etisalat by e& informs its valued customers and stakeholders that beIN channels on elife TV may not be available effective 1st June 2023. Further updates will be communicated to our valued customers via email, SMS and / or on our website on or before 1st June 2023.

e& international today announced it has entered into a strategic partnership with Circles, a global technology company, to bring best-in-class digital experiences to customers across its operating markets and beyond.

e& International, part of e&, that is responsible for growing the international portfolio of world-class modern digital telcos, has formed a joint venture with Circles to empower its network of Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and other operators based in the region to launch digital telco brands that deliver delightful digital experiences for the digitally savvy generation.

Circles is a global technology company that’s reimagining the telco industry with its SaaS platform, Circles X, and helping operators launch and operate successful digital brands. Having pioneered a successful blueprint for disrupting the telco space in Singapore, Circles has since launched its own digital telco, Circles.Life, in partnership with M1 in Singapore, Chunghwa in Taiwan and Optus in Australia. Circles has also partnered with other national MNOs such as XL Axiata in Indonesia to launch Live.On and KDDI Corporation in Japan to launch POVO 2, enabling them to accelerate growth and capture market share within a short period of time.

The agreement will enhance e& international’s position as a pioneer in bringing broad-spectrum technologies to the region, as it will benefit from Circles’ digital expertise and global operations across 13 Asia Pacific and European markets, bringing the best in digital solutions to e&’s footprint across 16 markets and beyond. It will also leverage Circles’ cloud-native, digital SaaS platform called Circles X, which allows MNOs to deploy digital telco brands from anywhere in the world and unlocks an agile digital-first revenue growth engine, at a fraction of the operating cost by a traditional telco. Built for operators by an operator, Circles X empowers MNOs to drive seamless and personalized digital experiences, thus achieving a net-promoter-score (NPS) that is higher than industry standards.

This partnership is in line with e&'s transformation journey into a global technology group as announced last year, which is backed by its ambitious strategy to accelerate growth through its specialist business verticals. It provides e& with the world-class digital capabilities to grow the telco business as well as adjacent digital businesses with cutting edge customer experience.

Mikhail Gerchuk, CEO, e& international said: "As the world becomes increasingly digital, it’s more important than ever for telcos to innovate and deliver next-generation services to meet the demands of digital native subscribers. At e&, we have doubled down on our efforts to surpass customer expectations by ensuring we make our services accessible anywhere, at any time, and from any device. To make this possible, we have worked tirelessly on enhancing the digital journey of our customers. Through our transformation from a reputed telco giant to a global technology and investment group, we are confident that we will continue to enhance our customers' digital journey according to their needs. Our partnership with Circles is solid proof of our commitment to heralding a new digital era, one that is filled with limitless possibilities where we can collaborate and accomplish more for a brighter, digital future."

"We are delighted to embark on this journey with a partner like e&, who shares our common vision of an empowered digital future. Our Circles X technology demonstrates our continuous commitment to help the MNOs connect with the digitally savvy generation and deliver the delightful digital experiences that they want and need. Our operator and digital expertise from powering successful digital telcos allows us to transfer our knowledge and experience to our partnership with e&. We look forward to deepening our partnership with e& to accelerate digital transformation across their markets," said Rameez Ansar, CEO & Co-Founder of Circles.

John McEvoy is appointed as the CEO of the joint venture. He said: “Our joint venture will enable us to leverage their expertise in digital technologies and our own strengths in telecom to deliver cutting-edge solutions to meet the evolving needs of the global mobile operator community. Together, we will create new opportunities for growth and success, while providing unique propositions to support these operators in launching independent digital brands and benefiting from distinctive commercial models. The objective is to provide unparalleled value to MNOs especially with the rise of digital native subscribers making it critical for them to adapt and innovate, while also driving growth and profitability.”

• New initiative to support Emiratisation efforts and boost UAE's economy

etisalat by e& today announced the launch of the ‘National Programme’ an exclusive initiative that will support Emiratis in establishing their business supporting the UAE leadership’s efforts in promoting the growth of 100 percent locally owned businesses and encouraging partnerships with the private sector.

The programme is exclusively designed for UAE nationals looking to become etisalat by e& partners and sell etisalat by e& business services and products to customers. The aim is to onboard 50 Emirati channel partners in the next 5 years and support UAE entrepreneurs in realising their potential and leading independent businesses, ultimately creating sustainable economic growth across all Emirates.

Esam Mahmoud, Senior Vice President, SMB, etisalat by e&, said: "We are proud to launch this exclusive programme as part of our efforts to support Emiratisation and promote entrepreneurship among UAE nationals. Through this we aim to create a partnership between the private sector and UAE nationals, ultimately contributing to the country's economic growth and development. This is also part of our commitment to the UAE leadership’s vision of encouraging the growth of Emirati entrepreneurship and SMB owners.”

The programme's registration process is easy and straightforward as interested Emirati business owners or new entrepreneurs have to simply upload necessary documents on a dedicated page on the etisalat by e& website. The etisalat by e& team will then review and select the right applicants and provide the necessary training needed to ensure their success as partners. The programme will enable and guide Emirati start-ups and entrepreneurs with their requirements to launch and grow a successful business.

Interested applicants can register and find additional information on the ‘National Programme for Establishing Businesses’ on the etisalat by e& website. https://etisalat.ae/nationalprogramme

etisalat by e& today announced the launch of its new Maritime SATCOMS portfolio of services for all vessels operating in UAE territorial waters and beyond, including 16 countries and 164 million customers served by e& across Asia, Middle East and North Africa region.

The latest portfolio of services caters to the demands of the regional maritime industry, providing fully managed maritime services compliant with local regulations from an ICT solutions provider to vessels operating in the region. The service offers a comprehensive, fully managed maritime service and equipment solution for private yachts, commercial shipping, and oil barges of all sizes, catering to a wide range of coverage requirements.

Oscar Garcia, Senior Vice President, Business Marketing and Product Innovation, etisalat by e&, said: “Setting sail with excellence and expertise, we are thrilled to launch our next-generation suite of maritime services tailored to navigate customer needs with precision and reliability. This also firmly positions etisalat by e& as a regional ICT enabler for ship owners and operators. These services will combine the group’s strength in quality SATCOMS deployment with innovation and reliability enabling customers to embark on a journey of seamless maritime solutions.”

 The new etisalat by e& maritime service comes with multiple benefits for mobility clients, including a range of competitively priced, flexible bandwidth options featuring relatively higher committed information rates, round-the-clock support services, and a locally operated, fully managed service that is fully compliant with local regulations.

etisalat by e& serve its regional SATCOMS mobility clients via multiple UAE-based satellite earth stations supporting international satellite communications solutions that have been in operation since 1968. It delivers high throughput satellite coverage over multiple frequency bands, and geographical regions all managed locally via their UAE satellite operations centre.

The complete maritime ICT solution suite includes value-added services of Managed Internet, Managed Wi-Fi, Managed TV, IoT, and other applications for crew welfare. Other services include antenna and telecom infrastructure hosting, space segment leasing, managed security, and core telecom services, including internet, private network, and voice services. An IP underlay connection supports a range of downlink/uplink speed options to suit any maritime requirement.

e& and Vodafone Group Plc (“Vodafone”) today announced that they have agreed to a strategic relationship that will bring the two operators closer together in certain aspects of their businesses.

 As part of this strategic relationship, e& and Vodafone have entered into a relationship agreement that establishes e& as a cornerstone shareholder of Vodafone (the “Relationship Agreement”). This is the next phase in a strategic relationship that began in May 2022, when e& made its original investment in Vodafone.

The strategic relationship also enables collaboration across a broad range of growth areas, as e& and Vodafone may be able to benefit from each other’s respective operational scale and complementary geographic footprint. The key areas of commercial collaboration that e& and Vodafone will initially pursue include:

• In Enterprise, e& and Vodafone will explore jointly offering cross-border digital services and solutions to multi-national customers and public sector organisations. Services will include fixed and mobile connectivity, Mobile Private Networks, IoT, cybersecurity, and cloud-based services.
• In Procurement, e& and Vodafone will seek to share best practices and may adopt joint procurement.
• In Carrier, Wholesale & Roaming, the two operators will work together to become the partner of choice in providing access to high-quality digital infrastructure.
• In Technology, both teams will seek to work together on a technology roadmap, including the evolution and adoption of OpenRAN.

Under the terms of the Relationship Agreement, the Group Chief Executive Officer of e&, will join the Vodafone Board as a non-executive Director (the “e& Nominee”), for as long as e& maintains its current shareholding of 14.6%. e& will also have the ability to nominate a second non-executive Director (the “Independent Nominee”), independent of e&, if its shareholding exceeds 20% (subject to certain adjustments while regulatory approvals are outstanding). These appointments are subject to receipt by e& of the required regulatory approvals.

Other terms of the Relationship Agreement are summarised below.

Hatem Dowidar, Group Chief Executive Officer of e&, said: “Our investment in Vodafone is anchored by Vodafone Group's established position and worldwide reputation as a prominent industry player that provides cutting-edge connectivity and digital services. This aligns with e&'s vision of becoming a global telecom and technology player.”

“We extend a warm welcome to Margherita Della Valle as Vodafone's newly appointed Group Chief Executive Officer, and we have full confidence in her leadership abilities to steer the company toward growth. We are convinced that our strategic relationship will unlock opportunities for both companies to explore the swiftly expanding global telecom market and next-generation technologies.”

Margherita Della Valle, Vodafone Group Chief Executive, said: “We know e& well, and I’m delighted we will strengthen our existing relationship through this strategic relationship. This will allow us to capture efficiency-enhancing opportunities in our respective markets and brings additional telecoms experience to our Board.”

Relationship agreement key terms

The Nominees

• Both the e& Nominee and the Independent Nominee (the “Nominees”) may be replaced from time to time by e&, subject to certain procedures agreed in the Relationship Agreement. They shall also be subject to annual (re-)election by Vodafone’s shareholders.
• The e& Nominee shall be appointed to the Nominations and Governance committee. The Nominees will be entitled to be appointed to other committees of the Board on the same basis as other non-executive directors but will not be entitled to be appointed to the Audit and Risk Committee or the Remuneration Committee for so long as their appointment on such committees would not be in compliance of the UK Corporate Governance Code and/or the Nasdaq Listing Rules applicable to Vodafone.
• The appointment of the Nominees will be terminated if e& falls below the relevant shareholding thresholds applicable to each Nominee, the Relationship Agreement is terminated or, subject to the terms of the Relationship Agreement, if they fail to comply with applicable law or are removed from office by the shareholders.

Standstill, lock-up, and corporate actions

• Subject to certain customary exceptions, e& undertakes to:
  • not acquire any interests in Vodafone’s shares which would result in it and its affiliates having an interest exceeding 24.99%;
  • not dispose of Vodafone shares for two years (save for a maximum of 3% of Vodafone’s shares during each twelve-month period); and
  • refrain from taking certain other public actions, including requisitioning a shareholder meeting or proposing any resolution to be put forward at a shareholder meeting.

Public statements, confidentiality, and information sharing

• e& and Vodafone have agreed to certain mutual non-disparagement provisions in relation to public statements about the other party and their respective affiliates, or current or former directors, officers or employees.

e& will be subject to customary confidentiality obligations.

evision, the media and entertainment arm of e& life, has today announced the acquisition of the exclusive MENA broadcast rights for the Documentary - King Charles III: A Road to the Throne.

Following the coronation of King Charles III, the timing of the documentary's release is impeccably aligned as a first of a kind opportunity to watch exclusive footage from the ceremony. It is anticipated to engender a profound interest amongst viewers fascinated by the history and tradition of the monarchy and those intrigued by the glamour and prestige associated with the royal family.

The documentary provides an unparalleled perspective into the journey of the future King, encompassing his life, passions, and struggles, thus providing viewers with a highly insightful and revealing look into the life of one of the world's most eminent figures.

Olivier Bramly, CEO of evision, said: “We are thrilled to bring this historic moment to our viewers as the British royal family holds a significant symbolic role not just in the United Kingdom but globally. This will undoubtedly appeal to those who are fascinated by the history and traditions of the monarchy, as well as those who are captivated by the glamour and prestige associated with the royal family”.

The documentary is available to stream on evision providing MENA region viewers with a unique and unparalleled look into the life of Prince Charles III. Customers subscribed to eLife TV and, Switch TV in UAE, and STARZPLAY, TwistTV, and MobilyTV across MENA can watch the documentary on demand as it is part of their subscription. The content will be available throughout these services for two years.

Viewers also have the opportunity to watch other documentaries from the royal family including ‘Secrets of the Royal Gardens’, ‘The Wedding of the Century’, ‘Harry & Meghan: A Royal Crisis?’, ‘Secrets of Royal Travel’, ‘Princess Anne: The Seven Loves of Her Life’, ‘Princess Margaret: Queen Of Mustique’ and ‘Zara & Anne’.

• Confirms the Group's priority to empower women in the workplace

e& announced its commitment to adopting the United Nations' Women's Empowerment Principles, reiterating the Group's support for women's empowerment and gender equality in the workplace.

The Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs), established by the UN Global Compact and UN Women, is a set of seven principles that guide companies in advancing gender equality and women's empowerment in the workplace, marketplace, and community. The principles build on international labour and human rights standards and are based on the recognition of corporate interest and responsibility for gender equality and women's empowerment.

As part of e&’s ‘Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)’ strategy and ESG commitments, these principles focus on improving the representation of women at all levels (as well as other under-represented groups) within the group.

Through this commitment, e& reaffirms the Group's dedication to promoting equity and attracting and developing female talent. This contributes to facilitating economic and social opportunities for women, strengthening e&'s competitiveness and its vision of achieving sustainable development as part of its ESG agenda.

Hatem Dowidar, Group CEO, e&, said: “By signing the Women's Empowerment Principles, we are reaffirming our commitment to achieving gender equality in a tangible way. Throughout our transformation journey as a global technology and investment group, we have sought to create business practices that empower women, positively impact societies, and address gender disparities.

“As we deliver on our commitment to closing the gender gap and investing in future leaders, we are further accelerating our progress on gender diversity across all our business verticals. It is a great initiative to empower women locally, regionally, and globally. Supporting the UN initiative underscores our commitment to enacting real change.”

Dr. Mouza Al Shehhi, Executive Director, UN Women UAE Liaison for the GCC, said: “We are delighted to welcome e& as a signatory to the Women Empowerment Principles (WEPs). This step demonstrates the group's commitment to advancing gender equality throughout its operations. We look forward to the group implementing the WEPs framework and continuing its journey towards building an inclusive and gender-responsive organisation.”

With the ambition of being an employer who creates positive change in the workplace globally, e& has already achieved measurable results in its drive to create an innovative, diverse, and engaged workforce.

Dena Al Mansoori, Group Chief HR Officer, e&, added: “Creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace is not just the right thing to do, but also the right decision for the success of our company. A culture that empowers and provides opportunities for our people leads to greater engagement and productivity while also amplifying the sense of belonging.

“I am proud that our leaders have embraced the UN principles of women's empowerment and remain confident that we can continue to enable women, as well as other under-represented groups, to flourish and contribute more effectively to socio-economic progress in our communities.”

e& launched its internal guiding principles pillar dedicated to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to raise awareness and drive the organisation's DEI goals. By 2022, e& reached its highest gender diversity rate in history at 25 per cent.

Since 2021, the Group’s female workforce has grown substantially by approximately 7 per cent. Moreover, of the 188 AI graduates hired in 2021 and 2022, 79 per cent were female, demonstrating dedication and commitment to nurturing young Emirati female talent

e& also signed an MOU to hire Emirati females in remote areas such as Al Dhafrah providing them the opportunity to work remotely to strengthen the culture of inclusion.

