Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of the UAE’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), stated that driverless vehicles are tested on 5G technology in advance of a planned deployment of such vehicles on UAE roads.

"We will develop 5G network to vital sectors such as health, transport and education. According to this policy, 5G network was provided in a place absent from the city in Dubai [Dubai Silicone Oasis] for testing driverless vehicles," Al Mansoori told the Emirates news agency Wam.

As stated by industry reports, 5G-enabled driverless vehicles will be capable to have more effective and fast communication with each other and traffic infrastructure, which will help minimize traffic jams and bottlenecks. The 5G technology can also facilitate these vehicles to identify traffics situations and potential threats quickly.

Speaking about location priority for provision of 5G, will be subject to requirements for transport, health and education sectors, said Al Mansoori. He further added that, hospitals would require 5G for conducting remote surgeries and likewise universities would need it for various researches.

"This means they need not wait for us to roll out 5G in a specific area. They can approach the supplier to get it immediately," he emphasized on the sidelines of UAE 5G Conference in Dubai.

The TRA is coordinating with authorities in health, transport and education sectors, and private sector units to implement this method for better utilization of 5G network, he mentioned.

When asked about the current penetration of 5G network in the UAE and its future development, he stated mobile phone subscribers in the UAE need not be troubled about access to 5G.

Al Mansoori further explained, "The prevailing 4G network offers a speed which is close to that of 5G network. Whereas, in several other parts of the world, including in Europe, the 4G network does not provide such a speed".