Etisalat UAE has commercially launched 2×2 uplink multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) with carrier aggregation for smartphones, claiming a global first as telecom operators respond to growing demand for faster data uploads.

The technology, available on compatible smartphones using the operator’s 5.5G network, enables upload speeds of up to three times those achievable without the capability, according to the company.

Technology targets growing upload demand

The system combines two data streams with carrier aggregation, which brings together capacity across different frequency bands. The approach allows compatible devices to transmit more data simultaneously, potentially improving the speed of uploading high-resolution photos, videos and large files, a WAM report said.

The upgrade comes as smartphone use increasingly extends beyond downloading content to creating, sharing and processing data through cloud-based and artificial intelligence applications.

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Marwan Bin Shakar, CTO at Etisalat UAE, said: “Mobile experiences are changing. Smartphones are no longer primarily consuming content; they are creating, sharing and increasingly sending richer data to AI and cloud applications in real time. That changes what we need from the network. By bringing this capability to smartphones for the first time globally, we are increasing upload capacity where it matters and ensuring our 5.5G network is ready for how customers will use their devices next.”

AI applications add pressure on networks

AI-powered tools that interpret images, analyse documents or respond to camera input often require users to upload content for cloud-based processing. Faster uplink speeds could reduce the time needed to transmit that information, making some interactions more responsive.

Traditionally, mobile network upgrades have prioritised downlink capacity, which determines how quickly devices receive data. However, growing volumes of user-generated content are increasing the importance of uplink performance, particularly for applications that rely on sending large files or real-time information.

Etisalat UAE’s new capability is designed to address that shift by combining uplink MIMO with carrier aggregation to increase the amount of data smartphones can send over the network.

Network investment focuses on 5.5G

The launch forms part of the operator’s investment in its 5.5G network as smartphones and digital services become more data-intensive.

The potential benefits will depend on device compatibility and network conditions. The company has said the feature is available exclusively on its 5.5G network, meaning users will need compatible smartphones and access to the relevant network to benefit from the technology.

Further details on the rollout and the range of supported devices were not provided in the announcement.

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has partnered with global logistics company DHL to strengthen the export capabilities of local manufacturers and support their expansion into international markets.

The initiative, delivered through DET’s Export Assistance Programme (EAP), brought together more than 50 manufacturers for a workshop led by DHL specialists.

The session focused on global logistics, supply chain planning and international connectivity, providing businesses with practical guidance on navigating export challenges and entering new markets.

The workshop follows a strategic partnership announced between DET and DHL during Make it in the Emirates 2026 in May.

Under the agreement, eligible EAP members can access preferential shipping rates, customised logistics solutions and end-to-end supply chain support, aimed at reducing the cost and complexity of exporting from Dubai.

Dubai manufacturers offered logistics and export support

The collaboration is designed to help Dubai-based manufacturers improve supply chain efficiency, manage international shipping requirements and strengthen their competitiveness in overseas markets.

Mohamed Al Marzooqi, acting associate vice president, Manufacturing & Exports Development at the Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), the economic development arm of DET, said: “Dubai’s manufacturers are well-positioned to compete globally, and our focus is on translating strategic partnerships into practical support that helps them realise this potential. By bringing DHL’s expertise directly to Export Assistance Programme members, this workshop enables businesses to make more informed logistics decisions and approach international expansion with increased confidence. It reflects our commitment to equipping Dubai-based manufacturers with the capabilities and connections they need to scale internationally and contribute to the ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.”

Mahmoud Haj Hussein, managing director, DHL Express UAE, said: “Dubai’s manufacturers have strong potential to grow beyond the UAE. Through our partnership with DET, we are combining DHL Express’ global network and cross-border expertise with practical support to help businesses simplify international trade, reach new customers and expand confidently into global markets.”
Supporting Dubai’s D33 manufacturing ambitions

The initiative supports the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which includes a target to more than double manufacturing value-added output in the decade to 2033.

DET said Dubai’s manufacturing sector continues to benefit from advanced infrastructure, production capabilities and the UAE’s expanding network of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs), which provide opportunities for businesses to access international markets.

Viktoria Lebedeva, head of sales & marketing, DHL Global Forwarding UAE, highlighted the importance of managing logistics costs and delivery times as manufacturers expand overseas.

“Dubai manufacturers have significant opportunities to expand into global markets, but international growth requires more than access to transportation. Rising landed costs and longer lead times are putting pressure on their margins, and the answer is rarely one mode of transport. By combining air, ocean and road freight around each company’s cost and speed priorities, and by pairing our global network with local expertise, we help manufacturers build supply chains that carry their long-term international ambitions. Our partnership with DET brings that thinking directly to Dubai’s manufacturing community.”