These significant results earned e& a place on Forbes' coveted World's Best Employers list for 2022, making e& one of only four companies from the UAE and the only technology company in the region to be included.

The Women's Empowerment Principles outline seven steps that e& will take to advance and empower women. The steps include establishing corporate leadership support for gender equality, ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of the entire female and male workforce, promoting education, training, and professional development for women in the workforce, and promoting equality through community initiatives and advocacy.

The seventh step is to measure and publicly report its gender equality progress to keep itself accountable for its commitment.

e& today announced that its shareholders have approved the Board of Directors' recommendation to distribute cash dividends for the second half of 2022 at a value of AED 0.4 per share during the Group's Annual General Meeting (AGM). The total annual dividend per share stands at AED 0.8, demonstrating the Group's commitment to delivering value to its shareholders.

The AGM, provided an opportunity for shareholders to review the Group's performance, ask questions, and provide feedback.

During the meeting, the board commended e& for its impressive performance achieved in 2022, which demonstrates the success of the Group's transformative evolution as a global technology and investment group.

H.E. Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Alzaabi, Chairman of e&, thanked the board members for their support. He reiterated e&'s commitment to serving customers and creating long-term shareholder value while continuing to work towards positively impacting the communities they serve.

“As we enter the next chapter of our journey, we are confident that we will continue to witness even greater success as we continue to create an environment with limitless possibilities built on solid foundations, smart connectivity, and fruitful collaborative opportunities.”

Historical strong performance

H.E. Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Alzaabi highlighted how over the past 12 months, e&'s core businesses have sustained solid performance while new business verticals and M&A activities have significantly contributed to their success.

He said: “The exceptional financial results achieved by e&, with consolidated revenues of AED 52.4 billion and a record net profit of AED 10.0 billion in 2022, is a strong testament to the success of our business transformation strategy. Our strong performance reflects our excellent financial position, successful business strategy, ambitious goals, and shareholders’ confidence in our future. We will remain committed to delivering continuous growth and improving long-term value for our customers and shareholders.

“The Group’s transformation aims at positioning e& at the forefront of the rapidly changing technology landscape. It symbolises our desire to stay ahead of the ever-changing market, provide innovative solutions to our customers, and show our determination to adapt and thrive.”

Unlocking new opportunities

During the meeting, Hatem Dowidar, Group Chief Executive Officer of e&, shared how the Group’s focus on maximising value creation across its operations and making prudent investments through M&A drove strong performance, significant milestones, and achievements in 2022.

He said: “e& reported consolidated revenues of AED 52.4 billion, a growth of 4.7% year-over-year at constant exchange rates, underpinned by the Group’s successful business transformation, expanding to new business verticals and diversifying the revenue streams. Consolidated EBITDA increased by 3.7% year-over-year at constant exchange rates, to AED 26.2 billion, leading to an EBITDA margin of 50 per cent, highlighting the strong profitability of e&’s operations.

“We are committed to remaining at the forefront of digital transformation and empowering customers to innovate and overcome their business challenges. We are leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as 5G, AI, IoT, blockchain, and cloud to achieve this goal. We have partnered with leading global technology giants to bring the best possible solutions and innovations to our customers. Furthermore, the Group has strategically pursued mergers and acquisitions for sustained growth and diversification, with a focus on non-telco verticals.”

As part of its strategy, e&’s business verticals embody a progressive model that enables us to capitalise on opportunities in the rapidly changing digital landscape. By focusing on innovation, e& aims to deliver high-value digital solutions that meet the evolving needs of its customers in different markets.

• e& is investing $400m in the Careem Super App, in line with e&’s strategic ambition of scaling up consumer digital offerings and accelerating its transformation to a global technology and investments group
• Investment will support expansion of Careem’s Super App after proven success in the UAE
• Uber retains 100% ownership of the Careem ride-hailing business which it acquired in 2020 and will be a significant shareholder of the Careem Super App business

e& today announced the signing of a binding agreement with Uber Technologies, Inc. (“Uber”) and its subsidiary Careem to acquire a majority stake in Careem’s Super App spinout. Careem’s ride hailing business will remain fully owned by Uber and continue to be available with all other Careem services on the existing app for customers.

 e& is investing $400m to become a majority shareholder in Careem's Super App alongside Uber and all three of Careem's co-founders. The Careem Super App offers over a dozen services including food and grocery delivery, micro-mobility, a digital wallet and suite of fintech services, and additional third-party services such as home cleaning, car rental and laundry. Careem serves customers in 10 countries across the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia.

 With this new investment, Careem plans to accelerate the realisation of its ambitious vision to create the first “everything app” serving customers across the Middle East. This will include expanding its core food, grocery, and fintech services and the Careem Plus subscription programme across the region while adding even more partner services to the app. Careem expects significant synergies with e& and anticipates benefiting from e&’s large customer base and extensive experience scaling complex tech enabled businesses across a largely shared geographic footprint.

 This investment is in line with e&’s strategic ambition of scaling up consumer digital offerings and accelerating its transformation to a global technology and investments group. It provides e& with access to multiple digital verticals, new innovative digital services, strong talent, and new geographies. e& will leverage the Careem Super App to boost the growth of its consumer digital services, including the expansion of e& life’s fintech vertical, e& money, which will play an important role in the super app vision by providing e& money’s powerful financial service offerings. 

 In recent years e& has transformed into a global technology and investment group. The company is integrating emerging technologies into its expanding business verticals. e& has 163 million subscribers across 16 countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

Hatem Dowidar, Group CEO, e& commented, “Super Apps have catalysed the economic, social and cultural growth of emerging markets today. The popularity of super apps has come from the need to provide a unique and seamless customer experience. The mobile first population have given rise to an ecosystem that has encouraged the use and also expanded the scope for super apps with user expectations turned towards performing their daily activities on digital platforms.

 “The Careem Super App, is a digital native that has built a rapidly growing payments, food and grocery delivery network, and a platform for other digital businesses to scale from. The shared vision between e& and Careem is exciting, we believe that together we’ll be able to enhance our impact across different markets in the region while pushing the boundaries of customer experience.”

 Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO, Uber said, “Over the last decade, Careem helped revolutionize mobility across the greater Middle East while building an incredible brand. I am thrilled to partner with Careem, and welcome e&, as we grow the Careem super app to deliver more services to millions of people in this fast-moving part of the world. All of us at Uber are excited about the impact the Careem platform will have on this region over the next decade and beyond.”

Khalifa Al Shamsi CEO, e& life said: “We are thrilled to welcome Careem into the e& family with this exciting and ground-breaking deal. There are several growth opportunities between Careem and e& life as the “consumer digital” arm of e&. Our current strengths, primarily in fintech and multimedia, coupled with Careem’s services and regional footprint, will accelerate our joint vision towards a regional super app. With this partnership between e&, Careem and Uber we will set new standards of product innovation and customer experience throughout the region.”

 Careem CEO and co-founder Mudassir Sheikha said, “The opportunity to use technology to leapfrog the lives of people in the region is enormous. Uber has been an incredible partner over the last three years as we expanded our mission to simplify the lives of people with everyday services beyond ride-hailing. We are excited to bring e& into the family. Their passion for uplifting the region and the synergies across their portfolio are extremely valuable. With two strong partners in e& and Uber, I have no doubt that we will build the preeminent technology platform of the region."

Since Uber’s acquisition in 2020, Careem has evolved to become a multiservice app offering users over a dozen services. In 2022 in the UAE, Quik, the grocery delivery service, grew 46X, and food orders grew by 86 percent. Over the course of the year Careem Pay launched as a true fintech in the UAE with a digital wallet and payments products including bill payments, international remittances, domestic peer-to-peer payments, and one-click checkout. Careem Bike doubled its network of pedal assist bikes and grew by 61%. Careem launched its popular subscription service Careem Plus, saw its first partner service (home cleaning) grow 4.9x while it also onboarded new third-party partners offering rental cars, spa and laundry services.

 Completion of the transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals, customary closing conditions, and administrative procedures.

• New services to meet domestic, international, and roaming and digital requirements in UAE, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia

etisalat by e& today announced its partnership with ARAMTEC, a UAE based family-owned company specialising in food imports and distribution, to bring significant overhauls to mobile and digital services for all its employees, empowering them with cutting-edge tools to enhance their productivity, connectivity and mobility.

The partnership will leverage etisalat by e&’s state-of-the-art digital platform to offer Aramtec employees and users a superior mobile and internet experience, including a range of innovative and reliable digital services. Employees in the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, who travel often and need dedicated and innovative digital services will have access to faster connectivity, allowing them to stay connected and productive while on the go.

Edgard Chalhoub, General Manager of Aramtec, said, “Our objective is to capitalise on the digitisation and automation benefits of technology to run our business more smoothly and to optimise our productivity and efficiency, the new offered services from etisalat by e& will allow our employees to conveniently access critical business resources and seamlessly collaborate with colleagues and clients from their mobile devices, regardless of the location or time zone.”

Esam Mahmoud, Senior Vice President, SMB, etisalat by e& UAE, said: “We believe that our services will significantly impact the ARAMTEC workforce, enhancing their ability to work efficiently and effectively from any location. Our continuous investments over the years in cutting-edge mobile technologies and the network has enabled us to provide this enhanced connectivity and user experience, reaffirming our commitment to all our SMB customers.”

With advanced encryption and multi-factor authentication, the network has enhanced security, with mobile services offering unparalleled security for sensitive business data and applications. These services have a sleek and intuitive interface designed with the customer in mind making it easy for them to access the tools and resources they need.

The network has enhanced security with advanced encryption and multi-factor authentication on mobile services, providing unparalleled security for sensitive business data and applications. The services are also customer-centric, with a sleek and intuitive interface that makes it easy for customers to access the necessary tools and resources.

ARAMTEC employees can also collaborate seamlessly with features such as video conferencing, file sharing, and real time messaging.

More information on the mobile services is available on www.etisalat.ae

• etisalat by e& will integrate  GPT in internal operations during phase 1
• Integration aims to improve customer service and products, elevate employee experience
• Testing GPT service with the aim of revolutionising the media industry

e& today, as part of its existing strategic partnership with Microsoft, announced the integration of Microsoft Azure OpenAI's GPT, into its internal operations and processes in addition to a potential service for elevating customer experience and supporting the media industry in their daily tasks.

e& becomes one of the first digital conglomerate in the MENA region to utilise GPT capabilities in Azure OpenAI Service to enhance its customer service and products, marking an important step in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the technology and telecom sector.

Building on the partnership between e& and Microsoft, the integration aims to improve the customer experience and optimise internal operations, including HR within the company, to enhance its overall performance and enable faster decision making by leveraging the latest advancements in AI technology.

Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, CEO, etisalat by e& UAE, said: "We are excited about this project with Microsoft as we believe this innovative solution will lead to a sustainable and efficient ecosystem, improving the customers' overall experience and helping businesses in the region grow. GPT can be a valuable tool for employees in a company, providing assistance and support in various ways improving efficiency across the business operations. This can also be a powerful tool for improving customer experience helping businesses provide more personalised customer support. In the ever evolving media industry AI tools like these can help optimise content as well as improve engagement and gain audience insights.”

Naim Yazbeck, GM Microsoft UAE, said: "e& has been a long-standing strategic partner for us, and we look forward to further exploring the integration of cutting-edge technologies into their innovative services. We debuted Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service to enable customers to tap into the power of large-scale generative AI models with the enterprise promises customers have come to expect from our Azure cloud and computing infrastructure—security, reliability, compliance, data privacy, and built-in Responsible AI capabilities."

In the first phase of the deployment, etisalat by e& plans to integrate Azure OpenAI Service capabilities into its internal operations, including HR chatbot and decision making processes. This integration will enable the company to make faster and more informed decisions, improve key performance indicators (KPIs) and reduce the time and effort spent on daily operations.

The use of Azure OpenAI Service will enable etisalat by e& to streamline its processes, making them more effective and efficient, ultimately resulting in a better experience for its customers.

etisalat by e& will also leverage Azure OpenAI Service for different solutions and services in the UAE, starting with a service targeting the media industry. Using Azure OpenAI Service, media professionals, including editors, will have access to a powerful AI tool that will assist in their daily tasks, such as content creation, editing, translating and publishing, allowing them to focus on more creative tasks and improve the quality of their work.

e& and Microsoft entered into a long-term strategic collaboration in 2022 to transform the lives of e&'s customers and advance enterprises' digitalisation journey. The partnership, which was e&'s first strategic alliance after its repositioning, focused on harnessing the versatility of the Microsoft Cloud and partner ecosystem to create new solutions and accelerate value creation for businesses.

e& announced today a collaboration with Intel to provide technologies that respond to the demand for a sustainable distributed edge data centre infrastructure. Edge computing, which moves data processing closer to where users generate data, is fundamental for taking advantage of transformative technologies like edge-cloud artificial intelligence, 5G, video, online gaming, virtual reality and, in the future, 6G, immersive media and Metaverse. The collaboration between e& and Intel is focused on the deployment of edge data centers with net zero carbon footprint.

The challenge of climate change demands immediate action through systems change, technology innovation, and industry-wide collaboration.

The collaboration includes the integration of the most advanced technologies from Intel such as the 4^th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors, that provide a dramatic improvement in power efficiency compared to the previous generation. Other innovations include functionalities for energy saving, artificial intelligence, enhanced security and 5G acceleration. The integration is realised with a system architecture that encompasses the hardware with advanced designs and software stacks that provide the final solution.

Sabri Ali Yehya, Group Chief Technology Officer at e& international, “As we transition towards a more sustainable future to fulfill our commitment to net zero emissions, in line with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we are taking an accelerated approach to Digital Transformation and Innovation. At e&, sustainability is our top priority and through this collaboration with Intel, we aim to design a green energy innovative blueprint for the new distributed edge data centers, and become an integral part for shaping a sustainable future for e&.”

Jeni Panhorst, VP & GM Network & Edge Compute Division at Intel, “This collaboration with e& represents a critical effort in the industry to innovate a unique blueprint of distributed edge data centre infrastructures with the goal of achieving a net zero carbon footprint, while also enabling data centres to reach new levels of efficiency. This collaboration is one more step towards making that goal possible, and will help drive edge computing to pursue net zero carbon footprint objectives.”

• Cooperation to leverage the most sustainable and affordable satellite-based system in the digital and IoT ecosystem

e& and E-Space, a global space company focused on bridging Earth and space with the world’s most sustainable Low Earth Orbit (LEO) network, today announced plans to develop advanced global IoT, Smart-IoT and digital transformation solutions.

The collaboration seeks to maximise the end-user value derived from borderless smart connectivity and digital solutions across land, sea and sky applications. The cooperation will focus on the creative development of cloud-native digital and IoT solutions optimised with edge-based Artificial Intelligence (edge AI). By leveraging e&’s terrestrial infrastructure and E-Space’s advanced space system, including its global LEO constellation and unique device capabilities, the two organisations will create powerful new business models to elevate IoT and digital transformation agendas of governments and large-scale enterprises worldwide.

Mikhail Gerchuk, Chief Executive Officer, e& international, said: “Telecommunications and space technology have a natural synergy, offering enormous opportunities for telco companies to expand their reach and capabilities. From satellite internet to space-based sensors, at e& we see the potential to revolutionise the way we connect, communicate and gather data from space.

With our advanced infrastructure and E-Space's next-generation space system, optimised with edge AI, we will offer a multi-technology platform enabling our customers to embrace a digital-first lifestyle more efficiently. We are confident that we can leverage our combined expertise to create seamless global digital IoT experiences to help our customers advance their digital transformation plans.”

