The UAE is now WiFi Enabled! People in the UAE are Enabled to Experience the Future of Smart Cities

Towards transforming Dubai to the smartest city in the World

Dubai, UAE, 8 May 2015: The Smart Dubai Executive Committee and du, the Smart City Official WiFi Provider in Dubai, today announced the roll out of WiFi UAE services in various public areas. The service will empower residents by enabling seamless, reliable and secure connectivity to access the internet, browse government websites and apps, pay bills, get updates about applications and avail eServices, among other benefits. The target is to enable WiFi connectivity through more than 300 locations by the end of the year, in line with the city’s vision to implement services that lead to overall happiness of people as envisioned in a Smart City. Customers of any UAE-based telecom operator can access WiFi UAE.

Dr. Aisha Bin Bishr, Assistant Director of The Executive office of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, member of the Executive Committee of Smart Dubai Initiative, said “We are keen in the Smart Dubai Initiative to establish a larger partnership base withinthe private sector; our partnership with du is one of the most importantas it providesthe necessary technological infrastructure forthe Smart City.The WiFiUAE announcement is a step forwardin Dubai’s transformationinto the smartest cityin the world.In the coming period, we will work towardsimplementing the many steps that lead to achievingthe vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.”

Announcing the launch, Osman Sultan, Chief Executive Officer, du, said: “Remaining connected in today’s fast-paced digitised world is a basic human right that will increasingly define quality of service in a smart society. The aim of WiFi UAE is to provide affordable, secure and seamless connectivity for people in a Smart City so that they have easy access to all government services and seamless connectivity. 

“Providing fast and complimentary access to all government websites and apps and focusing on maintaining the reliability and safety of the services has been our main focus in implementing WiFi UAE infrastructure. Now, we are focused on building on these services and expanding the WiFi coverage through new and ongoing strategic partnerships. Our ultimate aim is the enablement of a new and better lifestyle for the residentsthrough providing them a world of convenience, empowerment and innovative services.”

WiFi UAE gives users two optionsto choose from,WiFiand PremiumWiFi,which can be accessed from any WiFi-enabled device and a UAE mobile number. This includes smartphones, laptops, tablets, gaming devices and more. 

With WiFi option, users can access the internet, browse emails and use their social applicationsfree of charge, at restricted speeds.

With Premium WiFi, and as a launch promotion, userscan avail of 6hours of high speed internet that can be used over 3 days for just AED 20. Or AED50 will buy 20 hours of high speed internet access that can be used over a 7 day period. If hours are consumed within a shorter time frame, users can purchase more internet hours to keep surfing.Paying for the service is quick and easy. Users can just recharge with a du WOW recharge card or use their UAE or GCC-issued credit card to buy credit. A pin number will be required to ensure safety and security. 

In addition, both options will enable customers to access government websites & applications at unrestricted speed.

du, in its role as official Smart City WiFi provider, has partnered with several government and public entities to deliverWiFi UAE connectivity and customer convenience in a number of high footfall areas including Dubai Metro and Tram, DIFC, Knowledge Village, Dubai Media City, EmaarBoulevard, Global Village, and du shops. The service will expand shortly to parks, and beaches under its agreement with Dubai Municipality.