Through the Export Assistance Programme, DET provides manufacturers and exporters with access to services including logistics support, export finance and credit protection.

The programme aims to help businesses manage export-related risks, improve competitiveness and identify opportunities in new and high-potential international markets.
The DET-DHL partnership forms part of Dubai’s broader efforts to strengthen its position as a global manufacturing and trade hub while supporting local businesses seeking to expand beyond the UAE.

Saudi Arabia has urged residents and visitors to follow official emergency instructions, avoid sharing unauthorised footage of security incidents and remain alert, as the US warned of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures and travel disruptions across the kingdom.

The advisories highlight the importance of following instructions from authorities, monitoring official information channels and taking precautions during potential aerial threats.

Saudi Media Minister Salman Al Dossary urged the public to rely on official sources and refrain from circulating images, videos or information about security and military operations obtained from unknown or unreliable sources.

“Accurate information is part of safeguarding security,” he said at a government press conference on Monday, October 12, following reported Houthi attacks on Riyadh’s airport, according to an Arab News report.

Al Dossary said Saudi Arabia was prepared to defend its territory and protect citizens and residents against threats. He also said that “life in the kingdom is continuing as normal”.

Read more: Saudi attacks: UK flags insurance risks for Britons in updated travel warning

“Heightened readiness does not mean there is cause for anxiety; rather, it reflects the state’s preparedness for different scenarios, regardless of how likely they are to occur,” he added.

Public warned against sharing missile and drone footage

Saudi authorities have separately warned that filming, publishing or sharing information about efforts to intercept missiles and drones, or their impact sites, could expose individuals to legal liability.

The Saudi Civil Defence reiterated the warning in an official notice, underscoring restrictions on publishing material related to security operations.

The National Early Warning Platform has also issued guidance on how people should respond when they receive emergency alerts. Residents are advised to remain calm, follow official instructions and immediately seek shelter inside a building or an interior room away from windows.

People should remain indoors until the danger has passed, avoid balconies, rooftops and open areas, and stay away from glass. Those outdoors should enter the nearest building or take shelter behind a solid barrier.

Motorists who receive an alert while driving should pull over safely, away from bridges and high-rise buildings. Authorities also advise the public to avoid crowds and dangerous areas and refrain from taking photographs of incidents.

For emergencies, residents can call 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 998 in other parts of the kingdom. Official information is available through 998.gov.sa and Saudi Civil Defence’s social media account, SaudiDCD.

US warns of airport restrictions and travel disruption

In a security alert dated October 12, the US Mission to Saudi Arabia warned American citizens about possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and travel disruption. It advised travellers to verify departure information directly with their airlines and airports and exercise extreme caution when using airports in the Kingdom.

US government employees working in Saudi Arabia require special authorisation to use any airport in the country. They are also prohibited from travelling within 20 miles of the Yemen border and need special authorisation to visit Jizan, Asir, Najran, Qatif, Yanbu and Taif.

The mission said private cars, trains and buses could offer alternatives to air travel, although travellers should confirm schedules and availability with providers.

Saudi Arabia Railways

SAT Transportation

SAPTCO

The advisory also cautioned that American citizens had been detained for photographing recent events, reminding visitors and residents that local laws apply throughout their stay.

Travellers urged to monitor official updates

The US Mission advised citizens to review the State Department’s travel advisories for Saudi Arabia and Yemen, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and monitor local media and official announcements.

In the event of an aerial attack, people should stay away from windows, glass doors and fallen debris, keep their phones charged and follow instructions from local authorities. The mission also recommended avoiding demonstrations, large gatherings and areas with a heavy police presence.

Regular and emergency consular services remain available to US citizens, according to the alert.

The mission urged travellers whose flights are affected to contact their airlines directly for changes and updates.

The UAE is forecast to see possible rainfall across eastern and western regions this week, while temperatures in inland areas could reach 43°C, with rising humidity also increasing the likelihood of fog and mist, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM).

On Tuesday, October 13, skies are expected to remain fair to partly cloudy, with convective clouds potentially developing over eastern and western parts of the country during the afternoon, a WAM report said.

The NCM said the UAE is being affected by an extension of a surface low-pressure system, accompanied by a weak upper-air low-pressure system. The resulting cloud formations could bring rainfall to some areas.

Read more: Could El Niño bring wetter weather to the UAE this winter?

Temperatures will remain highest inland, while coastal and mountainous locations are expected to record lower readings. Winds will generally be light to moderate but could strengthen at times, particularly alongside cloud activity, raising the possibility of blowing dust.

Inland temperatures could reach 43°C

Inland areas are forecast to record maximum temperatures of 39°C to 43°C, with overnight lows ranging from 24°C to 29°C.

