The steelmaker EMSTEEL Group of Abu Dhabi announced the successful pilot initiation of a privately owned 5G network, the first in the manufacturing industry, in partnership with e& UAE, the telecommunications subdivision of global technology group e&.
The project marks a significant step towards the industry 4.0 targets of EMSTEEL, which is a major focus of the UAE national industrial plan, Operation 300bn, and will significantly improve the operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability across its production sites.
It is a state-of-the-art 5G network solution, which is a privately owned network that has guaranteed high-speed and reliable coverage across the extensive and complex industrial environments of EMSTEEL and is highly able to meet the failures of the traditional connectivity systems.
Since all data is stored safely in the on-premise infrastructure of EMSTEEL, the network can be used to secure the integration of the high-tech projects, such as the Asset Insight platform.
Meanwhile, the inaugural tool that was presented in the network was the Asset Insight application.
With the help of industry-level tablets, workers will be able to scan QR codes on equipment to receive real-time asset documentation, maintenance history, and sensor data.
Using the app, it is also possible to create a maintenance request instantly, which helps to reduce downtime and costly repairs and increase the efficiency and safety of maintenance.
Group Chief Executive Officer of EMSTEEL, Engineer Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, said that “Our partnership with e& UAE to launch the world’s first private 5G network in manufacturing represents a landmark achievement in EMSTEEL’s digital transformation journey. It is more than a technological upgrade; it is a fundamental shift in how we operate, innovate, and ensure the safety of our people and assets. The Asset Insight platform is a powerful example of how we are translating Industry 4.0 principles into tangible operational benefits. This pilot launch reinforces our commitment to pioneering sustainable and efficient manufacturing practices, setting a new benchmark for the industrial sector both regionally and globally.”
CEO of e& UAE, Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, added, “This transformative private 5G deployment with EMSTEEL exemplifies our vision of enabling the industries of tomorrow through cutting-edge connectivity. By delivering enterprise-grade network infrastructure tailored for demanding manufacturing environments, we are unlocking possibilities for smart factories, predictive maintenance, and AI-driven operations. At e&, we are committed to partnering with industry leaders like EMSTEEL to co-create solutions that don’t just connect devices but fundamentally reimagine how industries operate and contribute to a more sustainable future.”
The successful pilot highlights the continued commitment of EMSTEEL to invest in innovative technologies that improve the performance of its operations and solidify its position as a global industry leader in low-carbon steel manufacturing and sustainable building materials.
The limits of the concept of operational excellence are being pushed further by this transformative technology strategy, which has been applied to not only manufacturing but also commercial operations, customer experience, health and safety, sustainability, data utility, research and development, and others.