The relationship is expected to facilitate e& customer data to connect directly to private data centers without interference from commercial traffic by using peer-to-peer space-based communications to address security and data protection policies and regulations worldwide. Both parties will jointly develop IoT and digital solutions based on AI at the edge as well as everywhere in-between to enable system-wide intelligent decisions and take automated actions to levels beyond traditional IoT.

Gregory Wyler, Chief Executive Officer, E-Space added: “There are tremendous opportunities in the terrestrial domain that can be amplified with the use of newer generation space systems coupled with edge AI. We’re bringing real-time information with advanced automation to create entirely new suites of global capabilities to advance humanity, improve the planet and automate business processes for greater operational scale and efficiency with reduced costs. We are excited to work with e& to advance their digital transformation journey and augment the customer experience. Together, we can speed the time required to build a smarter, more connected planet, anywhere and anytime.”

The collaboration also involves the joint development of global IoT use cases, which will have the potential to create new revenue streams, especially in global tracking and agriculture, using an optimised satellite ecosystem. The portfolio for IoT and digital products can further expand to enable products across land, sea and air environments, anywhere and at any time, with speeds ranging from kilobits per second (Kbps) to megabits per second (Mbps).

E-Space expects to offer the most sustainable and affordable satellite-based system in the digital and IoT ecosystem with coverage available everywhere to support uninterrupted, global real-time data services. The Company estimates it can deliver an over 90 percent reduction in overall system and terminal costs compared to second generation LEO networks*, enabling more governments, business, communities and individuals to access the power of space to achieve more on Earth.

• Most anticipated cricket event of the year has a new home with CricLife

evision, the media and entertainment arm of e& life, has acquired the exclusive broadcast rights for the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, staring on 31^st MarchThe TATA IPL is one of the most sought-after and anticipated cricket events of the year, with seventy league matches across twelve venues over fifty-two days. The top four teams will compete in the play-offs, with the final taking place on 28^th May.

Cricket fans can get all the action exclusively on evision fully owned channel CricLife1, available on eLife, Switch TV, and STARZPLAY platforms across the MENA region.

Olivier Bramly, CEO of evision said: “The acquisition of the exclusive broadcast and media rights for the TATA IPL 2023 is a significant milestone for e-Vision. The IPL is one of the most anticipated cricket events of the year, and we are thrilled to offer our viewers the opportunity to experience it exclusively on CricLife1. We are committed to providing the best possible coverage of the event and delivering the best in sports and entertainment from local and international content providers.”

The acquisition reinforces CricLife's position as the 'Home of Cricket' in the UAE and MENA, with a successful track record of broadcasting high-profile cricket series such as the ICC World Cups, Asia Cup, and most recently, the India series and the PSL. The move expands evision's premium sports content and demonstrates the company's commitment to delivering top-quality sports entertainment.

CricLife channels are a one-stop shop for cricket and are currently available on eLife's Asiana and Sports packages and on Switch TV and STARZPLAY OTT packages. Subscribers have the opportunity to watch all the best cricket content available in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, West Indies, South Africa, New Zealand and Ireland, as well as major events such as the Asia Cup, ICC Cricket World Cups and popular T20 leagues such as the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and Caribbean Premier League (CPL) on CricLife, CricLife2, CricLife3 and CricLife MAX channels.

• One of the largest WiFi 6E deployments in the hospitality industry in the Middle East region
• Enhances overall guest experience while supporting the digital transformation agenda
• Integrates new services rapidly to meet the rising connectivity demands of guests

etisalat by e& today announced one of the largest Wi-Fi 6e deployments in partnership with Aruba Networks, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company, at Fairmont Dubai, Fairmont Ajman and Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort.

The new partnership will provide managed WiFi and a wireless network solution that enables guests to access excellent and fast digital entertainment services, using the latest Wi-Fi 6e technology.

Fairmont Dubai, Fairmont Ajman and Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort will also benefit from low latency, wireless access speed and advanced levels of security through the implementation of the simple and easily adaptable turnkey solution, with automated provisioning to adapt to changing needs.

In recent years, customer demand for online streaming capability, intelligent connectivity solutions and access to a range of applications and devices has grown tremendously. With instant access to communications, services and information, guests are also looking for greater flexibility when it comes to using their own devices for content streaming, communicating seamlessly with hotel staff for their requests and using new in-room controls.

With the deployment of Wi-Fi 6e, reliable connectivity at Fairmont Dubai, Fairmont Ajman and Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort will allow guests to continue to enjoy their increasingly digital lifestyles, while benefiting from a seamless and interconnected technology experience.

Oscar Garcia, Senior Vice President, Business Marketing, etisalat by e&, said: "Today, hoteliers need to ensure that their services meet the entertainment and productivity needs of guests by closing any gaps in coverage or inadequate performance. This is where Wi-Fi 6e offers ultimate efficiency, higher throughput and the highest level of security to meet the new challenges of the digital age in the hospitality industry.

“As a company that introduced the industry’s first enterprise-grade Wi-Fi 6E solution, Aruba is at the forefront of innovation. Our technologies give hoteliers the edge in engaging with their guests and employees. Aruba AIOps helps automate and optimise networks and application performance; our location services make an entire hospitality venue location-smart; Aruba also integrates ZigBee and BLE into its Access Points to enable new and multiple IoT use cases. We are delighted to have implemented our cutting-edge technology at the Fairmont Dubai, Fairmont Ajman, and Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort, in partnership with etisalat by e&. We believe that the network will serve as a platform for innovation in the future,” said Zeeshan Hadi - UAE Country Manager for Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company.

“Fairmont Dubai, Fairmont Ajman, and Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort have continuously been in the forefront in digital transformation when it comes to providing the best services to the guests. We work hard to provide the most cutting-edge technologies, and we started by shifting all of our systems to the cloud in order to expedite processes and enhance the guest experience. The Internet is currently considered to be one of the most important things, right up there with water and air. We are concentrating on offering the highest connection quality, speed, and stability that is humanly possible to accomplish, and with etisalat by e&, we will continue to offer our guests the most latest technology.” said Rami Kamar, Cluster IT Manager of Fairmont Dubai, Fairmont Ajman, and Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort.

The UAE is the first country in the Middle East and Africa and the fifth in the world to open up the 6 GHz radio spectrum for local wireless networks, opening up new opportunities for the ICT sector. The opening of the 6 GHz frequency band in the UAE has laid the foundation for the latest Wi-Fi 6e standard, doubling the available system capacity pivot compared to the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. These traditional bands previously faced congestion while avoiding interference from non-Wi-Fi devices such as cordless phones and wireless speakers.

• Managed SD-WAN solution to seamlessly connect branches across the UAE

etisalat by e& UAE today announced its partnership with McDonald’s UAE to revamp its entire connectivity and support its long-term technology transformation vision with the deployment of an end-to-end managed SD-WAN solution, unparalled fixed and mobile network capabilities across its branches in the UAE.

etisalat by e&’s proven expertise in designing a resilient network strategy and modernizing the IT infrastructure was in-line with McDonald’s UAE’s global guidelines, making them the partner of choice for this strategic implementation. The turnkey bundled implementation of SD-WAN solution, broadband connectivity, and intelligent retail WAN contribute to McDonald’s UAE’s digital vision of moving all their workloads to cloud and meeting its business requirements through uninterrupted online availability. Apart from the full-fledged WAN deployment, etisalat by e& will power the customer sites with guest Wi-Fi that provides a 24/7 internet to all restaurant visitors.

“We are glad to partner with McDonald’s UAE on this country wide implementation where etisalat by e& is empowering the business with its network capabilities and connectivity services,” said Ragi Magdy, Senior VP, Enterprise Sales, etisalat by e& UAE. “Our ICT expertise and state-of-the-art infrastructure complement our customized vertical solutions that support large enterprises in their network evolution journey. The successful completion of this project resonates with our business strategy of delivering enhanced customer experience and driving a brighter digital future.”

Walid Fakih, CEO, McDonald’s UAE said, “Digital transformation has been a key focus for us over the past years as we look to enhance our end-to-end customer experience to ensure a seamless journey from order to delivery. Through our partnership with etisalat by e&, we look forward to elevating our digital experience even more, offering seamless connectivity and another layer of convenience to our consumer.”

With the objective of delivering elevated customer experience and network consolidation, all sites will have a redundant connection with main underlay of asymmetric broadband and backup on cellular network. The seamless connectivity for all business-critical applications along with round the clock support services from etisalat by e& ensures business continuity and high availability. For McDonald’s UAE, onboarding an experienced single managed service provider guarantees ease of operations, swift migration, efficient management, and scalability for future updates.

• Subcription based model for business customers to protect mobile phones from malicious attacks

etisalat by e& today announced the launch of the Mobile Security Operation Centre (MSOC) in collaboration with the UAE Cybersecurity Council to provide business customers with real-time protection services to safeguard mobile phones from malicious attacks.

The new centre will offer cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies and solutions to the UAE business sector, addressing the challenges critical sectors may face due to the increasing number of mobile phone users and global business performance. The services offered by the centre protect against malicious and disruptive software, including viruses that target mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

The Cybersecurity Council, established in November 2020, has been tasked with developing and overseeing the UAE's cybersecurity strategy and creating a secure and robust cyber infrastructure in the Emirates.

His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, said: "With rapid digital transformation being witnessed across businesses, the risks posed by cyberattacks against various sectors have increased exponentially. This new centre with etisalat by e& will support in enhancing the level of protection from cyber crimes and also play a vital role in protecting the integrity of businesses and ensuring sensitive data is secured. This is in line with the UAE leadership's cybersecurity strategy to create a safe and strong cyber infrastructure in the country, empowering businesses to thrive. It also lies at the heart of the work of the Cyber Security Council, which aims to build a cyber security culture that enables everybody to be fully prepared to deal with any challenges."

Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, CEO of etisalat by e&, said: "In today's world of increasing reliance on smart devices and digital services, ensuring reliable connectivity and cybersecurity is more critical than ever. Our partnership with the UAE Cybersecurity Council to launch the MSOC is a significant step in protecting our customers against cyber threats and demonstrating our unwavering commitment to providing secure and reliable telecom services.

“As businesses increasingly adopt cloud-based services and solutions, the MSOC will serve as a shield against cyber threats, ensuring business continuity and supporting the nation's digital aspirations. Our vision is to implement strategic partnerships and employ the best global cybersecurity technologies to safeguard this vital sector's sustainability and promote digital transformation. We value the Council's continued efforts to raise digital awareness among individuals and institutions and as well as their support for the business sector."

Etisalat Group has changed its brand identity to e&, effective on February 2022. Its strategy aims to accelerate growth through the creation of a resilient business model represented by Group’s main business pillars.

The telecoms business currently continues to be led by etisalat by e& in the Group’s home market and e& international markets, upholding the Group’s rich telecoms heritage, bolstering the strong telecoms network and maximising value for the Group’s various customer segments.

Ramping up the digital services for individuals to elevate their digital-driven lifestyle, e& life brings next-generation technologies through smart platforms in entertainment, retail and financial technology. e& enterprise focuses on maximising value through its end-to-end solutions in cybersecurity, cloud, Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), as well as deploying mega projects, in order to enable the digital transformation of governments, large-scale enterprises and corporates. e& capital allows the Group to focus its efforts on driving new investments while maximising shareholder value and strengthening the Group’s global presence.

_{1 https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/10/mobile-device-subscription-rise-technology/}

_{2 https://www.gsma.com/mobileeconomy/mena/}

About the Cyber Security Council

The Cyber Security Council embodies the forward-looking vision of the wise leadership and the UAE proactive approach in dealing with various challenges posed by the accelerating digital technologies through specialized and effective entities which are able to provide digital protection to advanced infrastructure, and ensure business continuity and the regular provision of services in all economic, educational, health and social fields.

The Council is mandated with drafting and proposing legislation, policies and standards to enhance cyber security for all targeted sectors in the country, presenting them to the Council of Ministers for approval and following up their implementation in coordination with the concerned authorities, in addition to preparing, developing and updating the UAE’s national cyber security strategy and an integrated national response plan.

The Council implements a 5-pillar strategy: 1) building capacity, making policies, enhancing governance, building personal capabilities, programs, curricula and universities, and building technical capabilities with strategic partners; 2) utilizing these capabilities to protect and defend; 3) raising awareness and spreading the culture of cybersecurity; 4) responding to cyber incidents; and 5) cooperation at all levels, starting with GCC countries, Arab countries up to all countries of the world, in accordance with the UN resolutions concerning digital security incident response centers and teams.

• Partnership will enable an ecosystem of next-generation solutions, smart devices, and intelligent homes

Samsung Gulf Electronics and etisalat by e& today announced its latest agreement on the expansion of their existing partnership to collaborate on extending beyond smart devices to encompass digital experiences and cutting-edge solutions, with a strong emphasis on improving the overall customer experience.

Masood M Sharif Mahmood, CEO, etisalat by e& UAE, and Doohee Lee, President of Samsung Gulf Electronics signed an agreement in the presence of senior officials from both companies.

Together, they will embark on a collaborative effort to broaden the direct supply of wearables, smart gadgets, and accessories in response to the growing number of smart devices in the UAE. The digital services alliance will incorporate Samsung's smart watches and Samsung Care+ offer across all smart devices, as well as the new fitness and wellness platform GoWell.

Masood M. Mohamed Sharif, CEO of etisalat by e& UAE, said: "We are pleased to extend our partnership with Samsung, to enhance the customer experience and provide them with the latest innovative products and services that meet their aspirations and expectations in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. We are confident that this partnership will help develop the seamless and integrated digital experience that we aim to deliver to our customers.

"etisalat by e&’s efforts reflect the UAE leadership’s vision to create a state-of-the-art infrastructure that contributes to the advancement and growth of all sectors, with us at the core of the communications and information technology sector. This vision gives us a clear and inspiring path that encourages us to use innovation and helps us provide the best technologies and solutions for all."

Doohee Lee, President of Samsung Gulf Electronics, said: “In today's market, customers expect seamless connectivity and interoperability across all their devices. To meet these expectations, Samsung has partnered with etisalat by e& to establish a comprehensive ecosystem that will offer uninterrupted experiences to customers across the entire range of Samsung products. With digital transformation already well-established among individuals and companies in the UAE, the companies are excited to introduce more innovative digital solutions that cater to the evolving needs of UAE consumers."

Samsung is committed to promoting sustainability and innovation within the Galaxy ecosystem, through the incorporation of recycled materials and the use of eco-friendly packaging. As part of this effort, the company has joined forces with etisalat by e& to work towards a more sustainable future for the UAE. This will involve the promotion of eco-friendly trade-in offers and the adoption of e-SIM technology to reduce environmental impact.

Furthermore, through this new partnership, Samsung will be able to offer its extensive range of exclusive products and services to etisalat by e& customers across a wider range of categories. This includes the entire consumer and business portfolio, such as smart home solutions, enterprise solutions, accessories, and more.

• For the first time in the region customers enjoy benefits such as centralised control of smart home devices over eLife TV powered by the ‘Alexa’ voice assistant
• Offers unique feature for streaming live video footage from Ring smart doorbells and cameras directly to the TV via ‘Alexa’ voice command
• Allows the control of various smart home devices from different brands through a single mobile application or the Smart Living dashboard on the TV

etisalat by e& UAE today announced the introduction of the "Smart Living Home Control" service, a pioneering service in the region that integrates solutions for controlling smart home devices in collaboration with Amazon's AI-powered voice assistant 'Alexa'.

The "Smart Living Home Control" service offered by etisalat by e& provides unique capabilities that distinguish it from other regional services. Users can control their connected smart home devices in the household with voice commands using a compatible smart eLife TV box empowered by Amazon Alexa's built-in for free, the eLife TV dashboard, or the Smart Living app. These capabilities are available anytime and anywhere, providing users convenient access to their smart living devices.

