Dubai: Telecom operator du aims to provide free WiFi at prominent locations across the UAE as part of the Smart City initiative.

The initiative, ‘WiFi UAE’, which will be deployed immediately in more than 100 prominent locations in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, is envisaged to be rolled out to the rest of the UAE in its next phase.

“Today is a defining moment in the journey of the UAE’s Vision 2021 as we transform into a smart city. Time and again, we have seen that progressive cities evolve — enabling their residents to use time more efficiently, leading to better, easier and happier lives,” Ahmad Bin Byat, chairman of du, said in a statement.

“Within one year, we anticipate that this project will catapult UAE cities to the top league globally. This project will further improve the competitiveness and efficiency of our cities, resulting in more productive and a happier population,” he said.

Du has already started providing free WiFi service for the full length of the 3.5 kilometres around Mohammad Bin Rashid Boulevard in Downtown Dubai — the major promenade encircling the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall.

“Today, we have embarked on a new journey, where every person in the UAE is part of a sweeping technological revolution that will transform the way we live, work and play, vastly enhancing the quality of our life,” Osman Sultan, CEO of du, said.