United Arab Emirates - Current situation - History

25.01.2017

The Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA) of the United Arab Emirates is working to introduce a DAB+ based commercial digital radio multiplex in the UAE and to improve the overall radio listening experience. As part of these efforts the TRA has prepared receiver specifications to cover all radio receivers including AM/FM/DAB+. The draft of these specifications has been circulated to the industry and other stakeholders for consultation. Following a trial, the TRA (Telecoms Regulation Authority) is working towards a commercial launch of DAB+ in 2018.

Four DAB+ channels were being broadcast across Abu Dhabi as part of the trials GatesAir ran with Abu Dhabi Media. The official start date for the DAB+ Trial in Abu Dhabi was 1st July 2015. The trial period was for 90 days to start then it was expected to be extended. As per the TRA Regulations, the trial could be a maximum of 180 days. The trial covered the entire population of Abu Dhabi, 1.8 million people.

Two Broadcasting Operators of the United Arab Emirates, Arabian Radio Network Dubai and UAE Radio & TV Ajman successfully completed test / trials for T-DAB+ technology in cities of Dubai and Ajman during March 2014 - February 2015. The main purpose was to test the technology for coverage and reception quality. 

20.10.2016

The Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA) of the United Arab Emirates is working to introduce a DAB+ based commercial digital radio multiplex in the UAE and to mprove the overall radio listening experience. As part of these efforts the TRA has prepared receiver specifications to cover all radio receivers including AM/FM/DAB+. The draft of these specifications has been circulated to the industry and other stakeholders for consultation. An announcement regarding a DAB+ commercial launch is anticipated end December 2016.

Four DAB+ channels were being broadcast across Abu Dhabi as part of the trials GatesAir ran with Abu Dhabi Media. The official start date for the DAB+ Trial in Abu Dhabi was 1st July 2015. The trial period was for 90 days to start then it was expected to be extended. As per the TRA Regulations, the trial could be a maximum of 180 days. The trial covered the entire population of Abu Dhabi, 1.8 million people.

Two Broadcasting Operators of the United Arab Emirates, Arabian Radio Network Dubai and UAE Radio & TV Ajman successfully completed test / trials for T-DAB+ technology in cities of Dubai and Ajman during March 2014 - February 2015. The main purpose was to test the technology for coverage and reception quality. 

19.09.2016

The Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA) of the United Arab Emirates is working to introduce a DAB+ based commercial digital radio multiplex in the UAE most probably during 2017 and to improve the overall radio listening experience. As part of these efforts the TRA has prepared receiver specifications to cover all radio receivers including AM/FM/DAB+. The draft of these specifications has been circulated to the industry and other stakeholders for consultation. 

Four DAB+ channels were being broadcast across Abu Dhabi as part of the trials GatesAir ran with Abu Dhabi Media. The official start date for the DAB+ Trial in Abu Dhabi was 1st July 2015. The trial period was for 90 days to start then it was expected to be extended. As per the TRA Regulations, the trial could be a maximum of 180 days. The trial covered the entire population of Abu Dhabi, 1.8 million people.

Two Broadcasting Operators of the United Arab Emirates, Arabian Radio Network Dubai and UAE Radio & TV Ajman successfully completed test / trials for T-DAB+ technology in cities of Dubai and Ajman during March 2014 - February 2015. The main purpose was to test the technology for coverage and reception quality.