Huawei optimistic about Middle East growth despite roadblocks

By Rahul Vaimal, Associate Editor
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Huawei Middle East
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Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and pressure from US politicians, Huawei is bullish about its Middle East business growth prospects this year, the company’s regional president said on Monday.

The US has been accusing the Chinese telecommunications giant of posing security threats to other countries and potentially spying for the Chinese government through its devices. They had even lobbied in Europe and encouraged local authorities to enforce specific bans on Huawei products when it comes to setting up the next generation of wireless mobile apps. Recent reports suggest that the British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson is set to ban Huawei from Britain’s 5G network.

Charles Yang
Charles Yang
President – Middle East Region
Huawei

“Despite the US pressure and COVID-19 disruptions, we are very satisfied with our result in the Middle East. I am also very bullish on future business growth. 5G construction in the Middle East started around two years ago and now this region is at par with South Korea in terms of 5G rollout and is among the top-performing markets for Huawei.”

A 5G network promises an internet speed that is more than 100 times faster than 4G – up to 1.2 gigabits per second, gradually reaching 10Gbps.

Huawei is a major leader in the global delivery of 5G services. Mr. Yang also revealed that out of the 91 5G contracts the brand has signed by the end of February this year, 12 are from the Middle East.

Last year Huawei revealed in collaboration with the UAE Telecommunications Regulatory Authority that it will develop ‘5G & IoT Joint OpenLab’ in Dubai. The lab, located in the Dubai Media City, is under progress and is expected to be ready by the end of the year.

The key focus of the facility will be to improve the fifth-generation mobile network technology and IoT.

Huawei, which has more than 100 retail shops and more than a dozen GCC product experience centers, will launch its first Dubai Mall experience center at the UAE by the end of 2020.

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