Khaled ElKhouly, Chief Consumer Officer, etisalat by e&, said: "This exciting development for etisalat by e& is setting the roadmap for the future of smart homes. The launch is a result of our continuous commitment to consumer needs and interests while addressing them with the latest digital technologies and solutions. We will continue to imagine, innovate and implement ideas that will drive smart connectivity and maximise value creation for our customers in all segments."

Dr Raf Fatani, Regional General Manager of Alexa MENA, said: "Our collaboration with etisalat by e& is a testament to our commitment to innovate and design experiences that simplify everyday life. We are excited for our UAE customers to benefit from Alexa's smart home capabilities and automate trivial tasks, so they can focus on being present and doing what they love most at home."

Customers can enjoy central control to Alexa-operated and connected smart home devices through voice command, which is accessible and controllable over the eLife TV. By subscribing to the service, customers in the UAE can take advantage of Alexa's built-in technology and capabilities for free. The service enables customers to operate various compatible smart home features through voice command, including live video broadcasts from Ring smart doorbells and cameras on the TV screen, TV settings adjustments, such as volume control and channel switching, video-on-demand menu searches, and access to Alexa's range of capabilities, such as playing music, reading the news, setting timers and alarms, and more.

The service provides centralised control of smart home devices through a unified mobile application called "Smart Living App," which offers multiple functions in one app. Users can sync, control, and manage all their smart home devices in one place, create preferred routines for chores, manage energy consumption, and remotely control their homes.

In addition, users can access a unique "Smart Living dashboard" on their TV screens that displays connected devices and provides the ability to control them via the TV screen. The dashboard provides a quick view of all smart living devices, allowing users to easily view and manage them through the TV screen.

The service also enables users to control a range of energy-saving solutions, including Honeywell Home, Philips Smart LED lighting, Yale smart door locks, and receiving notifications from Ring doorbells and cameras.

With its commitment to offering reliable services that meet the highest standards of quality to meet the evolving daily needs of customers. The "Smart Home Control" service by etisalat by e& aims to enhance the digital customer experience by providing the latest cutting-edge smart solutions and advanced services at reasonable prices. The service includes flexible payment plans of up to 36 months, free home delivery and installation of select branded devices, readily available technical support, and after sales service.

The service is available for eLife's customers with 3P (landline, internet, and TV) bundles. Customers can sign up for the service through various channels, including etisalat by e &'s stores, the mobile app, the website, or by contacting customer service centres. A compatible eLife Smart Living TV box (Standard and Premium TV box options) is required to set up this service.

Etisalat Group has changed its brand identity to e&, effective in February 2022. Its strategy aims to accelerate growth through the creation of a resilient business model represented by the Group’s main business pillars.

The telecoms business currently continues to be led by etisalat by e& in the Group’s home market and e& international markets, upholding the Group’s rich telecoms heritage, bolstering the strong telecoms network and maximising value for the Group’s various customer segments.

Ramping up the digital services for individuals to elevate their digital-driven lifestyle, e& life brings next-generation technologies through smart platforms in entertainment, retail and financial technology. e& enterprise focuses on maximising value through its end-to-end solutions in cybersecurity, cloud, Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), as well as deploying mega projects in order to enable the digital transformation of governments, large-scale enterprises and corporates. e& capital allows the Group to focus its efforts on driving new investments while maximising shareholder value and strengthening the Group’s global presence.

• Successful field trial is part of 5G network commercialisation programme

etisalat by e& UAE today announced the successful trial of 5G network capability covering multiple locations for an oil & gas corporation with the highest standard of data security and digitalisation over a mobile network capable of delivering large amounts of data reliably.

The trial aimed at addressing a requirement of the oil & gas industry to have a globally certified solutions and demonstrating the ability of 5G networks to handle the enterprise traffic and enable faster transfer of uplink data related to real time monitoring and video surveillance over a wide geographical area, effectively paving the way towards the digital transformation of industries operating over vast areas. 

Marwan Bin Shakar, Senior Vice President, Access Network Development at etisalat by e& UAE said: “This will be a game changer and another milestone we have achieved in transforming the oil and gas sector. The solution supports their digital transformation goals as well as addressing long-awaited industry requirements to have reliable communication with complete control of their sensitive user data.”

The oil and gas sector is the biggest industry vertical in the Middle East. Therefore, any endeavor to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness will significantly impact the region’s economic growth. Moving forward, the 5G network technology will enable other sectors like public safety, healthcare, and manufacturing.

etisalat by e& is also moving fast towards 5G Advanced and working to enhance its network capabilities to support latest 3GPP releases with all technology stakeholders. 5G Advance will include major enhancements in the areas of Artificial Intelligence (AI)and Extended Reality (XR) that will enable highly intelligent network solutions that can support a wider variety of use cases than ever before. etisalat by e& will also adopt machine-learning-based techniques at different levels of the network to improve the service offerings and guaranteeing a greener network.

etisalat by e& today announced the implementation of the EUTELSAT QUANTUM satellite solution, becoming the first telco in the country to expand 5G network capabilities over a software-defined satellite giving customers access to high speeds, enhanced coverage and scalability to meet future demands for high bandwidth applications.

This deployment was a result of rigorous testing with customers for over a year to rapidly scale up the 5G mobile network deployment. etisalat by e& implemented Eutelsat’s latest technology Quantum satellite with the recently installed state-of-the-art Newtech Dialog Hub enhancing the mobile network capability.

Khalid Murshed, Chief Technology and Information Officer, etisalat by e& UAE said: “With the demand for ‘always-on’ connectivity as technologies like IoT, AI and blockchain make a bigger impact on consumer lives, satellite connectivity can empower communities and business in this rapidly evolving digital landscape. With the deployment of this satellite solution and technology, our customers will be able to access their data at 5G speeds even when terrestrial connectivity is unavailable, marking another important step towards the regions’ 5G adoption and bridging the digital divide”.

Oscar Garcia, Business Marketing and Product Innovation, etisalat by e& said: “The need for connectivity has grown beyond traditional communications with customers wanting to access the highest speeds in the network to meet their requirements and demands for bandwidth-intensive applications such as GSM services, Remote IT, Unified communications, OTT, and media streaming among others.. The testing and implementation of this satellite solution greatly enhances the mobile network capability to address the futuristic development of new age applications while being able to build and deploy 5G use cases for various industry verticals and business.”

“Eutelsat are proud to partner with etisalat by e& to deploy this 5G use case on the world's first Software Defined satellite network. Our fully steerable beams are capable of meeting the most rigorous demands of Next Generation mobile and satellite networks,” said Ghassan Murat, Head of Connectivity Business Unit for Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, Eutelsat.

EUTELSAT QUANTUM is the first commercial Ku-band satellite to have a fully flexible payload that can be remotely configured by software from a user’s premises. As a software-defined steerable beam, it can be controlled in real-time to deliver maximum throughput on down/uplink and optimised for various operational scenarios.

 Etisalat Group has changed its brand identity to e&, effective on February 2022. Its strategy aims to accelerate growth through the creation of a resilient business model represented by Group’s main business pillars.

The telecoms business currently continues to be led by etisalat by e& in the Group’s home market and e& international markets, upholding the Group’s rich telecoms heritage, bolstering the strong telecoms network and maximising value for the Group’s various customer segments.

Ramping up the digital services for individuals to elevate their digital-driven lifestyle, e& life brings next-generation technologies through smart platforms in entertainment, retail and financial technology. e& enterprise focuses on maximising value through its end-to-end solutions in cybersecurity, cloud, Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), as well as deploying mega projects, in order to enable the digital transformation of governments, large-scale enterprises and corporates. e& capital allows the Group to focus its efforts on driving new investments while maximising shareholder value and strengthening the Group’s global presence.

• Aims to accelerate etisalat by e& sustainability initiatives using IBM software

IBM (NYSE: IBM) and etisalat by e& UAE, announced that the company will leverage IBM sustainability software to help advance etisalat by e& company's environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy. 

etisalat by e& is committed to a progressive journey of monitoring, benchmarking, and enhancing its economic, environmental, and social performance. This effort aims to define clear ESG goals and the roadmap to achieve them, demonstrating the company's commitment to their sustainability and corporate responsibility.

etisalat by e& aims to establish a sustainability foundation and set a path to achieve ESG goals through the use of technology, including IBM TRIRIGA Application Suite for real estate and facilities operations and IBM Maximo Application Suite for intelligent asset management. Additionally, by leveraging IBM Turbonomic and IBM Cloud Pak for Watson AIOps, IBM can also help etisalat by e& to increase the efficiency of their data center and cloud environments and scale their workloads more dynamically.

"We look forward to using IBM’s technologies in the area of data, AI and automation to explore opportunities to support our ESG and sustainability goals, which are at the heart of our business model. This can help reinforce our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that have a meaningful impact on people's lives and establish us as a valued provider," said Khalid Murshed, Chief Technology Officer, etisalat by e& UAE.

etisalat by e& has shown a strong dedication to its ESG agenda, making significant progress towards its sustainability goals. At COP27 in 2022, e& committed to achieving net zero emissions from its operations by 2030 and actively contributing to global climate action. The company is focusing on key initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint through improved energy efficiency and renewable energy sourcing, among others.

In November 2022, etisalat by e& became the first UAE private sector entity to join the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA). The company pledged its commitment and collaboration to UICCA's mission of creating a shared vision and values among public and private entities to build a sustainable future.

“Innovation and our ability to develop solutions for our clients remain critically important for us,” said Ana Paula de Jesus Assis, Chair and General Manager for EMEA, IBM. “IBM’s software can play an important role in supporting etisalat by e&’s efforts to transform their operational and environmental data into insights that their stakeholders can understand. This is a foundational step to help make sustainability initiatives effective and scalable”

• Initiative to support computer science and coding skills for early age students in the UAE
• Collaboration to inform and raise awareness on the benefits of computer science and employment opportunities

e& today announced its partnership with Code.org, a global independent and non-profit organisation, to join the international movement to encourage and promote the teaching and raise awareness of computer science for the next generation of students and academics in UAE and its operating markets in the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

e& will work closely with Code.org to develop initiatives to raise awareness and promote curriculum changes at the national and local school level, to integrate computer science skills and concepts from an early age. This will also include providing insights into the potential opportunities and future prospects of embarking onto this career path. The collaboration will start in UAE and eventually expand across e&’s footprint.

The partnership will prioritise the expansion of computer science education for Arabic-speaking students by providing free, accessible content. The efforts will involve equipping teaching staff with the necessary skills to raise awareness about the importance of computer science, cultivate student curiosity, and impart key concepts.

The organisations will collaborate closely with the UAE Ministry of Education, with whom Code.org recently signed an MoU during the World Government Summit held in Dubai, as well as other relevant government institutions and local corporations. This partnership aims to address the ICT gap in the country and take appropriate measures to bridge it.

Hatem Dowidar, Group CEO of e&, said: “Collaborating with industry partners and investing in future technologies presents an excellent opportunity to contribute to the future of computer science and drive the industry forward. The impact of computer science is undeniable, evident in the digital technologies inspiring innovation, powering entrepreneurship, fuelling invention, streamlining research, and driving societal change globally.”

“At e&, we have already taken significant steps in this direction with initiatives such as the AI Graduate Program, which focuses on building the next generation of coders and nurturing digital architects for emerging technologies. I would also like to express my gratitude to the UAE leadership for their vision of investing in the future of computer science and technology to drive economic growth and innovation in the region.”

Under this partnership, e& also joins global corporations like Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Meta, AT&T, Verizon, Telefonica among others.

Hadi Partovi, founder and CEO of Code.org said: “It’s great to have e& onboard, especially since UAE is our primary focus and will be a crucial pillar for our expansion in the region. All students across all schools worldwide need to learn computer science, not only to understand the language of the technology we use daily but also to acquire the critical skills it fosters, such as mathematics, problem-solving, creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork. And these are the skills that companies demand, especially with the transformation of the world to digital. Promoting digital competencies and skills to access the jobs that the labour market demands are more critical than ever. And in this new employability, lifelong learning and professional reskilling of workers are two essential elements to connect with the challenges of the digital era.”

Code.org is a non-governmental organisation born in the United States in 2013 whose mission is that every student in every school in the world learns to code, just as they learn another subject such as mathematics, algebra or biology. For this organisation, computational thinking fosters the skills that future jobs will demand, such as logic, problem-solving, critical thinking and creativity.

Etisalat Group has changed its brand identity to e&, effective on February 2022. Its strategy aims to accelerate growth through the creation of a resilient business model represented by Group’s main business pillars.

The telecoms business currently continues to be led by etisalat by e& in the Group’s home market and e& international markets, upholding the Group’s rich telecoms heritage, bolstering the strong telecoms network and maximizing value for the Group’s various customer segments.

Ramping up the digital services for individuals to elevate their digital-driven lifestyle, e& life brings next-generation technologies through smart platforms in entertainment, retail and financial technology. e& enterprise focuses on maximizing value through its end-to-end solutions in cybersecurity, cloud, Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), as well as deploying mega projects, in order to enable the digital transformation of governments, large-scale enterprises and corporates. e& capital allows the Group to focus its efforts on driving new investments while maximizing shareholder value and strengthening the Group’s global presence.

Board proposes dividend of AED 0.40 per share for H2 2022, representing a total dividend of AED 0.80 per share for FY 2022

e& today announced its consolidated financial results for fiscal year 2022 reporting an impressive growth in consolidated net profit by a record 7.4 per cent to AED 10.0 billion.

Consolidated revenues reached to AED 52.4 billion, a growth of 4.7 per cent year-over-year, at constant exchange rates, underpinned by the Group’s successful business transformation, expanding to new business verticals and diversifying the revenue streams.

Consolidated EBITDA increased by 3.7 per cent year-over-year at constant exchange rate, to AED 26.2 billion, leading to an EBITDA margin of 50 per cent, highlighting the strong profitability of e&’s operations.

Reporting strong growth in subscriber base in the UAE, etisalat by e& recorded 13.8 million subscribers, an increase of 8.8 per cent compared to last year, and the Group’s aggregate subscribers reached 163 million, an increase of 2.5 per cent over 2021.

Underlining the Group’s commitment to value creation for its shareholders, e&’s Board of Directors proposes a dividend of AED 0.40 per share for the second half (July to December) of 2022, representing a total dividend of AED 0.80 per share for FY 2022.

Financial Highlights for FY 2022

(*) At constant exchange rates, revenue increased by +4.7% percent and EBITDA increased by +3.7% percent year-over-year

e&’s pathbreaking evolution as a tech group

The impressive growth achieved by e& in 2022 underscores the success of the e&’s transformational evolution as a global technology and investment group. The strategic pivot reflected the vision of the Group’s leadership to embrace the new realities and stay ahead of the curve by delivering innovative digital solutions to its customers.

Building on its rich 47-year legacy of excellence, the Group achieved significant progress in its transformational journey by expanding into new business verticals, diversifying revenue streams, and optimising operations. This cemented e&'s position as a leading global technology group, delivering growth and building resilience despite global macroeconomic challenges.

The Group strengthened its partnerships regionally and globally to deliver high-value solutions that meet the evolving needs of communities and markets and fostering digitally connected communities.

The strong financial results are backed by e&’s focus in 2022 on unlocking new opportunities for growth and accelerating its innovation journey, by leveraging cutting edge technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things. This positioned the Group at the forefront of the digital era.

Building on the trust of 163 million subscribers

Commenting on the results, Chairman of e&, H.E. Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Alzaabi, said: "The exceptional financial results achieved by e&, with revenues of AED 52.4 billion and a record net profit of AED 10.0 billion in 2022 is a strong testament to the success of our business transformation strategy. We are inspired by the UAE’s leadership to push our boundaries and be at the forefront of the digital era by developing next-generation digital connectivity and cutting-edge solutions.

