed to advancing the digital future across markets in the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe. With the group’s financial performance in 2024 showing a consolidated revenue of AED 59.2 billion and a net profit of AED 10.8 billion, e& continues to maintain its position as a financial powerhouse, reflected by its strong credit rating and solid balance sheet. Founded in Abu Dhabi over 48 years ago, e& has evolved from a telecom pioneer into a technology group. Its footprint now spans 38 countries, offering a comprehensive portfolio of innovative digital services ranging from advanced connectivity, entertainment, streaming and financial services to AI-powered solutions, cloud computing, ICT, cybersecurity and IoT platforms. Driven by innovation, sustainability and a commitment to digital empowerment, e& is set on creating a smarter, more connected future for individuals, businesses and communities.
Source: Zawya
