e& (formerly Etisalat Group), a leading telecommunications provider in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Huawei, a global technology company, have joined forces to develop environmentally friendly and energy-efficient communication networks in the UAE. This collaboration was solidified through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024 held in Barcelona, Spain.

The partnership aims to significantly reduce carbon emissions from e&'s operations by implementing sustainable practices across its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure. This encompasses radio access networks, core networks, transport networks, and data centers.

The joint effort will leverage a combination of Huawei's cutting-edge energy-efficient technologies and intelligent software features. These advancements, alongside the utilization of renewable energy sources, will contribute to the overall network decarbonization strategy.

Furthermore, the MoU paves the way for knowledge sharing between the two companies. Through a series of collaborative workshops, e& and Huawei will exchange insights on climate change mitigation strategies and the latest technological developments in the telecom sector. This knowledge exchange will enable both parties to adapt and refine their network strategies in accordance with evolving environmental and technological landscapes.

This collaboration marks a significant step towards e&'s goal of achieving net-zero emissions. The company's commitment to sustainability was previously demonstrated by the launch of the region's first net-zero 5G Massive MIMO site, which utilized Huawei technology, during COP 28 in December 2023.

Sabri Albreiki, Chief Technology Officer of e& International, emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating, "Through our strategic collaboration with Huawei, we aim to accelerate the decarbonization of our ICT infrastructure by leveraging their energy-efficient solutions alongside advanced software features, machine learning capabilities, and renewable energy sources. This MoU reinforces our shared commitment towards building a greener and more sustainable future."

Echoing this sentiment, Gavin Wang, President of Huawei e& Global Key Account, expressed, "The combined efforts of e& and Huawei will play a crucial role in driving sustainable development within the UAE's telecom sector. We are confident that this collaboration will not only contribute to significant environmental benefits but also pave the way for the deployment of future-proof network technologies."

The e& and Huawei partnership serves as a prime example of how leading companies in the telecommunications industry can collaborate to address environmental challenges and contribute to a more sustainable future. By adopting innovative technologies and fostering knowledge sharing, this initiative paves the way for the development of eco-friendly and energy-efficient communication networks, not only in the UAE but potentially across the globe.