Dubai government to partner with Huawei

The Dubai government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to partner with Chinese telecommunications firm Huawei.

The MoU was signed on Tuesday, October 8 amid GITEX Technology Week. As per the agreement, Huawei will assist with various initiatives of Smart Dubai, an arm of Dubai’s government that deals with technology. As reported by Emirates News Agency (WAM), the two will also work together to develop new “smart initiatives, developing innovative solutions to implement the latest technological advances” and establish a “Centre for the Future” that will offer citizens the opportunity to experience various technologies such as artificial intelligence.

Said Dawoud Al Hajri, director-general of Dubai Municipality: “Partnerships between the government and private companies provide benefits for the community that will enable us to achieve customer happiness by deploying the latest services and applications to the highest international standards. As a global ICT leader, Huawei is the ideal partner for us in this endeavor.”

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Added Huawei UAE CEO Shi Li: “Our collaboration will support Dubai Municipality in the launch of innovative ICT solutions, which will contribute to the realisation of smart city and happiness visions of the emirate’s leadership. Dubai is at the forefront of smart city adoption in the region, and it will further strengthen its position through Dubai Municipality’s forward-thinking approach to innovation and technology.”

The deal comes despite a number of recent controversies involving Huawei. The Chinese telco has been embroiled in controversy worldwide for some time amid concerns over spying and alleged links to the Chinese government and military – allegations which Huawei has continued to vehemently deny. In December 2018, chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou – the daughter of founder Ren Zhengfei – was arrested in Canada at the request of the United States government on multiple charges, including allegedly violating sanctions against Iran.

Her trial is ongoing.

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Taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the 39th edition of GITEX Technology Week features business, governmental organisations and more from throughout the Middle East and world showcasing their latest technological innovations. More than 100,000 people are expected to have visited by the time the show wraps up on Thursday, October 10.