“From diversifying our business and revenue streams to expanding to new verticals and introducing innovative services, we had a laser focus on leveraging the potential offered by digital transformation to create value for our 163 million subscribers across 16 markets.

“As one of the top global telecom companies by market capitalisation today, our foremost priorities in 2022 was to be the digital transformation champion and create unique solutions that meet the aspirations of our subscribers, while delivering added value to the economies we serve. We take pride in being the trusted digital and tech partner, and in bringing the latest innovations to the fingertips of our customers.

“We remain committed to serving our customers and creating long-term value for our shareholders. As a global technology and investment group, we will continue to work towards making a positive impact in the communities we serve. Our outstanding results in 2022 are the result of the dedication and hard work of our management team, who are relentless in their pursuit to establish e& as one of the world’s most admired, trusted and valuable brands, and help communities shape their digital future.”

Committed to innovation and value creation

Hatem Dowidar, Group Chief Executive Officer of e&, added: "2022 has been a defining year for e& as we strengthened our transformation into a global technology and investment group committed to digitally empowering societies. Despite various global challenges, our domestic and international operations achieved impressive results, reinforcing our leadership position in highly competitive and evolving markets.

"Our strong fundamentals, knowledgeable and passionate team, and focus on developing innovative solutions, products, and services positioned us as one of the top providers across the communities we serve, as we empower them to unlock the true potential of the digital era. Our growth mindset enables us to achieve our goals while creating additional and long-term value for our customers and shareholders.

"e&'s strategy and progressive vision allow us to explore future opportunities while fostering strong strategic partnerships with global technology players. Prudent mergers and acquisitions further accelerated our growth and diversification creating new streams of revenue and positioned us as a leading global technology group. We are grateful to our customers and shareholders for their continued support as we continue to pioneer broad-spectrum technologies, build impactful partnerships, and contribute to shaping the digital era of the future.

“The Group’s recognition as the most valuable portfolio of telecom brands in the MEA region, and etisalat by e&'s retention of its position as the strongest telecom brand across all categories in the region and one of the top three telecom brands in the world, underline the success of our strategic evolution and our commitment to building one of the fastest networks in the world.”

Operational Highlights of 2022

e&

Among the most significant operational highlights of e& in 2022 was the acquisition of 11% of Vodafone Group Plc ('Vodafone'), which as of February 2023, has increased to 14%.

The Group was ranked as the most valuable portfolio of telecom brands in the MEA region by the Brand Finance Global 500 report.

In other key partnerships, e& signed a three-year MoU with Ericsson to build more sustainable future networks and entered a new phase of collaboration with Microsoft to drive innovation and digital transformation. Exploring the possibilities of emerging tech, e& partnered with Meta to drive innovation with enhanced Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) experiences and conversational commerce in its digital communication projects.

Further, e&, Abu Dhabi Digital Authority (ADDA) and Trend Micro partnered to launch Cyber Eye, an initiative designed to strengthen the Abu Dhabi Government entities’ cybersecurity capabilities.

Ranked as one of the best places to work in the MENA region by Forbes, e& continues to be a talent magnet and concluded its fourth cohort of the AI Graduate Programme onboarding the next generation of leaders.

Underscoring its focus on sustainability, e& committed to achieving net zero status for Scope 1 and 2 emissions within its Group's operations in the UAE by 2030, complementing the nation’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategy. The Group also became the first UAE private sector entity to join the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators and launched the FutureNow Sustainability Challenge calling scale-ups from across the world to be part of developing innovative sustainable solutions.

e& international: Cutting edge innovation and achievements

e& international delivered strong performance across its footprint, growing year-over-year revenues by double digits in Egypt and Pakistan in local currency, gaining market and value share and improving its customer experience significantly to achieve the number one NPS position in most of its markets.

It launched the ‘e& Partner Networks’ to open the door to regional and local telecom operators to achieve sustainable growth through best in class services and customer experience. As part of the program, the first MOU was signed with Tunisie Telecom to provide a full suite of services across various functions.

Expanding and strengthening new verticals as part of its transformation journey, e& international partnered with AIG, a leading insurer, to create a unique digital insurance offering in selected international markets, as well as with MoneyGram International, a global leader in digital peer-to-peer (P2P) payments, in the fintech space.

e& international established a Center of Excellence for Advanced Analytics to provide data driven decision making capabilities using state of art and cutting edge Machine Learning and AI solutions across various verticals.

etisalat by e& Egypt announced its brand identity as etisalat by e&, following the celebration of its 15th year anniversary of operations. In key partnerships, etisalat by e& Egypt also launched a new microfinance company ‘Erada’ in collaboration with the Sovereign Fund of Egypt, with the goal of providing financial inclusion and expanding the opportunities available to SMEs and youth.

A significant innovation as the launch of Mobily Pay wallet to provide personalised mobile financial services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with a range of services such as international money transfers, prepaid cards and payments (including Sadad bill payments).

PTCL successfully deployed AirPON, an innovative Fibre-to-the-Home solution, in its Fiber Access Network. PTCL also signed a strategic partnership with Vodafone to bring Vodafone's suite of IoT products and services to government entities and large enterprises in Pakistan. Additionally, PTCL has launched a new OTT platform called ‘SHOQ’ in collaboration with evision to establish its leadership in high-quality media and entertainment content.

Ufone 4G, an operating company of PTCL and a subsidiary of e&, was awarded the number one voice and data network by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and was also named the leading 4G services provider and a ‘Global Rising Star’ in Pakistan by OpenSignal global awards.

In Morocco, Maroc Telecom was recognised by OpenSignal for offering the best internet experience with the highest network performance speed. Meanwhile, across its African subsidiaries, MT Group has expanded its 4G and FTTH networks to increase data penetration rates and population coverage, thus improving internet access in Africa.

etisalat by e&: Pioneering new services for digital-savvy customers

etisalat by e& evolved as one of the most innovative and competitive entities in 2022, thanks to several strategic milestones including the acquisition of elGrocer, which strengthened its Smiles online marketplace. The company was ranked as the strongest telecom brand across all categories in the MEA region, according to the Brand Finance Global 500 report, and also ranked in the top three telecom brands globally.

It launched the UAE’s first of its kind Easy Insurance, an innovative insurance platform offering digital services for auto, health and travel insurance, as well as unveiled GoChat Messenger, an all-in-one free voice and video calling app.

In key partnerships, etisalat by e& joined hands with Amazon to offer eero and Echo devices for the first time in the UAE and expanded collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to serve key industries and meet the growing demand for digitalisation.

In collaboration with industry leading vendors, it launched the first global live multi-vendors VoNR (Voice over New Radio) ecosystem, and the all-new business proposition, ‘Business Pro,’ to meet the digital needs of businesses. Further supporting the business community, etisalat by e& launched upgraded and dedicated internet connectivity services such as ‘Digital Internet’ and ‘Digital Premium Internet’.

etisalat by e& accomplished the first-ever private 5G network agreement in the region, marking a significant milestone in their journey towards providing seamless connectivity solutions to their valued customers. This groundbreaking feat also enabled them to deliver the first-ever connected surveillance over 5G.

The company's connected car technology also garnered significant attention within the automotive industry, with new contracts signed with several major players. This achievement underscores the company's commitment to delivering top-of-the-line connectivity solutions to the automotive sector, propelling substantial advancement and broadening its influence on new markets.

Unveiling e& universe, e&’s virtual world at GITEX Global 2022, the business extended its support to startups by collaborating with Abu Dhabi Global Market to digitally enable such ventures. Placing the wellness of its customers as a top priority, etisalat by e& launched the first rewards-based, consumer fitness and wellness platform ‘GoWell’ and partnered with Response Plus Holding (RPM) to connect ambulances with 5G saving patients’ lives in real time.

A model corporate citizen, etisalat by e& launched an exclusive offer for senior citizens holding ‘Thukher’ or ‘Barakatna’ card to avail up to 60 per cent on four ‘Freedom’ postpaid plans, while Smiles partnered with Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiative (MBRGI) to support the global “One Billion Meals” campaign during the holy month of Ramadan.

Another milestone was the partnership with Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC) to participate in the NAFIS initiative to hire more than 500 Emirati professionals in its retail, customer service, technology and IT space in a span of five years.

e& life: Strategic acquisitions to fuel growth

evision, the entertainment division of e& life, completed the transaction for the acquisition of a 57 per cent majority stake in STARZPLAY Arabia, a subscription video on demand (SVOD) and streaming service provider in the Middle East and North Africa, through the evision-led consortium with ADQ, an Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company.

Strengthening its portfolio to meet the aspirations of its customers, evision acquired the exclusive broadcast rights of The Italian Serie A, Asian Cup and ICC T20 Cricket for MENA, the DP World Asia Cup and T20 world Cup on the CricLife MAX channel in the MENA region.

evision enriched its content with bingeable boxsets of content such as Anime, Korean, French and Spanish content, and launched a new trilingual South Indian movie channel ‘Emasala Simply South’ in partnership with Simply South, the largest online streaming platform.

eWallet, was rebranded as e& money to position itself as the Group's fintech arm and financial super app marketplace. As a result of the value of its services and premium customer experience, e& money was awarded the best wallet in the region by the MENA Fintech Association.

e& enterprise: maximising digital potential

Creating exceptional value for its customers, e& enterprise partnered with G42 to establish UAE’s largest data centre provider under Khazna Data Centers. It has also formed a joint venture with Bespin Global to build the largest pure play cloud managed and professional services provider in the METAP region while making a minority investment in Bespin Global’s holding company to participate in the success story of a leading global cloud-managed service provider.

It also marked the acquisition of 100 per cent of Smartworld to become its IoT and AI focused vehicle under the brand e& enterprise IoT & AI.

On the AI front, e& enterprise partnered with DataRobot to launch an Enterprise AI as a Service (AIaas) for supporting governments’ digital transformation journeys. It has also launched this year the region’s first AI Centre of Excellence (AI CoE) with Hub71, which aims to increase partnerships and collaborations between businesses, governments, investors and startups.

To enhance the businesses' ability to offer superior customer experiences, e& enterprise has launched a new business proposition - EngageX as a Communication Platform as a Service (CPaaS) ecosystem and partnered with NICE to bring the best-of-breed Cloud Communication as a Service platform to the UAE.

e& enterprise continued to expand its capabilities in KSA, building its new state-of-the-art Cybersecurity Operations Centre (CSOC) in Riyadh, established by Help AG, the cybersecurity arm of e& enterprise.

The excellent work by e& enterprise was recognised by IDC MarketScape as a Leader in IoT Consulting & Systems Integration Services.

e& capital: Nurturing startups of the future

In the significant milestones during 2022, e& capital announced its $250 million e& capital Venture Capital (VC) fund and made a strategic investment in VUZ, a leading immersive social app, as well as funded Lablabee, a tech startup which will grow the world’s first hands-on lab platform for the telco cloud.

• One of the first telco in the MENA region to deploy MEC solution for energy, critical infrastructure and retail industries

etisalat by e& today announced successful development and deployment of Microsoft private Multi-access Edge Compute (MEC) as one of the first operators in MENA region. The solution is available for manufacturing, energy, critical infrastructure and retail industries to deploy modern connected applications for their operational needs.

Azure private MEC deployment enables etisalat by e& to deliver reliable, high performance, low latency private 4G and 5G connectivity with applications utilising robotics, video analytics and IoT at the edge, helping to deliver the next wave of digital transformation.

This successful collaboration is part of a 5G and private networks commercialisation programme that enables etisalat by e& to leverage the Azure platform and ecosystem of application Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) to solve business challenges such as production quality inspection in manufacturing, store management in retail sites or asset tracking at critical transportation hubs.

This partnership and deployment is in line with UAE leadership’s 2030 vision to build an open, efficient, effective and globally integrated business environment, opening opportunities in many different industry verticals to build knowledge based, sustainable and innovation focused businesses.

Khaled Al Suwaidi, Senior Vice President of Core Networks and Platforms, of etisalat by e&, said: "Delivering services and solutions that generate more value than connectivity will be an important driver for operators in the private networks market. Building the ecosystem is the key to realising the promise of 5G in different verticals. This collaboration with Microsoft and our investments in 5G related technologies earlier this year support our vision to enable and empower the enterprise digitalisation ecosystem.

Shriaj Gaglani, VP Product Management at Microsoft, said: "etisalat by e& is a strategic partner empowering Industry 4.0 transformation for enterprises in the MENA region. Their vision of embracing a flexible edge computing architecture that has a range of networking options along with a modern connected app ecosystem is emboldening customers to design and deliver innovative solutions to solve real business problems.

• e& money, with Mastercard technology, will provide cardholders with the choice, speed and security to pay anywhere and everywhere.
• e& money becomes the principal member to Mastercard as the first telco-backed issuer in the UAE.
• Payments will be made using prepaid card to ensure secure transactions.

e& money - the fintech arm and financial super-app of e& life - today announced its partnership with Mastercard to transform and evolve the way customers make payments via an exclusive prepaid card - enabling payments anywhere in the world and offering the flexibility and convenience of using virtual and physical cards.

The e& money card significantly enhances the current proposition, where customers have a digital wallet to make peer-to-peer transfers, international money transfers, payments, and much more.

Khalifa Al Shamsi, CEO, e& life said: “In recent years, the payments landscape has undergone a massive transformation, with innovations in products and customer experience. Our partnership with Mastercard will reinforce our goal of becoming the region's leading financial super app. The card will enable e& money to drive financial inclusion in the UAE and make digital payments accessible to all segments of our society.

“We are excited about the possibilities and opportunities that the card will bring, and will constantly push the boundaries to introduce new digital fintech solutions that will enrich the financial experiences of customers.”

Previously, e& money customers were already able to make retail payments at integrated points of sale. The new strategic partnership with Mastercard will now allow them to make in-store or online payments instantly, anywhere in the world. As a digital-first card, customers will initially have virtual cards for online payments and will soon be able to request physical cards for offline payments.

By committing to advancing innovation, technology and digitalisation to simplify payments through mobile money, Mastercard is actively engaged in driving digital inclusion and accessibility for people across the region. The new payment solution will support financial inclusion and digital payments across all customer segments, including the banked, underbanked and unbanked.

Through its partnership with Network International, one of the leading enablers of digital commerce in the region, Mastercard is providing a fully-fledged payment processing platform to empower this strategic initiative. Mastercard will further leverage Network's payment solutions to enable e& to diversify their revenues and make a seamless transition to digital commerce.

"At Mastercard, we are committed to supporting the national payments ecosystem and the transformation of the UAE digital landscape. We are the technology provider of choice that connects telecom operators, digital e-retailers and fintech companies to their consumers, and our partnership with e& money will enhance the digitally connected lifestyle that unlocks exceptional experiences for consumers," said Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President, Market Development, EEMEA, Mastercard.

Prepaid card transactions will also form an integral part of e& money's loyalty programme, where customers will earn cashback and rewards for every dirham spent. These in turn can be redeemed for various benefits such as free data plans, minutes, discount codes, and more.

In addition, the e& money app card will allow customers to take control of their finances and track their spending. In the first phase of the launch, the free virtual card will be provided to all eligible customers who download and register on the app. It can also be added to Apple, Google and Samsung pay platforms for retail payments in the near future. In the next phase, e& money will enrich its card portfolio with various value propositions to meet the needs of customers.

e& launched its new identity in February 2022 with a strategy to accelerate growth through the creation of a resilient business model represented by the Group’s main business pillars.

The telecoms business currently continues to be led by etisalat by e& in the Group’s home market and e& international for other markets, upholding the Group’s rich telecoms heritage, bolstering the strong telecoms network and maximising value for the Group’s various customer segments.

