Sharjah Airport Leads UAE’s 5G Race as Etisalat Plasters Nation with 5.5G OOH Drive

Sharjah International Airport has taken a decisive step in the UAE’s connectivity race, becoming the first airport in the country to activate full 5G coverage, following its integration of next-generation network infrastructure. The development, in collaboration with du, marks a significant milestone for the emirate as the aviation and telecom sectors accelerate their push toward becoming fully digital ecosystems.

According to Gulf News, the upgraded 5G system promises dramatically higher data speeds, lower latency, and stronger indoor coverage, an essential upgrade as airports increasingly transition into smart, high-traffic digital hubs.

A New Benchmark for Airport Connectivity

The deployment positions Sharjah Airport as a leader in aviation transformation. For travellers, the benefits are immediate: faster uploads, seamless video streaming, and improved reliability even during peak travel periods. For airport operators, the technology lays the groundwork for wider digitalisation, supporting applications such as autonomous services, enhanced security monitoring, IoT-based asset tracking, and AI-powered passenger flow management.

A senior Sharjah Airport official emphasised that the rollout is part of a broader strategy to future-proof the airport’s infrastructure as passenger volumes continue to grow.

Etisalat’s 5.5G Blitz Takes Over the Streets

While Sharjah Airport pushes forward inside the terminals, Etisalat (e&) has taken the race outdoors quite literally. The telecom giant has launched one of the UAE’s boldest out-of-home advertising campaigns of the year, promoting its 5.5G network, which the company positions as “the fastest in the world.”

The campaign has dominated major arteries across the country, including towering bridge banners, high-impact digital screens, and key placements across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the Northern Emirates. Its bold red visuals and assertive messaging highlight a clear objective: solidify Etisalat’s identity as the UAE’s undisputed leader in next-generation connectivity.

Industry observers note that this nationwide OOH surge is more than a brand push, it's a strategic signal. As operators compete to define the next phase of digital infrastructure, visibility and consumer perception matter as much as network capability.

UAE’s Connectivity Ambition on Full Display

Together, Sharjah Airport’s 5G activation and Etisalat’s 5.5G campaign reflect a broader national momentum. The UAE is accelerating toward a hyper-connected future, aligning with its ambitions for smart cities, AI-driven services, and world-class digital infrastructure.

For consumers, the race translates into faster, more reliable connectivity. For businesses, it signals fertile ground for innovation across logistics, aviation, retail, and mobility. And for the UAE’s telecom leaders, it marks the beginning of a new competitive era, one defined by speed, intelligence, and nationwide visibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is Sharjah Airport’s 5G rollout significant?

It is the first airport in the UAE to activate complete 5G coverage, enhancing passenger experience and enabling smarter, more efficient airport operations.

2. What benefits will travellers notice with 5G at the airport?

Faster internet speeds, improved streaming, smoother cloud access, and more reliable connectivity, even during peak hours.

3. What is Etisalat promoting with its 5.5G campaign?

Etisalat is highlighting its next-generation 5.5G network, positioning it as the fastest globally and reinforcing its leadership through a widespread OOH presence.

4. How does this impact the UAE’s digital ambitions?

Both initiatives support national goals around smart city development, advanced infrastructure, and high-speed digital services.

5. Will 5.5G be available to the public immediately?

Availability depends on device compatibility and network rollout, but consumers can expect gradual expansion as infrastructure and consumer technology evolve.