UAE-based telecom giant du is set to pioneer next-generation network capabilities, becoming one of the first operators globally to pilot an agentic AI-powered 5G-Advanced network slicing solution. The groundbreaking demonstration, developed in partnership with Nokia and Amazon Web Services (AWS), positions du at the forefront of delivering dynamic, high-performance connectivity ahead of Mobile World Congress 2026.
The Technology Behind Adaptive Connectivity
The advanced solution integrates Nokia’s 5G AirScale base station and MantaRay Service Management and Orchestration platform with the generative AI capabilities of the Amazon Bedrock AI platform. Leveraging Nokia’s proprietary agentic AI modules and edge slicing technology, the system is designed to bring cloud applications and workloads closer to mobile users, significantly reducing latency and enhancing performance.
Intent-Based AI for Dynamic Networks
At its core, the solution is both intent-based and adaptive. It employs agentic AI to continuously monitor network key performance indicators (KPIs) and analyze contextual data from a multitude of sources. This allows the system to automatically and proactively adjust radio access network (RAN) policies in real-time, ensuring service-level agreements (SLAs) are consistently met even under fluctuating network conditions. This intelligent automation enables operators to offer premium, responsive services that dynamically adapt to real-world demands, such as unexpected traffic surges, emergencies, or large-scale public events.
Transforming User Experience From Stadiums to Smart Cities
The practical applications of this technology are vast, promising to reshape connectivity across various sectors. During large gatherings like concerts or sporting events, the AI can analyze live data to optimize network slices for VIP spectators, payment systems, fan engagement platforms, and broadcasting teams simultaneously.
Beyond events, the solution is tailored for enterprise and industrial use cases, including manufacturing, IoT, drones, smart cities, and critical infrastructure like hospitals and ports. It also supports on-demand slicing for high-stakes scenarios, such as ensuring reliable communication for first-responder operations during emergencies.
A Strategic Move for Premium Services
According to Nokia, this AI-powered approach unlocks new revenue opportunities for telecom operators by enabling differentiated, high-value service offerings.
Saleem Alblooshi, CTO at du, commented that the technology will allow the operator to deliver highly responsive and premium services for both enterprise and consumer use cases.
His sentiment was echoed by Pallavi Mahajan, Nokia’s Chief Technology and AI Officer, who noted that combining network slicing with agentic AI creates premium services that can adjust dynamically to changing conditions. Atoosa Hatefi, Director of Innovation in Radio and Environment at Orange, the other pilot partner, added that intent-based slicing enables operators to anticipate customer needs and tailor services accordingly.
About du
du is the commercial brand of Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), a leading telecommunications operator in the United Arab Emirates. It provides a comprehensive range of services, including mobile and fixed telephony, broadband connectivity, and IPTV services to individuals, homes, and businesses across the nation.
Source: MEA TechWatch
