Media Centre

September 2017

Customers will be able to pre-order through website or by visiting the stores.

Etisalat will offer Apple's latest products starting on 15 September, including the new generation iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus. Customers will be able to pre-order iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus beginning 15 September on etisalat.ae and by visiting the nearest Etisalat stores.

August 2017

The move is part of Dubai Future Accelerators program to bring future medical care solutions to the UAE and MENA.

Mobile Doctors 24-7 and Etisalat Digital join forces to bring a unique healthcare solution to UAE

Etisalat Digital, business unit of Etisalat that is focused on driving the digital transformation of enterprises and governments, and Mobile Doctors 24-7 (MD 24-7), the UAE's leading 24-7 Population Health Management Provider, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) as part of Dubai Future Accelerators program to bring future medical care solutions to the UAE and MENA.

MD 24-7 offers a bi-directional and integrated mobile application and state of the art 24-7 Call Center staffed with general practitioners, family medicine specialists, pediatricians, psychiatrists, pharmacists, wellness advisors, nurses and case managers. MD 24-7 also provides "Hospital at Home Programâ" which is licensed by the Johns Hopkins University. This unique program with MD 24-7 proprietary telemonitoring technology and virtual clinics allows patients to be monitored and treated in the comfort of their homes and/or offices and at the same time save approximately 50 percent of alternative cost. The service offered allows everyone to have immediate access to a highly qualified licensed physician or wellness expert at any time, 365 days a year, whether at home, work, on a business trip, or on vacation, without the need to make an appointment or wait in an emergency room queue.

Etisalat Digital will provide digital enabling capabilities for Mobile Doctors 24-7's services. The two companies will work together to develop chronic disease management solutions that will contribute to reducing chronic patients' emergency room visits, reduce the average length of stay in hospital, and reduce unnecessary hospital readmissions.

This partnership has been initiated under the DFA programme, the world's largest government-supported accelerator, which brings together top start-up businesses with Dubai Government entities, allowing them to build, test and deploy world class solutions for 21st-century challenges. Mobile Doctors 24-7 was one of 35 companies selected from over 1000 applications from around the world in the second DFA cohort.

Commenting on the initiative, Raouf Khalil, Founder and CEO of Mobile Doctors 24-7, said:

"Our collaboration with Etisalat Digital will result in creative and innovative solutions using cutting-edge technologies to foster change in the healthcare system to align consumers and payers."

"People should have access to ethical and reliable healthcare round-the-clock. Our full-time doctors provide ethical medical advice to patients by telling them the truth about what they need, not just what they can afford. This is the only way to ensure a proper balance between quality and cost." "Our solution to the many issues facing healthcare provision is to change consumer behaviour by providing them 24-7 access to a system that avoids unnecessary waste of healthcare resources." he added.

Francisco Salcedo, SVP Etisalat Digital said: "We are pleased to partner with MD 24-7 that will help meet specific requirements of the healthcare sector. These creative and innovative solutions will use futuristic technologies to foster change in the ecosystem. This project is in line with the formation of Etisalat Digital's long-term objectives to tap such opportunities and support the UAE leadership's objectives in enabling digital transformation in the country. This partnership was a result of the alignment with Dubai Future Accelerator that has provided a perfect platform to young companies to engage with our experts, have access to our robust network and utilize our digital technologies to build viable products and new revenue streams."

"The challenges put forth aim to meet His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai's vision of accelerating the future and making Dubai a test bed for emerging technologies" said Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Accelerators. "The Dubai Future Accelerators is one of the main programmes that follow the Future Agenda, the roadmap map of Dubai Future Foundation that works towards making Dubai the city of the Future."

Etisalat announced today that it will offer free UAE WiFi by Etisalat - the telco's high-speed public WiFi across malls, restaurants and cafes for residents in the UAE during Eid Al Adha period - 30 August-9 September 2017.

UAE WiFi by Etisalat lets residents connect to the Internet using their mobile devices in major public locations across the country. During the Eid Al Adha holidays, any individual with a UAE mobile number will be able to enjoy free high-speed and high-quality access through public WiFi.

Etisalat's Chief Consumer Officer, Khaled ElKhouly said, "In the festive spirit of Eid Al Adha, we want to be part of our customers' celebration, ensuring they stay fully connected to their families and friends. Customers will experience high speed and quality free across Etisalat's public WiFi network to exchange greetings, share photos, access social networking websites and surf online."

