UAE’s du launches first Arabic LLM for telecom operations

UAE telecommunications operator du has partnered with Microsoft, Nokia, Khalifa University, and the International Telecommunication Union to develop what it claims is the first Arabic-language large language model specifically designed for internal telecom operations. The model addresses the growing need for localized AI systems in strategic sectors while supporting the UAE’s emphasis on developing sovereign AI infrastructure.

What you should know: The Arabic LLM is designed to handle operational tasks with cultural and linguistic nuances specific to the UAE and broader region.

• The model supports real-time customer complaint handling, device issue diagnostics, and internal process optimization through AI-generated insights.
• Unlike general-purpose AI systems, this LLM functions fluently in Arabic while incorporating regional cultural context.
• The model is trained and hosted within the UAE, aligning with the country’s focus on sovereign AI capabilities.

Who else is involved: The collaboration brings together international technology providers, academic institutions, and policy experts in a comprehensive partnership.

• Microsoft and Nokia provide the technical foundation and infrastructure expertise.
• Khalifa University’s 6G Research Center contributes academic research capabilities.
• The International Telecommunication Union adds policy and regulatory expertise to the initiative.

What they’re saying: du’s leadership emphasizes the importance of linguistically and contextually aligned AI systems for operational efficiency.

• “Together with our partners, we are creating AI tools that understand our language, context, and operational requirements,” said Saleem AlBlooshi, chief technology officer at du.

The bigger picture: This Arabic telecom LLM could pave the way for broader AI deployments across the region and multiple languages.

• Future versions may include multilingual support and external customer-facing applications.
• The project builds on du’s December 2024 launch of the du Innovation Center in Dubai, which focuses on 5G-Advanced technology and AI integration.

Why this matters: The development addresses a significant gap in Arabic-language AI tools while positioning the UAE as a regional technology hub.

• The initiative demonstrates how telecommunications operators are leveraging localized AI to improve operational efficiency.
• By developing sovereign AI infrastructure, the UAE reduces dependence on foreign AI systems while better serving Arabic-speaking users.