e& UAE and ZTE Sign MoU to Develop 5.5G Private-Network Solutions for Smart-City Innovation

In a strategic move to bolster its digital infrastructure, e& UAE  has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with ZTE Corporation  to co-develop 5.5G private-network solutions focused on applications such as unmanned aerial systems (drones), edge sensing, and smart surveillance. The agreement is designed to support the expansion of smart city capabilities and accelerate the UAE’s transformation into a digital-first nation.

Through the collaboration, e& UAE and ZTE aim to build private network deployments tailored for high-performance, low-latency operations in mission-critical environments. Use cases include drone communications, real-time sensing at the network edge, and intelligent surveillance systems, enabling city operators and infrastructure providers to harness advanced connectivity to improve safety, efficiency, and responsiveness.

The MoU comes amid the UAE’s broader push toward intelligent infrastructure and sustainable digital ecosystems. By combining e& UAE’s local market reach and network management expertise with ZTE’s telecommunications innovation and hardware capabilities, the partnership is expected to lay the groundwork for next-generation private 5.5G networks across urban, industrial, and municipal settings.

As smart cities evolve and demands for edge intelligence intensify, private 5.5G networks are emerging as a key enabler — offering dedicated capacity, enhanced security, and precise network control. The e& UAE–ZTE agreement sets a precedent for how telecom operators and vendors can jointly advance connectivity solutions for future urban ecosystems.