In order to use the service customers visiting key public locations in the UAE including shopping malls, parks, beaches, entertainment and sports venues, airports and much more, should connect to 'UAE WiFi by Etisalat' WiFi SSID signal. After one time registration, Etisalat will send an SMS with PIN number to ensure safety and security.
Customers need to use their mobile number as login and PIN number as password. Once registered, the user will be given free WiFi access. After Eid Al Adha promo period users still will be able to continue using UAE WiFi by Etisalat with free access if eligible to it, or with paid packages of their choice.

To find exact location of Etisalat WiFi hotspots, customers can visit UAE WiFi. or use 'Around Me' interactive map in the Etisalat App.
Etisalat wishes all its customers, employees and their families a happy and joyous Eid Al Adha.

The latest Nokia smartphone is now available to all consumers with flexible smartpay options for as low as AED 35.

Etisalat today announced the exclusive launch of the latest Nokia smartphone, the Nokia 6, to all consumers with flexible smartpay options for as low as AED 35 and at standalone price starting from AED 799.

After the positive response from the launch of Nokia 6 at Mobile World Congress, the annual global telecom conference and exhibition held in Barcelona, Etisalat customers can now purchase the smartphone in UAE. The device with Android OS is available in three attractive colours. Customers can opt to purchase the device on flexible payment plans available over 12, 18 and 24 months across Etisalat stores for postpaid customers starting from only AED 35 per month. Customers are eligible to purchase the smartphone with a new or existing prepaid mobile number and dial *056# to receive the special deal of the day offers like 1GB free for a month.

Khaled Elkhouly, Chief Consumer Officer Etisalat said, "We are pleased to bring back the iconic brand Nokia with its next-gen devices to the market providing customer's affordability on this new platform. Our customers will enjoy the convenient payment options on the countrywide 4G network, giving them an opportunity to enjoy the superior features of the smartphone with seamless mobile connectivity and access to super-fast usage speeds."

One of the most loved brands, 'Nokia' is available in three models; mainly Nokia 6, 5 and 3. Nokia 6 comes with the latest operating system, Android Nougat, and Octacore Snapdragon 430 processor. The smartphones are available in a variety of colors, including black, silver and blue. Nokia 6 has a 5.5 inch full HD display with Gorilla Glass sporting a 16-MP rear camera, an 8-MP front facing camera and is powered with 3GB RAM, expandable 32GB storage and 3000 mAH battery to support all types of smartphone users.

Subscribers can enjoy the benefits of the latest Nokia smartphones on the fastest and widest 4G/LTE network offering high-speeds of up to 300 Mbps that covers nearly 95 per cent of the country's populated areas. For further information and to purchase the Xiaomi devices online, customers can log on to etisalat.ae and get free delivery across the UAE.

Supply, installation, testing and commissioning of indoor, outdoor and emergency lighting systems at Etisalat Exchange & Data Centre sites all over the UAE.

The summit is an international event that recognizes leaders in different domains for innovation and successful project implementations.

Etisalat won accolades for its managed unified communication services at the 'Global Telecoms Innovation Summit,' an international event that recognizes leaders in different domains for innovation and successful project implementations.

The Global Telecoms Innovation Summit recognized Etisalat's excellence in Unified Communication solutions. This prestigious award positions Etisalat as a leader in delivering enterprise solutions and end-to-end managed services in UAE. Etisalat has implemented several projects under managed services for different sectors including government organizations, energy and utility, education, health, finance institutions and many others, delivering significant benefits to the customers and their employees.

One of the major projects is the Higher College of Technology (HCT), with 17 campuses located across the UAE serving 55,000 students and 2000 employees. Etisalat was able to deploy a unified solution providing both data and voice communication that is fully managed and monitored by Etisalat.

Sergey Gerashchenko, Vice President, Business Marketing-Managed Services said: "This award is a testimony to Etisalat's excellence in project innovation and implementation. Such achievement is due to the continuous investments made in in our infrastructure and services portfolio to deliver best-in-class technologies and solutions to customers across all verticals. I want to thank our dedicated team and partners who have contributed to this success."