Ramping up the digital services for individuals to elevate their digital-driven lifestyle, e& life brings next-generation technologies through smart platforms in entertainment, retail and financial technology. e& enterprise focuses on maximising value through its end-to-end solutions in cybersecurity, cloud, Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), as well as deploying mega projects, in order to enable the digital transformation of governments, large-scale enterprises and corporates. e& capital allows the Group to focus its efforts on driving new investments while maximising shareholder value and strengthening the Group’s global presence.

e& enterprise, part of e& (formerly known as Etisalat Group) today announced the implementation of a unique Microsoft solution powered by cutting-edge data technologies that enables companies of any size to define and implement their sustainability agenda and reduce their carbon emissions. .

The solution called ‘Microsoft Sustainability Manager’ is an extensible solution that unifies data intelligence and offers organisations an increasingly automated and comprehensive view into the emissions impact of their entire operations and value chain. It enables organisations to record and more accurately report their emissions, and continually test and optimise reduction strategies to reach their goals

Sustainability is one of the major pillars of the multi-year strategic partnership between e& enterprise and Microsoft. As part of the overall commitment of e& enterprise, it is focused on accelerating the implementation of sustainability services and solutions in the geographies, markets, and communities it serves.

e& enterprise has selected Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability solutions as the foundation for their Sustainability-as-a-Service offering, citing the platform's functionality, coverage of ESG topics, and flexibility. The synergies between e& enterprise wide ranging Smart City solutions portfolio, sustainability consultancy and the data-focused aspects of sustainability management position the company as a competent leader in the field.

With its Sustainability Consultancy practice, e& enterprise will help customers to comprehensively analyse their greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint across the value chain and develop a strategy of services and solutions to implement reduction measures and achieve certified reduction targets.

e& enterprise offers a wide range of solutions from its Smart City portfolio, including Solar Energy, Energy Management, apart from various other IoT solutions like Smart Buildings, Waste Management, etc. which focus on delivering outcomes like reducing operating costs and utility consumption.

e& enterprise also brings to its customers a Sustainability Center of Excellence, which helps govern and continuously operate all the services and solutions deployed, in order to ensure the fulfilment of sustainability objectives, while enhancing the strategy as the business of our customers grows.

"As a company we are committed to sustainability and innovation, specifically with our plans and ambitions aligned to support the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategic initiative and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). This offering aligns with our long term sustainability goals as well as those of our customers. By bringing this cutting-edge solution to market we will enable enterprises and government agencies to understand their carbon emissions and make a positive impact on the environment." said Alberto Araque, CEO, e& enterprise IoT and AI.

“With Microsoft Sustainability Manager, we're enabling organisations to gain continuous visibility into their emissions activities, reliably report their impact and progress in near real time, and access the intelligence required to collaborate with others to refine and scale sustainability initiatives and transform their business, end to end,” said Paco Salcedo, Enterprise and Commercial Lead, Microsoft Middle East and Africa.

The new solution will enable organisations to take a more data driven approach to sustainability management. By bringing together disparate data sources and providing near real time access to information, organisations can analyse, visualise and report impact and progress toward their goals at any stage of their sustainability journey.

Etisalat Group has changed its brand identity to e&, effective February 2022. Its strategy aims to accelerate growth through the creation of a resilient business model represented by group’s main business pillars.

The telecoms business currently continues to be led by etisalat by e& in the group’s home market and e& international markets, upholding the group’s rich telecoms heritage, bolstering the strong telecoms network and maximising value for the group’s various customer segments.

Ramping up the digital services for individuals to elevate their digital-driven lifestyle, e& life brings next-generation technologies through smart platforms in entertainment, retail and financial technology. e& enterprise focuses on maximising value through its end-to-end solutions in cybersecurity, cloud, Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), as well as deploying mega projects, in order to enable the digital transformation of governments, large-scale enterprises and corporates. e& capital allows the Group to focus its efforts on driving new investments while maximising shareholder value and strengthening the group’s global presence.

• e& money, with Mastercard technology, will provide cardholders with the choice, speed and security to pay anywhere and everywhere.
• e& money becomes the principal member to Mastercard as the first telco-backed issuer in the UAE.
• Payments will be made using prepaid card to ensure secure transactions.

e& money - the fintech arm and financial super-app of e& life - today announced its partnership with Mastercard to transform and evolve the way customers make payments via an exclusive prepaid card - enabling payments anywhere in the world and offering the flexibility and convenience of using virtual and physical cards.

The e& money card significantly enhances the current proposition, where customers have a digital wallet to make peer-to-peer transfers, international money transfers, payments, and much more.

Khalifa Al Shamsi, CEO, e& life said: “In recent years, the payments landscape has undergone a massive transformation, with innovations in products and customer experience. Our partnership with Mastercard will reinforce our goal of becoming the region's leading financial super app. The card will enable e& money to drive financial inclusion in the UAE and make digital payments accessible to all segments of our society.

“We are excited about the possibilities and opportunities that the card will bring, and will constantly push the boundaries to introduce new digital fintech solutions that will enrich the financial experiences of customers.”

Previously, e& money customers were already able to make retail payments at integrated points of sale. The new strategic partnership with Mastercard will now allow them to make in-store or online payments instantly, anywhere in the world. As a digital-first card, customers will initially have virtual cards for online payments and will soon be able to request physical cards for offline payments.

By committing to advancing innovation, technology and digitalisation to simplify payments through mobile money, Mastercard is actively engaged in driving digital inclusion and accessibility for people across the region. The new payment solution will support financial inclusion and digital payments across all customer segments, including the banked, underbanked and unbanked.

Through its partnership with Network International, one of the leading enablers of digital commerce in the region, Mastercard is providing a fully-fledged payment processing platform to empower this strategic initiative. Mastercard will further leverage Network's payment solutions to enable e& to diversify their revenues and make a seamless transition to digital commerce.

"At Mastercard, we are committed to supporting the national payments ecosystem and the transformation of the UAE digital landscape. We are the technology provider of choice that connects telecom operators, digital e-retailers and fintech companies to their consumers, and our partnership with e& money will enhance the digitally connected lifestyle that unlocks exceptional experiences for consumers," said Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President, Market Development, EEMEA, Mastercard.

Prepaid card transactions will also form an integral part of e& money's loyalty programme, where customers will earn cashback and rewards for every dirham spent. These in turn can be redeemed for various benefits such as free data plans, minutes, discount codes, and more.

In addition, the e& money app card will allow customers to take control of their finances and track their spending. In the first phase of the launch, the free virtual card will be provided to all eligible customers who download and register on the app. It can also be added to Apple, Google and Samsung pay platforms for retail payments in the near future. In the next phase, e& money will enrich its card portfolio with various value propositions to meet the needs of customers.

e& launched its new identity in February 2022 with a strategy to accelerate growth through the creation of a resilient business model represented by the Group’s main business pillars.

The telecoms business currently continues to be led by etisalat by e& in the Group’s home market and e& international for other markets, upholding the Group’s rich telecoms heritage, bolstering the strong telecoms network and maximising value for the Group’s various customer segments.

Ramping up the digital services for individuals to elevate their digital-driven lifestyle, e& life brings next-generation technologies through smart platforms in entertainment, retail and financial technology. e& enterprise focuses on maximising value through its end-to-end solutions in cybersecurity, cloud, Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), as well as deploying mega projects, in order to enable the digital transformation of governments, large-scale enterprises and corporates. e& capital allows the Group to focus its efforts on driving new investments while maximising shareholder value and strengthening the Group’s global presence.

• e& Group received the Brand Finance Award for being recognised as the most valuable portfolio of telecom brands in the Middle East and Africa.
• etisalat by e& retained its position as the strongest brand in all categories in the MEA region and was ranked among the top three telecom brands globally.
• Hatem Dowidar, Group CEO of e&, has been ranked 1st globally in the Telecom Brand Guardianship Index for 2023, and is the first CEO from the Middle East and Africa region to top the index.

e& today received the Brand Finance Telecoms 150 2023 award as the most valuable portfolio of telecom brands in the Middle East and Africa.

e& has undergone a significant transformation, resulting in remarkable business growth and sustained stakeholder confidence. The transformation into a global technology and investment group has seen e&'s portfolio of brands grow by 12.3 per cent year-on-year to a new record of $14.6 billion.

The Group's largest telecom brand, etisalat by e&, was also awarded as the strongest brand across all categories in the MEA region and was ranked in the top three telecoms brands globally. This new global position is a reflection of a tech-driven telecoms brand enabled by superior 5G connectivity, high NPS scores through richer personalised customer interactions and increased employee satisfaction through a vibrant corporate culture that makes it an attractive employer.

Hatem Dowidar, Group CEO of e&, and Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, CEO of etisalat by e& UAE, received the awards on the sidelines of the Mobile World Congress held in Barcelona.

Dowidar said "We are determined to remain at the forefront of technological transformation in the digital sphere. To this end, we are committed to exploring new business models to enhance our offerings and services for more than 162 million subscribers in the markets we serve. Our primary strategic objective is to create new collaborations and investment opportunities that will enable us to accelerate growth in all our business verticals.

"Customer satisfaction is a non-negotiable priority for us, and we aim to exceed their expectations. Our customer-centric approach drives us to continually improve our products and services to deliver unparalleled value. Our fixation on customer happiness allows us to build lasting relationships and maintain our position as a leading global technology Group."

The success of the Group's business strategy is reflected in the Brand Finance report, which recognised etisalat by e& as the strongest telecom brand in the MEA region, with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 89.1 out of 100 and an “AAA” rating.

Mahmood said: “This recognition reflects our commitment to providing our customers with the most outstanding services and experiences. We will continue to leverage the strength of our brand and market reach to drive growth and success, while investing in cutting-edge technology and innovation to provide our customers with the best products and services. Our strategic priority is to strengthen etisalat by e&’s position as a leader in the technology and telecom sectors, known for its innovation, customer service and commitment to sustainability."

Hatem Dowidar, Group CEO of e&, has been ranked 1st globally in the Telecom Brand Guardianship Index (BGI) for 2023, and is the first CEO from the Middle East and Africa region to top the index. This ranking incorporates original market research from 1,000 analysts and journalists from around the world, and looks at three areas: Investment and how leaders steer the company in the right direction, Fairness and how different stakeholders perceive it, and Performance and how the brand and company have performed during their tenure.

Brand Finance is the world's leading independent branded business valuation and strategy authority, evaluating over 5,000 brands across all sectors and geographies every year.

Etisalat Group had changed its brand identity to e&, effective from 23 February 2022. Its strategy aims to accelerate growth through the creation of a resilient business model representing the Group’s main business pillars.

The telecoms business currently continues to be led by etisalat by e& in the UAE which is its home market and by e& international in the global markets, upholding the Group’s rich telecoms heritage, bolstering the strong telecoms network and maximising value for the Group’s various customer segments.

Ramping up the digital services for individual customers to elevate their digital-first lifestyle, e& life brings next-generation technologies through smart platforms in entertainment, retail and financial technology.

To maximise the digital potential of governments, large-scale enterprises and corporates, e& enterprise focuses on delivering innovative digital vertical value propositions through its end-to-end solutions in cybersecurity, cloud, Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), as well as deploying mega projects. e& capital allows the Group to focus its efforts on driving new investments while maximising shareholder value and strengthening global presence.

• Enhanced 5G Stand Alone generation now available for subscribers
• Now move to an upgraded 5G network from 5G radio access network on an existing 4G LTE network
• Deployment enhances experience for revolutionary applications, Industry 4.0, IoT, augmented and virtual reality

etisalat by e& today announced the first commercial deployment of comprehensive 5G Stand-Alone (SA) network in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) for consumers and businesses. This marks a significant improvement over the previous generation of 5G Non Stand Alone (NSA) currently available in the market. etisalat by e& first launched the previous generation of 5G NSA commercially in 2018, which was the first of its kind in the region. With this deployment, etisalat by e& has transitioned from using a 5G radio access network on an existing 4G LTE network to a more advanced 5G network.

The latest version of the 5G network will provide customers with access to a dependable nationwide standalone network that can support a wide range of applications. These applications include massive machine-to-machine communication solutions, real-time device-to-device networking, ultra-reliable, low-latency functionality for autonomous devices and next-generation Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Standalone 5G technology offers additional capacity and significantly lower latency, making it essential for innovative use cases such as Industry 4.0, industrial IoT, commercial augmented and virtual reality, and large-scale digital sensing.

The etisalat by E& 5G Stand Alone (SA) service is designed to offer a more satisfying and productive user experience. Users can enjoy high-speed broadband connectivity comparable to fibre-optic connections, which provides an enhanced experience for high-demand applications such as 4K video streaming, high-quality music streaming, and cloud gaming. In addition to providing individuals with a more efficient broadband experience, the service can also serve as an alternative broadband option for businesses. By leveraging the advantages of 5G SA Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), companies can improve their operations and customer experience.

Khalid Murshed, Chief Technology & Information Officer of etisalat by e&, said: "We are pleased to announce our successful investment in 5G Standalone technology. This is a significant milestone as we look to deliver end-to-end 5G solutions in UAE, providing our customers with the latest digital innovations and superior experience and laying the foundation for new revenue streams. The 5G Standalone network will allow us to offer our customers the latest in high-speed and low-latency connectivity. Our recent collaborations have enabled us to increase the quality of our services, while creating a more reliable and cost-effective experience for our customers. We are proud to be leading the way in 5G technology and are committed to continuing our efforts to provide the best services in the industry."

This commercial deployment of a comprehensive 5G Stand-Alone network is based on Service Based Architecture (SBA), including the capability of edge computing, network slicing, 3GPP SA (defining standard for 5G) guided network orchestration and service-based architecture. Launching the 5G Stand-Alone Fixed Wireless Access (5G SA FWA) as the first service will open a new era of commercial use cases with a multi-vendor 5G Dual Mode network to enhance the broadband offering to customers.

The technology of 5G SA will enable subscribers to enjoy higher uplink bandwidth with special case scenarios for enterprise applications where uplink throughput is equally important as downlink. In other cases, requiring lower user-traffic latency, it will address critical gaming issues and experience futuristic technologies like Virtual Reality (VR) and cloud gaming. The technology also has high-security levels that utilise best industry practices to maintain a robust network.

The solution is further enriched with network exposure, slicing, edge computing and orchestration. Network slicing is a way of virtualising the 5G network, allowing it to be partitioned into multiple, logically isolated networks for different customers based on their needs. It allows for greater efficiency and flexibility in the deployment of 5G networks. Edge computing is a way of bringing computing resources closer to the users, reducing latency and improving the performance of applications. The 5G SA will co-exist efficiently with existing networks using dual-mode 5G core technology.

e& enterprise IoT & AI, a specialised company within e& enterprise (part of e&) today announced its partnership with Silicon Valley based Stella Technologies, a leading digital healthcare company, to expand and explore new opportunities in the digital healthcare space in the GCC region.

The new affiliation will give e& enterprise IoT & AI the opportunity to leverage on system integration expertise of Stella Technologies to develop a comprehensive go-to-market strategy targeting healthcare regulators, hospital enterprises and small to medium sized businesses in the healthcare industry. The company's flagship product, Equinox, is a cloud-based electronic medical record (EMR) and virtual care platform, specifically designed to meet the needs of the global market.

Alberto Araque, CEO, e& enterprise IoT & AI said: “This partnership AIms to enable enterprises in the healthcare sector, with the combination of IoT and AI solutions, to elevate to data-driven and highly automated organisations, tying back to our ambition to empower societies through digital transformation. Stella’s solutions will help create the necessary tools to automate many of the delivery processes, along with methodologies and frameworks to deliver end-to-end AI and IoT projects.”

