The objective of the MoU to deploy innovation 5G smart farming solutions supports the UAE Sustainability Agenda to enable access to adequate and affordable food, sustainable economic growth, healthy ecosystems, and increased resource efficiency. 5G and Internet of Things (IoT) use cases for enterprises are growing in the Middle East region, specifically in the UAE. The ultra-low latency, super-fast speeds, and high throughput of 5G technology unlock a world of real-time service opportunities for smart agriculture. 5G enhances the use of autonomous vehicles such as drones for intelligent pest and weed control. Furthermore, connected devices, powered by 5G, make it possible to gather huge quantities of data that can be used to optimize processes, increase understanding of agricultural variables – including humidity, local rainfall, and temperature variations – and ensure improved crop yields and increased quality of the produce. Fahad Al Hassawi, Chief Executive Officer, Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company, says: “As a leading national company that facilitates the provision of 5G technology and supports the UAE’s sustainability agenda, du is proud to be collaborating alongside Pure Harvest and Ericsson as we deliver highly capable and valuable 5G smart farming solutions. With the technology evolution firmly accelerating, industries and companies within now require sustainable solutions backed by the latest tech advancements to ensure they continue making valuable economic and community contributions in the years and decades ahead. This is something with direct implications for the UAE’s agriculture sector, and we look forward to helping introduce sustainable 5G-based solutions that become prominent use cases by delivering newfound efficiency, streamlining operations, and facilitating growth.” Fadi Pharaon, President of Ericsson Middle East and Africa says: “The farming industry is ready to undergo its digital transformation journey as farmers realize the importance of digital technology such as sensors, drones, and robotics to increase the efficiency of their processes. Collaboration brings the reality of IoT to real life, and we look forward to our collaboration with Du and Pure Harvest Smart Farms to create a positive digital transformation ecosystem for agriculture in line with the UAE Sustainability Agenda.”