Global Telecoms Business Innovation Summit showcases and celebrates the most successful telecom projects from across the globe. The event also discusses how telcos deliver successful ICT projects, overcome the various challenges and obstacles in a project's life-cycle and demonstrate true industry innovation. The award ceremony was held in London, with over 300 telecom leaders coming together to celebrate the collaboration and partnership between operators and vendors, while recognizing the industry's commitment to deliver exciting and innovative services to its customers worldwide."

July 2017

Distribution of interim dividend for the first half of the fiscal year 2017 of 40 fils per share.
Etisalat Group Reports AED 25.3 Billion Consolidated Revenues for H1 2017 - Financial Highlights and Key Developments of H1 Etisalat UAE Revenues amounted to AED 15.4 billion representing 3% increase year over year.
- Etisalat UAE Net profit amounted to AED 4.2 billion representing 7% increase year over year.
- Etisalat UAE Subscriber base reached 12.4 million representing Year over Year increase of 2%
- Distribution of interim dividend for the first half of the fiscal year 2017 of 40 fils per share.
- Group consolidated revenues amounted to AED 25.3 billion.
- Group Consolidated operating profit before Federal Royalty amounted to AED 8.8 billion.
- Group Aggregate subscriber base reached 139 million.
- Credit Ratings Agencies Standards & Poor's and Moody's affirmed Etisalat Group's high credit rating at AA-/Aa3
- Etisalat enhances International Connectivity to UAE with AAE-1 Submarine Cable System
- Etisalat's Smart Hub has Won the DCD Award in "Excellence in Regional & Global Datacenter Connectivity" (DCD - Data Centers Dynamic)
- Etisalat UAE has launched its revamped loyalty program, focusing on digital channels and bringing larger value to customers
- Etisalat introduces 'Create Your Number' service for all post-paid subscribers first time in the UAE
- Etisalat 'first telco in UAE' to achieve ISO 20000 certification
- Etisalat named most valuable Telecoms Brand Portfolio in the Middle East by 'Brand Finance'
- Etisalat Receives Tier III Gold Certification for Operational Sustainability
- Etisalat Group exits the Nigerian market.
- UAE ranked as global leader in Fiber Optic Network by FTTH Council

Essa Mohamed Al Suwaidi, Chairman of Etisalat Group: Etisalat Group showcased agility in the first half of this year adapting to the changes in the telecom industry, while the period revealed promising opportunities for growth in telecom and digital services we also proved our strong position by dynamically managing challenges in some international markets. The financial performance laid a solid foundation for innovation allowing us to continue investing in the development of next generation infrastructure while maintaining our focus on digital transformation, which in turn has a significant impact on enhancing the overall customer experience. Etisalat Group would like to thank the leadership of United Arab Emirates for its continued support and also Etisalat management team for their efforts in remaining focused on accelerating our long-term strategy to drive shareholder value and our loyal customers for inspiring us to set new benchmarks and to reach new business heights."

Eng. Saleh Al Abdooli, CEO, Etisalat Group
"Etisalat Group's financial performance in the first half of 2017 reaffirms our strong position and demonstrates our flexible strategy in adapting to the developments and changes in the telecom sector.

"Etisalat Group has established a competitive position in the region as a fully integrated ICT solutions and services provider. Today we are proud that Etisalat is a key strategic player in major digital transformation projects in the UAE and beyond. Our recent announcement of the longest submarine cable system is another step to enhance our long-term growth and bring new capacity to UAE making it an international hub.

"Etisalat group's geographic footprint expands across the Middle East, Africa and Asia witnessing various opportunities and challenges in each market that are governed by specific economic conditions. Some of these markets witnessed macroeconomic challenges that imposed limitations on investments and future growth. Etisalat responded with confidence overcoming these challenges while maintaining a sustainable business portfolio.

"Today Etisalat Group has established a solid foundation driven by its ability to adapt its operations to maintain business sustainability. Our focus will be to continue investing in futuristic solutions and next generation technologies to deliver the best-in-class services and solutions to our customers while ensuring that shareholders gain long-term value from businesses."

Additional Info:
Etisalat UAE Second Quarter 2017 Key Financial Highlights.

Subscribers
Etisalat UAE Subscriber base reached 12.4 million representing Year over Year increase of 2 %

Revenue
Etisalat UAE Revenues amounted to AED 7.8 billion representing 3% increase comparing to Q1 2017.

Net Profit
Etisalat UAE net profit amounted to AED 2.2 billion representing 6 % increase year over year and 7 % increase comparing to Q1 2017.