Lalo Valdez, CEO, Stella Technology, says, “We are thrilled to expand our partnership with e& enterprise IoT & AI to revolutionise the healthcare industry and to make healthcare accessible to all populations of the world. We will combine the power of e& enterprise IoT & AI cutting-edge technologies with our own cloud solutions and proven systems integration expertise to make a positive impact on people's lives, and create a healthier, more equitable world."

Stella Technologies is a cutting-edge digital healthcare company on a mission to improve people's health and well-being through innovative solutions. With its advanced features and capabilities, Equinox has the potential to revolutionise the way healthcare is delivered, making it more accessible and efficient for patients and providers alike.

Etisalat UAE, branded as etisalat by e&, has completed today the acquisition of Service Souk DMCC “ServiceMarket”, acquiring 100 percent of shareholding of the online marketplace. This acquisition is in line with the Group’s strategy to empower consumers, strengthen Smiles online marketplace presence and drive diversification of our business.

ServiceMarket is a leading online marketplace for household services. It currently offers more than 40 services under several segments across the UAE. It enjoys a strong market position that will complement etisalat by e&’s existing marketplace services under the brand ‘Smiles’ which already includes online food and grocery delivery, lifestyle offers and the ability to earn and redeem points at more than 10,000 outlets across the UAE.

etisalat by e&’s commitment has always been to stay aligned with the UAE’s digitalisation ambitions by providing best-in-class innovative solutions and harness advanced technologies, increasing penetration of digital services, this acquisition contributes to the growth of the country’s ambitions of becoming a digital economy.

Khaled ElKhouly, Chief Consumer Officer of etisalat by e& said: “The online household services market has demonstrated strong growth over the past few years with an increasing number of consumers preferring to access a broad range of services at the comfort of their homes, and through digital platforms they can trust. As a pioneer in the digital transformation journey for all UAE citizens, we have been expanding our portfolio of lifestyle services on the Smiles platform, including the recent addition of food and grocery delivery services. This acquisition is in line with our strategy to continue enriching the lives of our customers with convenient range of services, within the Smiles ecosystem and drive diversification of our business.”

Bana Shomali, Chief Executive Officer of ServiceMarket said: “We are excited to join the etisalat by e& family which will enable ServiceMarket to leverage e&’s digital capabilities and customer base to accelerate our growth and unlock significant synergies. As part of the Smiles ecosystem, we will continue to provide best-in-class services to consumers in the UAE and enrich our portfolio with new services to offer greater convenience every day.”

Etisalat Group has changed its brand identity to e&, effective on February 2022. Its strategy aims to accelerate growth through the creation of a resilient business model represented by Group’s main business pillars.

The telecoms business currently continues to be led by etisalat by e& in the Group’s home market and e& international markets, upholding the Group’s rich telecoms heritage, bolstering the strong telecoms network and maximising value for the Group’s various customer segments.

Ramping up the digital services for individuals to elevate their digital-driven lifestyle, e& life brings next-generation technologies through smart platforms in entertainment, retail and financial technology. e& enterprise focuses on maximising value through its end-to-end solutions in cybersecurity, cloud, Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), as well as deploying mega projects, in order to enable the digital transformation of governments, large-scale enterprises and corporates. e& capital allows the Group to focus its efforts on driving new investments while maximising shareholder value and strengthening the Group’s global presence.

e& enterprise, part of e& (formerly known as Etisalat Group) today announced it has joined the Snowflake Partner Network to support customers in the UAE to get the most out of their data by using Snowflake’s Data Cloud.

The Snowflake Partner Network unlocks the potential of the Data Cloud with a broad array of tools and partners. Certified partnerships and integrations enable customers to leverage Snowflake’s flexibility, performance, and ease of use to deliver more meaningful data insights.

e& enterprise and Snowflake, the Data Cloud company, will help mobilise the world’s data by providing customers with trusted and validated experts and services around implementation, migration, data architecture, and data pipeline design. Additionally, further services can be unlocked, including Business Intelligence (BI) integration, ETL (Extract, Transform and Load) / ELT (Extract, Load and Transform) integration, performance, running Proof of Concept (POCs), performance optimization, and training.

“Our collaboration with Snowflake exemplifies our commitment to guiding our customers through their data transformation journey by providing customer centric solutions. Together, we will empower government entities, large corporations, and enterprises to fully realise the potential of their data with Snowflake's unparalleled scalability, concurrency, and performance. We are eager to simplify the adoption process and empower our customers to become AI-driven organisations through our partnership with Snowflake," said Alberto Araque, CEO of e& enterprise IoT & AI.

In 2022, e& enterprise launched Enterprise AI as a Service (AIaaS) to help customers become AI driven – the Snowflake partnership will further strengthen this offering by building the data foundations to better scale AI. e& enterprise will also address the challenges and opportunities of multiple industries, including healthcare, finance, retail, government by creating vertical solutions directly on top of its platform, to monetize their data-intensive applications, and deploy them directly on Snowflake’s Data Cloud.

“Partners, like e& enterprise, enable our customers to benefit from leading-edge technologies with valuable industry and business experience on Snowflake’s single, integrated platform,” said Mohamed Zouari, General Manager for the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa, Snowflake. “We look forward to continued collaboration with e& enterprise to ensure our customers get even more value from Snowflake’s Data Cloud.”

Etisalat Group has changed its brand identity to e&, effective on February 2022. Its strategy aims to accelerate growth through the creation of a resilient business model represented by Group’s main business pillars.

The telecoms business currently continues to be led by etisalat by e& in the Group’s home market and e& international markets, upholding the Group’s rich telecoms heritage, bolstering the strong telecoms network and maximising value for the Group’s various customer segments.

Ramping up the digital services for individuals to elevate their digital-driven lifestyle, e& life brings next-generation technologies through smart platforms in entertainment, retail and financial technology. e& enterprise focuses on maximising value through its end-to-end solutions in cybersecurity, cloud, Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), as well as deploying mega projects, in order to enable the digital transformation of governments, large-scale enterprises and corporates. e& capital allows the Group to focus its efforts on driving new investments while maximising shareholder value and strengthening the Group’s global presence.

Etisalat UAE, branded as etisalat by e&, announced today that it is offering free calls from its UAE network to Syria and Turkey for a week as part of its humanitarian response to the recent earthquake that impacted the two countries. This initiative aims to support ongoing efforts to connect communities and keep people updated on developments.

The offer applies from today, 9 February, until 16 February, and all etisalat by e& mobile (Consumer & Business) customers will be able to stay connected with their families and loved ones in Syria and Turkey by having the possibility to use up to 1000 free minutes.

Customers traveling to Syria and Turkey on roaming can receive free incoming calls and make unlimited outgoing calls to the UAE or within Syria and Turkey.

This initiative is part of e&’s (formerly known as Etisalat Group) efforts to give back to communities and support those in need especially during such a tragic time and a natural disaster. This is also in line with the UAE leadership’s endeavor and generosity in providing aid to the earthquake victims in Syria and Turkey. The aerial support for search and rescue efforts, provision of food and supplies, and assistance with evacuation are a testament to their compassion and commitment.

e& enterprise iot & ai, a specialist company within e& enterprise (part of e&), today announced its collaboration with Emirates Health Services (EHS) to develop and advance technologies and initiatives to improve the overall customer experience in healthcare.

Through this agreement, e& enterprise iot & ai and Emirates Health Services (EHS) will work together to explore cloud-based enterprise system and platforms for community health programmes, specifically focused on healthcare seekers in the Northern Emirates. The two industry leaders featured the ‘Digital Clinic’ at the Arab Health Exhibition and Conference 2023, one of the largest healthcare events in the region.

Mubaraka Ibrahim, Acting Chief Information Officer for Emirates Health Services, said: “Our collaboration with e& enterprise allows us to launch smart health projects that align with the goals of the UAE Centennial 2071. We strive to adopt advanced technologies and use them to improve our healthcare services, and we are delighted to working with e& enterprise iot & ai - a leader in the field - to showcase these breakthroughs to experts, decision makers and stakeholders here at Arab Health 2023."

The EHS was established with the aim of improving the efficiency of the federal health sector in the UAE by providing first-class healthcare and treatment services, taking preventive measures and combating epidemics and diseases, and ensuring the sustainable development of the healthcare sector.

"We are delighted to be working with EHS to bring the latest digital technologies and innovations of the future to healthcare," said Alberto Araque, CEO of e& enterprise iot and ai. "The 'Digital Clinic' demonstration illustrates how technology can revolutionise the way healthcare is delivered globally. With the population and number of patients with chronic diseases increasing, hospitals and the healthcare sector are looking for long-term solutions to ease the pressure on healthcare systems. This showcase illustrates how technology and healthcare delivery can be seamlessly integrated to improve both the hospital and patient experience."

The aim of the digital clinic is to improve access and quality of care through the integration of digital technologies into clinical workflows, evidence-based care and shared decision making in a sustainable and scalable way. The Digital Clinic is a type of health facility that uses digital technologies to provide medical services remotely.

Services provided by the clinic may include virtual consultations with health care providers, online appointment booking, and the use of digital medical records and other health-related technologies. Digital clinics allow patients to receive medical care remotely, which can be particularly beneficial for those who live in rural or remote areas, or for those with mobility issues that make it difficult to visit a traditional clinic. In addition, digital clinics can also help reduce the burden on traditional clinics and hospitals by providing an alternative for non-urgent medical problems.

e& enterprise iot & ai was recently formed under e& enterprise after the acquisition of Smartworld, one of the UAE’s leading technology solutions providers and systems integrators.

Etisalat Group has changed its brand identity to e&, effective on February 2022. Its strategy aims to accelerate growth through the creation of a resilient business model represented by Group’s main business pillars.

The telecoms business currently continues to be led by etisalat by e& in the Group’s home market and e& international markets, upholding the Group’s rich telecoms heritage, bolstering the strong telecoms network and maximising value for the Group’s various customer segments.

Ramping up the digital services for individuals to elevate their digital-driven lifestyle, e& life brings next-generation technologies through smart platforms in entertainment, retail and financial technology. e& enterprise focuses on maximising value through its end-to-end solutions in cybersecurity, cloud, Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), as well as deploying mega projects, in order to enable the digital transformation of governments, large-scale enterprises and corporates. e& capital allows the Group to focus its efforts on driving new investments while maximising shareholder value and strengthening the Group’s global presence.

e& international today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Tunisia-based Tunisie Telecom to join the 'e& partner networks' business programme developed to collaborate with telecom-operating companies in regional markets.

Tunisie Telecom is the first company to join the e& partner networks business programme, providing Tunisia's national fixed and mobile operator with unparalleled access to best practices, cutting-edge expertise, and services. Tunisie Telecom acceded to the Group's scale and efforts in supporting regional and global operators in achieving sustainable growth and best-in-class customer experience and service solutions.

The MoU, signed by Mikhail Gerchuk, Chief Executive Officer of e& international, and Lassaad Ben Dhiab, CEO of Tunisie Telecom, outlines the collaborative framework for both parties to synergise and share knowledge, including full support in commercial, procurement, wholesale and roaming capabilities and access to innovative technologies.

Hatem Dowidar, Group CEO of e&, said: "The signing of this MOU marks a significant milestone in e& Group's collaborative vision to create value and connect global communities. Leveraging our position as one of the world's leading telecom providers, we have opened our doors to support telecom-operating companies in regional markets with the e& partner networks programme. We are proud to be providers of the most advanced technology and next-generation solutions within the telecom industry."

As part of the MoU, Tunisie Telecom will have access to services, including outsourcing international voice traffic, customer value management services, and future expansion and investment opportunities.

Lassaad Ben Dhiab, CEO of Telecom Tunisie, said: "We are proud to be the first company to join the e& partner networks business programme and share valuable resources and support. This will expand our reach, increase our customer base, and drive more innovation within our business. e&'s transformation inspired us, and we look forward to inaugurate this partner programme with one of the most reputable leaders in the industry, building a strong, lasting relationship that will benefit our customers “”

Mikhail Gerchuk, Chief Executive Officer of e& international said: "We are happy to welcome Tunisie Telecom into our e& partner networks programme as our first partner. We created the e& partners network to support independent telecom operators facing challenges in matching their competitors' scale and expertise, talent recruitment, and high operating costs. By working together, we will kick-start a valuable and successful relationship in which we will create a consistent service support to grow revenue and subscribers market share, streamline operations, and find cost saving solutions while driving growth."

The e& partner networks programme spearheaded by e& international, invites independent telecom companies from around the world to collaborate with e& and benefit from the superior expertise across a variety of business verticals, with a focus on adding measurable top and bottom-line meaningful business impact.

• New programme supports e&’s collaborative vision to consistently create value and connect global communities
• Offers access to e&’s leading markets’ best practices, cutting edge services and benefits of e& scale to regional and local telecom operators across the world
• Opens the door to regional and local telecom operators to achieve sustainable growth and best in class customer experience

e& international today announced the launch of its new business programme, the ‘e& partner networks’, leveraging e&'s position as one of the world's leading telecom providers to support telecom operating companies in regional markets.

Capitalising on the Group's continued growth in international markets, with over 162 million subscribers in 16 countries, the programme invites independent telecoms operating companies from around the world to partner with e&.

Partners will benefit from e&’s superior expertise across a range of business verticals, with a focus on adding measurable top and bottom-line meaningful business impact.

Mikhail Gerchuk, Chief Executive Officer of e& International, said: "The world has opened up to opportunity again, allowing us to adopt a resilient business growth mindset, create a future-ready operating model and focus on value creation. Our strategic partnerships remain one of our key priorities and, through the 'e& partner networks', we will be able to strengthen these partnerships.

“The scale of the opportunity available to us through the ‘e& partner networks’ is enormous. With e& international at the forefront of the new strategy, 'e& partner networks' will be able to leverage the privilege of the e& brand and benefit from a value-added engagement with telecoms-related business objectives.

“e& can support these independent partners who currently may be facing challenges in terms of matching the scale and expertise of their competitors, talent recruitment, and high operating costs. Together, we can create a business proposition for consistent growth with value-added benefits from operational savings and uplifting topline revenue growth for our partners”.

Obaid Bokisha, Group Chief Operating Officer of e&, said: “As a trusted industry leader with decades of experience, we understand the importance of reliable and efficient networks for connecting communities and driving economic growth. Through this programme, we are looking forward to working with telecom operators across markets and empowering them with the resources and expertise necessary to drive sustainable development and enhance customer experiences.”

The programme will support operators in customer engagement and value management, sales channels and customer experience, pricing and proposition support, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning modelling, international carrier and wholesale channels, network procurement and overall Capex and Opex optimisation and digital and mobile finance services, and many other opportunities.

Each partner will be allocated the necessary resources and additional staff. Selected teams from e& international will be seconded to the offices for future support and close collaboration with the partner’s management team.

e&'s partner networks will enable e& international to share e&'s cutting edge expertise and apply e&’s best practices, tools and models to a wider customer base in new geographic markets.

• Leadership quadrant awards recognition for being on par with global counterparts
• Combines 5G connectivity and IoT AI capabilities to offer end-to-end solutions

e& enterprise, part of e& (formerly known as Etisalat Group), was recognised by International Data Corporation, a premier global provider of market intelligence, for its positioning in the ‘Leaders’ category of the GCC IDC marketscape for business and industrial IoT (Internet of Things) consulting and system integration services.

This industry-wide acknowledgement was mainly for its capabilities that are in line with global counterparts and its unique approach to delivering IoT services and solutions to enterprises and government customers by bringing 5G connectivity and IoT/AI capabilities to offer end-to-end solutions.

e& enterprise offers IoT solutions and services through the newly formed company e& enterprise iot & ai (previously known as Smartworld). e& enterprise iot & ai brings the combination of Internet of Things and artificial technologies to transform companies into data driven organisations in order to make better decisions, offer efficient services, and remain sustainable.

