Dubai, UAE – September 26, 2025 — du, part of Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), has unveiled the UAE’s first 5G-enabled smartwatch emergency calling service, marking a major milestone in wearable technology and personal safety innovation.
The new feature allows users of compatible smartwatches to contact emergency services directly from their wrist, without the need for a paired smartphone. With this move, du is positioning itself as a leader in the next phase of 5G-powered connected devices, blending convenience with critical safety functions.
A Shift in What Smartwatches Can Do
Until recently, smartwatches were largely viewed as fitness trackers and smartphone companions, used for step counting, notifications, or quick replies. du’s emergency calling service changes that perception, transforming these devices into standalone safety tools.
For users, the upgrade offers peace of mind in situations where a phone might not be accessible. Whether during outdoor adventures, strenuous exercise, daily commutes, or sudden medical emergencies, being able to call for help directly from the wrist could prove lifesaving.
Industry experts say this feature reflects a global trend where wearable devices are increasingly expected to deliver real-world safety and health benefits, not just convenience.
Powered by Nationwide 5G
The service is built on du’s nationwide 5G coverage, which the company says ensures seamless connectivity, low latency, and reliable performance. These factors are critical in high-demand areas, where congested networks could otherwise delay emergency responses.
By optimizing its infrastructure for wearable devices, du has improved network compatibility and performance across the entire 5G ecosystem. According to company officials, this ensures that emergency calls from smartwatches connect instantly and consistently.
This initiative aligns with du’s broader strategy to expand its 5G ecosystem beyond smartphones into Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and next-generation wearables.
du’s Commitment to Innovation
Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO of du, described the launch as a milestone in the company’s mission to make technology serve people in their everyday lives.
“Technology must serve people where it matters most — in their health, safety, and security,” he said. “By enabling direct emergency calling from 5G smartwatches, we are reinforcing our commitment to innovation that has a meaningful impact on society.”
Al Hassawi added that du’s focus extends beyond offering faster connectivity, toward building services that enhance lifestyles and address practical needs.
UAE as a Hub for Smart and Safe Technologies
The UAE has long positioned itself at the forefront of smart city development, integrating cutting-edge digital infrastructure with public services. du’s smartwatch emergency calling service fits within this vision, offering citizens and residents access to safety technology that leverages the country’s advanced telecom networks.
Globally, smartwatches have added health and safety features such as fall detection, SOS alerts, and heart monitoring. du’s move places the UAE alongside leading markets like the U.S. and Europe, where wearables are already being used to bridge gaps between consumer technology and healthcare.
The rollout also supports the UAE’s broader ambition to integrate IoT technologies into daily life, from smart homes and connected vehicles to wearable health solutions.
Competitive Advantage in the Telecom Sector
With this launch, du gains a competitive edge over rivals in the region’s telecom sector. Etisalat by e& has also invested heavily in 5G and IoT, but du’s first-mover advantage in emergency smartwatch calling positions it as an innovator in the personal safety space.
Industry analysts suggest that the move could spark a wave of new services from regional telecom providers, as wearables become central to consumer lifestyles and enterprise solutions alike.
By being the first to roll out emergency calling for wearables, du is signaling its intent to be more than a telecom operator — positioning itself as a partner in personal safety and digital wellness.
Transforming the Role of Wearables
The new service underscores how far wearables have come in less than a decade. From early fitness trackers that counted steps to today’s standalone, AI-powered health and safety devices, the evolution of smartwatches has been rapid.
For consumers, du’s feature means these devices are no longer just “nice-to-have” gadgets but essential tools for safety and well-being. In a country with a highly active population — from sports enthusiasts to outdoor adventurers — the ability to place an emergency call without a phone could be especially valuable.
Looking Ahead
du’s innovation is expected to pave the way for broader adoption of smartwatch-based services in the UAE. Future applications could include integration with healthcare systems, real-time health monitoring linked to hospitals, or even smart city emergency networks where devices automatically share location and vital data with responders.
As 5G adoption continues to accelerate, du is likely to expand its portfolio of connected services, tapping into the growing demand for wearable IoT solutions.
For now, the launch of direct emergency calling on 5G smartwatches stands out as a clear example of how telecom innovation can save lives, improve public safety, and redefine the role of technology in everyday living.
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