EBITDA
Etisalat UAE EBITDA for Q2 totalled AED 4.3 billion representing 4% increase quarter over quarter and resulting in EBITDA margin of 55%.

Etisalat business customers can now enable WiFi connectivity on the move to all their fleets and vehicles. With the launch of the M2M in-vehicle WiFi solution, passengers and employees of those fleets and vehicles can enjoy high speed WiFi connectivity with the most reliable and secure M2M solution.

Consumers today require uninterrupted high speed WiFi connectivity at home, office and public areas. Public transportation companies today prioritise WiFi access to all passengers to enable them to be more productive while on the move. The proposition can also be used by students while on the move. Etisalat Digital's launch of M2M in-vehicle WiFi is to meet this growing demand among its business customers to enable high speed WiFi connectivity to all their passengers.

The in-vehicle M2M solution makes use of an automotive grade WiFi gateway complying with the necessary protocols to make the service PIAP (Public Internet Access Provider) compliant set by UAE's Telecom Regulatory Authority. Through this, Etisalat Digital enables business customers to be a PIAP and offer a certified WiFi solution to their end-users.

The new business solution also enables customers to have real time visibility of the WiFi data consumption. The in-vehicle solution is supported by Etisalat's M2M control center and nationwide M2M connectivity.

Alberto Araque, Vice President/Internet of Things and Digital Payments, Etisalat Digital said: "This launch will enhance our telematics offerings in UAE which is in line with the long term vision of the government to enable smart transportation across the country. The solution comes with a flexible business model that helps our Government, Enterprise and Small and medium business customers to easily offer the service to their customers and citizens".

By offering WiFi within their fleet comprising of cars, buses and limousines; for car rental companies and customers in aviation and hospitality sector, the solution acts as a service differentiator and can improve customer experience.

The AAE-1 Submarine Cable System is the largest global submarine cable system.

Etisalat today announced the Asia-Africa-Europe-1 (AAE-1) undersea cable, the largest global submarine cable system bringing additional international capacity to UAE connecting Europe and Far East.

With this announcement, the submarine cable system is ready and will have the first commercial traffic loaded running into the system. Etisalat is an AAE-1 consortium member and has played a significant role in this submarine cable system with Etisalat's 'Smarthub' becoming a strategic terminal point in the UAE.

AAE-1 (Asia-Africa-Europe-1) is a unique next generation cable system ever built, the first next generation cable system to link all major Asian, African, Middle Eastern and European nations via the lowest latency subsea route.

The submarine cable system is launched in partnership with 18 other global carriers such as China Unicom (Myanmar), CIL-HyalRoute(Cambodia), Djibouti Telecom, GT5L-Global Transit (Malaysia and Singapore), VTC-Metfone (Cambodia) , Mobily (Saudi Arabia), Omantel, Ooredoo, Oteglobe (Greece), PCCW Global (Hong Kong), PTCL (Pakistan), Reliance Jio (India) , Retelit (Italy) Telecom Egypt, TeleYemen, TOT (Thailand) , Viettel (Vietnam) and VNPT (Vietnam) and Etisalat.

AAE-1 will serve international carriers, CDNs (Content Delivery Networks) and Enterprise businesses from UAE and the region apart from meeting the ever growing demand of internet users. AAE-1 also helps Etisalat in expanding its geographical footprint and establishing PoPs (Point of Presence) in new markets by having a direct low latency connectivity to countries such as Hong Kong, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar.

Ali Amiri, the Group Chief Carrier and Wholesale Officer, Etisalat said, "Etisalat is proud to bring AAE-1 into service increasing our international capacity from UAE to Asian and European regions. AAE-1's launch will not only provide additional protection and diversity to existing routes, but also enable more countries to be reached and other parties to access Etisalat's SmartHub products and services"

AAE-1 cable system deploys 100Gbps transmission technology, with a minimum design capacity of 40 terabits. It is a next generation subsea cable that lands in Fujairah will act as a high speed gateway connecting UAE to Hong Kong and Singapore with multiple Onward-Connectivity options in Europe featuring unique landing points in Greece, Italy and France.

June 2017

Unlimited data packages start as low as AED 35 and voice roaming at AED 95.