“We are honoured to be recognised in the global leadership quadrant and attribute this success to our customers and partners who play a critical role in encouraging us to push the boundaries of innovation and success. Thanks to our team of experts, having both technical and business knowledge across various industries and verticals, who enabled us to accelerate growth and become validation of our vision, strategy and solutions in the IoT segment,” said Alberto Araque, CEO, e& enterprise iot & ai.

“This is also in line with our commitment to providing our customers with innovative services to adapt and navigate a changing business environment. We have continued to invest significantly in our people and resources to be well equipped to provide this impactful growth, now and into the future.”

The company's IoT solutions include connected assets, surveillance, smart and sustainable cities, retail and payments, smart and safe home, Industry 4.0,and digital health solutions.

“e& enterprise has created the necessary tools to automate some of its delivery processes, along with methodologies and frameworks to deliver end-to-end IoT projects. It is implementing a plan to significantly increase its capabilities around data analytics and AI, and to improve its user interface development and delivery capabilities.

Additionally, the company plans to venture into new markets through both organic and inorganic means to deepen its capabilities and increase its footprint across the wider MEA region. Due to the relative strengths of its delivery capabilities and its strategic vision, the company is positioned in the "Leaders" category of GCC IDC MarketScape for business and industrial IoT consulting and systems integration services vendor analysis, 2022.” Krishna Chinta, Programme Manager, Telecommunications and IoT, IDC Middle East and Africa.

The company also has an IoT partner program to bring new partners into its ecosystem to co-create IoT solutions and explore joint sales opportunities. e& enterprise has opened innovation centers and co-creation labs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to showcase its digital services delivery capabilities and co-create IoT solutions with its customers. The company is differentiating itself by offering a variety of pricing models, including OPEX models and joint-investment models with customers.

Etisalat Group has changed its brand identity to e&, effective on February 2022. Its strategy aims to accelerate growth through the creation of a resilient business model represented by Group’s main business pillars.

The telecoms business currently continues to be led by etisalat by e& in the Group’s home market and e& international markets, upholding the Group’s rich telecoms heritage, bolstering the strong telecoms network and maximising value for the Group’s various customer segments.

Ramping up the digital services for individuals to elevate their digital-driven lifestyle, e& life brings next-generation technologies through smart platforms in entertainment, retail and financial technology. e& enterprise focuses on maximising value through its end-to-end solutions in cybersecurity, cloud, Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), as well as deploying mega projects, in order to enable the digital transformation of governments, large-scale enterprises and corporates. e& capital allows the Group to focus its efforts on driving new investments while maximising shareholder value and strengthening the Group’s global presence.

• Value of Group brand portfolio exceeds US$14 billion, according to 2023 Brand Finance Global 500 Report released at WEF, Davos
• AAA rating ensures etisalat by e& remains the single strongest brand in all categories – and one of the top three telecom brands in the world

e& (formerly known as Etisalat Group) has consolidated its position as the most valuable portfolio of telecom brands in the Middle East and Africa (MEA), according to the 2023 Brand Finance Global 500 Report released at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos.

Highlighting its transformation efforts into a global technology and investment conglomerate, e& has achieved remarkable business growth and unwavering stakeholder confidence in 2022, with its portfolio of brands now exceeding a total value of US$14 billion.

This reflects the success of the Group's business strategy over the past year, which has introduced further improvements in customer service, more people-focused products and new digital services across its specialist business verticals.

etisalat by e&, the Group's largest telecom brand, also retained its position as the strongest telecom brands across all categories in the MEA region, achieving a score of 89.1 out of 100 and a AAA rating, according to the report. It was also rated one of the top three telecom brands in the world, due to its market reach, operational capabilities, and outstanding customer service record.

Hatem Dowidar, GCEO of e&, said the Group’s endorsement by the Brand Finance was both humbling and a worthy reflection of the UAE’s unstinting commitment to unlock economic growth and potential through its investment in state-of-the-art infrastructure and digital transformation.

"Guided by our 46-year legacy of pushing the boundaries of technology and service excellence, we have emerged as an inspiring global technology conglomerate; this international recognition makes us extremely proud," he said.

“We will continue to earn the trust of our customers and stakeholders by developing and innovating cutting-edge products and services that meet the needs of our 162 million subscribers in 16 countries across the Middle East, Asia and Africa," Dowidar added.

Shaping A More Sustainable Digital Future
Dowidar said that e& had made significant strides in Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, and technologies supporting the emergence of the metaverse.

"As we help usher in the next wave of digital tech transformation, we will continue exploring new business models in the digital space. Our strategic priority is to drive new partnerships and investment opportunities that will accelerate the growth of all our business verticals.”

"With sustainability at the heart of everything we do, the e& ESG framework has become an integral part of the Group's business model. We have successfully created an ecosystem in which we operate, communicate and deliver our products and services to stakeholders and customers, enabling us to be a key player in the search for clean and green solutions. The Group's efforts were recently crowned by the declaration of e&’s net zero targets by 2030, marking a further step in confirming our commitment to reduce carbon emissions across our business and to step up our efforts for global climate action."

Etisalat Group changed its brand identity to e& in February 2022, as part of a wider strategy to accelerate resilient long-term growth. Successfully aligning all its business verticals and subsidiaries, e& raised its brand profile globally through impactful communications and international partnerships with such admired brands as Etihad Airways, the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix, Manchester City Football Club, and African football giants Al Ahly SC.

Commenting on e&’s ranking in this year’s report, David Haigh, CEO and Chairman of Brand Finance, said: “As the telecommunication industry faces commoditization, e& has taken bold steps to reposition its brand identity to unlock new opportunities. This transformation has enhanced the competences of e& to provide innovative digital-centric services that add to its journey as a global brand.”

Brand Finance is the world’s leading independent branded business valuation and strategy authority. Founded in 1996 and headquartered in London, it aims to ‘bridge the gap between marketing and finance.’ Brand Finance evaluates over 5,000 brands across all sectors and geographies every year. The 500 most valuable brands are included in the Brand Finance Global 500 report.

• To bring a state-of-the-art Managed Wi-Fi Solutions to all 58,000 workers and tenants in the city
• Agreement includes end-to-end infrastructure to interconnect Wi-Fi components

Etisalat UAE, branded as etisalat by e&, today announced the signing of a strategic partnership agreement with AlEskan Al Jamae, a real estate development and management company, to provide enhanced Wi-Fi and a digital experience for workers in ICAD residential city.

ICAD residential city is located in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s industrial city and is the first group housing facility provider providing secure, sustainable and affordable housing solutions. It is developed and managed by Al Eskan Al Jamae, a company specialising in meeting the housing needs for the workforce.

With this partnerhship the housing complex will benefit from the implementation of an end-to-end network infrastructure that will be built from scratch with the latest in technologies.

The digital infrastructure will provide more than 58,000 workers and tenants with reliable, high-speed, unlimited Wi-Fi access and solutions in full compliance with UAE regulatory requirements.

Esam Mahmoud, Senior Vice President, SMB etisalat by e&, said, "We continue to act as a trusted partner and advisor to businesses to enable their digital transformation. etisalat by e& has been developing communications networks and digital infrastructure in the UAE for decades and has delivered the widest and robust penetration of fibre to the home (FTTH) contributing to the UAE's positioning as a global leader since 2016. "

Mahmoud added: "We will continue to build on our legacy of connecting communities and accelerate digital transformation by delivering a higher value offering and state-of-the-art Wi-Fi solution to all ICAD city workers and tenants."

etisalat by e& will also offer an on-site end-user support service, with attractive promotions and packages to support the community and blue collar workers.

Dr Saeed Alkaabi, CEO, Aleskan Aljamae, said, "Since its inception in 2006, Al Eskan Al Jamae has built a reputation for developing projects of the highest standard, which is why we seek to establish partnerships that support our vision in providing the best solutions and offering decent housing to all workers with the best solutions that reflect their daily needs."

This partnership will further enhance the consumer experience by adding value to ICAD residents and driving the digital transformation that is becoming the foundation of modern life.

Etisalat Group has changed its brand identity to e&, effective on February 2022. Its strategy aims to accelerate growth through the creation of a resilient business model represented by Group’s main business pillars.

The telecoms business currently continues to be led by etisalat by e& in the Group’s home market and e& international markets, upholding the Group’s rich telecoms heritage, bolstering the strong telecoms network and maximising value for the Group’s various customer segments.

Ramping up the digital services for individuals to elevate their digital-driven lifestyle, e& life brings next-generation technologies through smart platforms in entertainment, retail and financial technology. e& enterprise focuses on maximising value through its end-to-end solutions in cybersecurity, cloud, Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), as well as deploying mega projects, in order to enable the digital transformation of governments, large-scale enterprises and corporates. e& capital allows the Group to focus its efforts on driving new investments while maximising shareholder value and strengthening the Group’s global presence.

• 5G Portable Private Network Innovation Disrupts Traditional Office Reachability

Etisalat UAE, branded as etisalat by e&, today announced successful deployment and testing of 5G Portable Private Network MEC (Multi-access Edge Computing) functionality as part of a collaboration with global ICT leader Huawei Technologies.

This successful showcase is part of Stand-Alone 5G and MEC commercialisation programme and enables etisalat by e& to offer a 5G-based replacement for traditional VPN, enhancing remote work experience (reach workspace anywhere, anytime) for UAE enterprises. Remote work and long-distance learning represent global trends with significant implications for accessibility, network reliability and user experience. Urban and rural communities also depend on highly accessible networks for high-speed connectivity to public resources, from health care to social services. Both accessible and convenient, a 5G Portable Private Network solution enables seamless switching between public and private networks to accelerate data delivery and boost security for services in every area of the economy.

Khaled Al Suwaidi, SVP of Core Networks and Platforms, of etisalat by e&, said: "This deployment and testing will play a crucial role in providing a seamless experience for consumers and enterprises by enabling new and innovative 5G services in public safety, gaming, education and healthcare among others. This is in line with our long term vision to ramp up digital services, elevate a digital-first lifestyle at the same time enable the digital transformation of governments, large enterprises and corporates. The partnership with Huawei Technologies and our investments in standalone 5G earlier this year has supported our vision to enable and empower the enterprise digitalisation ecosystem enabler and facilitator.”

Gavin Wang, Head of Etisalat Key Account at Huawei Technologies, said: "Huawei is pleased to be an entrusted 5G SA vendor of etisalat by e& and to be able to demonstrate what this latest 3GPP Rel-16 technology has to offer. We are proud to continue supporting etisalat by e& to realise its digital transformation objectives and, in particular, its vision to bring the best in smart connectivity and innovative digitalised solutions to its customers."

Traditional networks exchange data back and forth across the Internet and face various problems. Moreover, remote users typically encounter latencies and bandwidth limitations that impede processing and cause delays and interruptions. Remote access using 5G Portable Private Network avoids the time-consuming detour through the Internet and eliminates those latencies and performance drawbacks. Once a 5G Portable Private Network is in place, remote end users can seamlessly access corporate intranets from anywhere, at any point in time. They can enjoy increased reliability and excellent online experiences because they can avoid repeated logins, connection latencies and data risks. These users also have the freedom to use their personal devices for improved, faster connections, enhancing productivity while protecting data exchanges.

The technology offers a plethora of benefits for students and faculty in education. For example, unlike the expense related to opening individual Portable Private Network accounts and associated vulnerabilities, students who use a mobile Portable Private Network no longer require authorization. Since the 5G Portable Private Network dedicated network is interconnected with the institution's network, these users can depend on airtight security via the campus intranet to perform a multitude of tasks remotely. These include accessing online teaching applications, checking exam results, choosing classes and conducting research. These sessions eliminate repeated logins allowing both students and teachers to switch between the Internet and internal networks seamlessly.

Etisalat Group has changed its brand identity to e&, effective on February 2022. Its strategy aims to accelerate growth through the creation of a resilient business model represented by Group’s main business pillars.

The telecoms business currently continues to be led by etisalat by e& in the Group’s home market and e& international markets, upholding the Group’s rich telecoms heritage, bolstering the strong telecoms network and maximising value for the Group’s various customer segments.

Ramping up the digital services for individuals to elevate their digital-driven lifestyle, e& life brings next-generation technologies through smart platforms in entertainment, retail and financial technology. e& enterprise focuses on maximising value through its end-to-end solutions in cybersecurity, cloud, Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), as well as deploying mega projects, in order to enable the digital transformation of governments, large-scale enterprises and corporates. e& capital allows the Group to focus its efforts on driving new investments while maximising shareholder value and strengthening the Group’s global presence.

• Launch in line with e& life vision to become a leading entertainment provider in the region
• Acquired exclusive MENA rights to PGA TOUR, DP World Tour, Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup 

evision, the media and entertainment division of e& life (part of e&), today announced the launch of ‘GolfLife’ a dedicated 24/7 channel for all golf fans in the region capturing all the best live and exclusive action of golf’s most competitive tours and team competitions in Middle East and North Africa.

The channel owned and operated by evision will also broadcast ancillary golf programming and become a platform to showcase golf activities/initiatives from across the region.

In line with this vision to bring the latest in sports, evision has acquired exclusive broadcasting rights across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region for professtional golf from PGA TOUR and DP World Tour events in 2023 and 2024 with special rights to broadcast the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome and 2024 Presidents Cup in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Speaking about the new broadcast partnership Olivier Bramly, CEO of evision said: “Golf as a sport is experiencing a boom in popularity across the MENA region and the new GolfLife channel will give fans unparalleled and exclusive access to the sport they love via eLife, Switch TV and STARZPLAY packages and platforms.

“The channel will also be made available to other operators across the region to ensure we can reach as many fans as possible. We are entering a big year for golf with the Ryder Cup taking place in September and the PGA TOUR returning to a calendar-year schedule that showcases the best players in the world, which makes this the perfect time to launch this brand new dedicated golf channel in the region,” added Bramly

Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the European Tour group, added: “With our season long ‘Race to Dubai Rankings’ in partnership with Rolex, the Middle East continues to be a core focal point for the DP World Tour and home to three of our Rolex Series events. With the launch of a new channel dedicated to world class golf in time for a busy year that includes the Ryder Cup, I know that evision will be an excellent partner and provide a first-class broadcast experience to fans across the region.”

“The PGA TOUR is excited to partner with evision and reach fans in the MENA region on eLife, Switch TV and STARZPLAY,” said Rick Anderson, PGA TOUR Chief Media Officer. “Fans can expect an exciting year as the PGA TOUR moves towards a calendar-year schedule that features top players competing more often and heightened importance on positioning for the Race for the FedExCup. We look forward to showcasing the best players and biggest moments in golf to fans in the Middle East and North Africa.”

At the time of launch, GolfLife will be available in the sports and premium packages on eLife IPTV as well as on sports packages on Switch TV, its OTT (over-the-top) platform in the UAE. GolfLife will also be distributed across the MENA region through STARZPLAY, a leading on-demand streaming service that is available directly to consumers.

Etisalat Group has changed its brand identity to e&, effective on February 2022. Its strategy aims to accelerate growth through the creation of a resilient business model represented by Group’s main business pillars.

The telecoms business currently continues to be led by etisalat by e& in the Group’s home market and e& international markets, upholding the Group’s rich telecoms heritage, bolstering the strong telecoms network and maximising value for the Group’s various customer segments.

Ramping up the digital services for individuals to elevate their digital-driven lifestyle, e& life brings next-generation technologies through smart platforms in entertainment, retail and financial technology. e& enterprise focuses on maximising value through its end-to-end solutions in cybersecurity, cloud, Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), as well as deploying mega projects, in order to enable the digital transformation of governments, large-scale enterprises and corporates. e& capital allows the Group to focus its efforts on driving new investments while maximising shareholder value and strengthening the Group’s global presence.