Coastal areas and islands are expected to see temperatures between 35°C and 40°C, while minimum readings could range from 26°C to 31°C. Mountainous areas will remain cooler, with highs of 27°C to 33°C and lows of 20°C to 26°C.

Humidity could reach 90 per cent in coastal areas and islands, 85 per cent inland and 80 per cent in mountainous regions, according to the NCM.

Winds are forecast to blow at 10 to 25 km/hr, occasionally strengthening to 35 km/h along the coast and 40 km/hr inland and in mountainous areas.

Wednesday and Thursday bring further rain chances

On Wednesday, October 14, partly cloudy conditions are expected to persist, with convective clouds potentially developing over eastern and western regions during the afternoon. Rainfall remains possible in areas affected by these formations.

Humidity is forecast to increase overnight and into Thursday morning, potentially producing fog or mist in some coastal and inland locations.

Southeasterly to northeasterly winds are expected to reach 10 to 25 km/hr, occasionally strengthening to 40 km/hr and lifting dust.

On Thursday, October 15, convective clouds could develop over southern regions during the afternoon and evening, bringing another chance of rainfall. Humidity is expected to rise overnight and into Friday morning, creating conditions favourable for fog or mist.

Winds will initially blow from the southeast before shifting northwesterly, with speeds of 10 to 25 km/hr and gusts of up to 40 km/hr.

Humidity to persist into the weekend

On Friday, October 16, fair to partly cloudy skies are forecast, with clouds potentially developing over eastern and southern areas during the afternoon. Some may become convective.

Similar conditions are expected on Saturday, October 17, with further cloud development possible over eastern and southern regions. Humidity will increase overnight and into Sunday morning, bringing another chance of fog or mist in parts of the country.

Winds on Friday are forecast at 10 to 20 km/hr, occasionally reaching 30 km/h, with a gradual shift from southeasterly to northwesterly. Similar speeds are expected on Saturday.

Sea conditions are forecast to remain slight in both the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea throughout the period.

The outlook points to several days of changeable weather, with intermittent rain chances alongside persistent heat, shifting winds and overnight humidity.

British travellers heading to parts of Saudi Arabia could risk invalidating their travel insurance after the UK government expanded its travel warnings to include Jeddah, Dammam and nearly all airports in the kingdom.

“Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO),” the UK government’s latest advisory states.

The FCDO updated its guidance on Sunday, advising against all but essential travel to every airport in Saudi Arabia except Medina International Airport, alongside several major cities and provinces.

The warning follows a series of attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which have caused significant disruption to aviation operations.

Read more: Riyadh airport closure extended as authorities assess safety following deadly attacks

While the insurance warning is part of the FCDO’s standard travel guidance, the expanded advisory means additional destinations now fall within areas where travelling against official recommendations could affect insurance coverage.

The UK government’s separate travel insurance guidance also cautions that many policies exclude cover for high-risk destinations subject to FCDO warnings.

Travellers are advised to check their individual insurance policies and confirm their coverage before making travel arrangements.

UK expands Saudi Arabia travel warnings

In its latest travel advisory, the FCDO confirmed that its restrictions now cover Riyadh, Aseer, Najran and Jizan provinces, alongside the cities of Taif, Jeddah and Dammam.

The government continues to advise against all travel within 10km of Saudi Arabia’s border with Yemen.

The advisory also specifically urges British nationals to stay away from King Khalid International Airport until it is secure and to follow instructions from Saudi authorities.

The warning follows four separate attacks on Riyadh airport. Over the past week, 13 people have reportedly died and more than 300 have been injured following attacks on aviation facilities in the kingdom.

The FCDO said Houthi missile and drone attacks since July 13 had heightened security risks to airports, military installations, ports and energy infrastructure across Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh, Jeddah, Yanbu, Abha, Jizan and Najran.

British nationals across the Middle East have also been advised to prepare for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures and further travel disruption.

Travellers advised to consider alternative routes

The FCDO has suggested that British nationals seeking to leave Saudi Arabia consider travelling overland to neighbouring countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE and Jordan, before arranging onward flights.

However, travellers have been advised to check border-crossing requirements, visa arrangements and local security conditions before departing.

Those travelling by car must ensure the vehicle is wholly owned and registered in their name.

The revised guidance does not amount to a blanket recommendation against visiting Saudi Arabia, with Medina International Airport specifically excluded from the expanded airport restrictions.

The FCDO has also urged British nationals to keep travel documents updated, maintain access to essential medication and emergency supplies, and avoid areas around military installations and energy infrastructure.

Travellers have been advised to monitor official announcements and check flight confirmations before travelling to airports, with operations and airspace conditions subject to change at short notice.