United Arab Emirates

Last update: 15.08.2023 - older versions

There are currently no T-DAB+ radio channels on air. TDRA (Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority) is working with the relevant stakeholders to introduce DAB+ however there is no exact date set.

The Cabinet resolution of the UAE Terrestrial Radio Receiver Specifications for AM/FM/T-DAB+ states the following:

Article (1)

The approved standard No. UAE.S 5021:2018, titled “The UAE Terrestrial Radio Receiver Specifications AM/FM/T-DAB+”, is a mandatory standard for implementation in the UAE.

Article (2)

The provisions of this resolution shall be applied as follows:

1. The standard applies to all other household and portable receivers from the date of 1 January 2020.

2. The standard applies to vehicles that are supplied to the country starting from the 2020 models with a percentage of no less than 50% of the vehicles, and it applies to all vehicles starting from the models of 2024 by 100%.

In April 2018, the Emirates Authority For Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) published the standard specifications for AM/FM/DAB+ radio receivers. ESMA has since been replaced by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT)

Last update: 21.09.2020

 The Cabinet resolution of the UAE Terrestrial Radio Receiver Specifications for AM/FM/T-DAB+, which is available in Arabic on the ESMA website , states the following:

 Article (1)

 The approved standard No. UAE.S 5021:2018, titled “The UAE Terrestrial Radio Receiver Specifications AM/FM/T-DAB+”, is a mandatory standard for implementation in the UAE.

 Article (2)

 The provisions of this resolution shall be applied as follows:

1. The standard applies to all other household and portable receivers from the date of 1 January 2020.

2. The standard applies to vehicles that are supplied to the country starting from the 2020 models with a percentage of no less than 50% of the vehicles, and it applies to all vehicles starting from the models of 2024 by 100%.

Last update: 14.11.2023

The GCC Standardization Organization (GSO) List of GSO Technical Regulations for Motor Vehicles (2024 Model Year) states:

Implementation of Terrestrial Radio Receiver Specifications for AM/FM/TDAB+:

UAE: All vehicles should be provided with AM/FM/T-DAB+ according to UAE.S 5021: 2018: Terrestrial Radio Receiver Specifications.

Last update: 21.09.2020

Four DAB+ channels were 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. 

Last update: 15.08.2023 - older versions

The Cabinet resolution of the UAE Terrestrial Radio Receiver Specifications for AM/FM/T-DAB+ states the following:

Article (1)

The approved standard No. UAE.S 5021:2018, titled “The UAE Terrestrial Radio Receiver Specifications AM/FM/T-DAB+”, is a mandatory standard for implementation in the UAE.

Article (2)

The provisions of this resolution shall be applied as follows:

1. The standard applies to all other household and portable receivers from the date of 1 January 2020.

2. The standard applies to vehicles that are supplied to the country starting from the 2020 models with a percentage of no less than 50% of the vehicles, and it applies to all vehicles starting from the models of 2024 by 100%.

ITU WRC-23 addresses future of space-, sea- and land-based radiocommunications
20.11.2023 - United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates
​​​​​​​The World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23) opened today in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, bringing governments together for negotiations on the allocation of radio-frequency spectrum. The conference, organised every three to four years by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), will review and update the Radio Regulations, the international treaty governing the use of spectrum and geostationary and non-geostationary satellite orbits. For the opening, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres noted that the World Radiocommunication Conference, “is a testament to the power of international cooperation in tackling global challenges." In the message delivered on his behalf, Guterres added, “Radio frequencies, whether on Earth or in space, form the backbone of advanced communications for all of humanity. From education to healthcare, from agriculture to climate monitoring, expanding radiocommunication services and bridging the digital divide is key to reducing inequalities and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals."

(ITU) Read more


First DAB+ station in UAE
27.08.2018 - United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates
Iconic radio station Capital Radio is set to become the first DAB+ station in the United Arab Emirates. The station was on air in Abu Dhabi for 20 years from 1979 before closing. The station will first run on online radio from 2 September, before DAB+ and FM services follow after a few months.

(The National) Read more


Tivoli's Model One Digital
04.04.2017 - United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates
Tivoli’s Model One Digital is a retro radio with Sonos-like smarts, featuring FM and DAB radio, as well as bluetooth connecting you to Deezer, TuneIn, Tidal and Spotify – the latter via Spotify Connect.

(Stuff Middle East) Read more


Volvo Uses Car Technology to Make Trucks Safer
28.03.2017 - Volvo Car Corporation WorldDAB Member - United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates
When it comes to entertainment, the system integrates streaming services like TuneIn, Deezer and Spotify as well as DAB+ digital radio. All inputs can be controlled using the push-to-talk button on the steering wheel, in order to minimize driver distraction.

(Tires and Parts News) Read more


Paneda providing DAB+ to United Arab Emirates
02.05.2016 - Paneda WorldDAB Member - United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates
Paneda has provided a complete DAB+ head-end system to a major media group in United Arab Emirates. The system has recently been turned on and is on-air with 12 DAB+ services. The system provided by Paneda includes multiplexers, audio encoders as well as content management system and RF monitoring equipment.

(Paneda) Read more


Sharaf tunes in for Pure sales
06.07.2012 - Pure - United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates
Wireless music and digital radio systems vendor Pure has launched its products in the UAE, signing up Sharaf Electronics to serve as its in-country distribution partner. Pure products will initially be sold through Sharaf DG retail outlets in the UAE.

(Channel EMEA) Read more


Aiming to make a big noise in the Emirates
05.07.2012 - Pure - United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates
The Life: made its name producing digital radios, last month announced that it is also launching its products here in the UAE. The company's director of sales, Peter Blampied, explains why.

(The National) Read more


Eros Group has been signed as a distributor for digital radio products from Revo for the Gulf.
06.02.2012 - United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates
The digital radio products, which are aimed at consumers, allow users to access FM, Internet and DAB radio stations, as well as streaming audio files from iPods and connected PCs, to give flexibility and access to a wide range of music services.

Read more


Du expands broadcast services through partnership with Abu Dhabi Media
04.01.2010 - United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates
Among Du's many firsts is its historic Number Booking Campaign for both individuals and business, Pay by the Second billing system, Mobile TV, Mobile ...

(Middle East North Africa Financial Network) Read more


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Key Information

Status: trial and/or regulation
Population: 9.3 million
Services:
Last update: 30.05.2018

Useful Links

Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT)
Telecommunications Regulatory Authority