Etisalat's business customers now have affordable access to more data and less worry on usage while travelling abroad with 'Unlimited Global Business Roaming' packages that helps them tap into the demand for higher incoming voice allowances and data packages.

The unlimited data packages starts from as low as AED35 and the unlimited voice roaming packages starts from AED95. Etisalat business customers also enjoy 4G LTE mobile data connectivity in 97 countries with the expansion of partner networks to 261. This enables subscribers to take advantage of the high-speed mobile data offered on 4G networks not only while travelling outside UAE but also for visitors travelling into the country.

Salvador Anglada, Chief Business Officer at Etisalat said, "Etisalat's continuous investments in the expansion of its mobile networks and infrastructure has provided customers a richer experience. In today's connected world, accessibility while on the move is of top priority for all types of travellers, enabling them to browse the Internet, access mails, social networks and more."

The enhancement of our extensive 4G partner network allows our mobile customers to enjoy wider international data coverage, on high-speed networks and at affordable roaming rates like with our popular Unlimited Global Business Roaming packages.

Customers can conveniently purchase the Unlimited Global Business Roaming packages by dialing *177# (for free) from the UAE or abroad. Charges will start from the first usage of Internet access while roaming outside the UAE. Alternatively, customers can contact Etisalat from outside the UAE 24x7 on *145*8002300# (for free).

The project will provide faster, secure and reliable communication for Prime Healthcare Group

Etisalat today signed an agreement with Prime Healthcare Group to provide an end-to-end managed services solution for their entire network infrastructure. The project will provide faster, secure and reliable communication enabling Prime Healthcare Group to improve their business efficiency and enhance their security across its countrywide operations.

Salvador Anglada, Chief Business Officer said: 'In the healthcare business; confidentiality of patient information, timely response and access to the best medical expertise is of utmost significance to build a successful reputation in the market. Prime Healthcare Group's key objective to put in place a robust, reliable network and security infrastructure as the foundation to their Digital transformation will help them accelerate in the healthcare business. Etisalat has proficient experience with multiple government and leading enterprises in implementing end-to-end managed services solutions to help them meet their long term business objectives."

In addition to the network and connectivity, Etisalat was appointed to implement cutting edge security solutions to enhance resilience across customer network, as well as enhancing communication and collaboration across Prime Healthcare Group network by deploying the latest managed unified communications solution.

Dr. Jamil Ahmed, Managing Director, Prime Healthcare Group said "Our vision is to be the most respected healthcare provider in the region, offering the most effective treatment outcomes through the best in-class professionals. To achieve this, we have to continuously innovate and implement technologies to help accelerate our healthcare practice and secure our business. Etisalat, our partner in this digital transformation has a diversified portfolio that was an ideal choice for us to accomplish our vision".

Prime Healthcare Group's Digital transformation enabled by Managed Unified Communications, Digital Security and Managed Routers on data and voice links across all Prime Healthcare locations in the UAE. The solution will be managed 24x7 from Etisalat's Network Operation Center providing Prime Healthcare Group with higher up time, resiliency and operation efficiency to focus on their core healthcare business rather than on technology.

New class of VSAT service to optimise network performance at an affordable price.

Etisalat today announced the launch of a new class of High Throughput Satellite (HTS) service to provide high capacity, efficiency, performance and multi-band connectivity to address business segments in remote locations or harsh environment. The new first of a kind service provides customers with higher speeds, improved coverage and flexibility by maximising the VSAT throughput and spectral efficiency and optimising network performance at an affordable price.

Oscar Garcia, Senior Vice President, Etisalat Business said: "Etisalat new HTS services will be able to reach out to a wider industry segment offering affordable satellite solutions. The service seamlessly integrates with the customer's network providing high scalability, redundancy and resiliency and meet customer's requirement where fibre connectivity is not available."

Etisalat currently offers diverse VSAT solutions for voice, data, internet, 4G and video connectivity anytime anywhere via satellites.

The new digital initiative to provide a real time digital experience of Etisalat's innovative features and services.

Etisalat today announced a new digital initiative across key retail stores with the launch of its first self-interactive eLife and mobility experience zones to provide a real time digital experience of its innovative features and services.

Customers can walk in to key retail stores to have a 360 degree real-time experience of our eLife product offerings available at the experience zones. These digital experience zones are available key retail partners mainly Sharaf DG, Jumbo and Emax. The Digital Mobility zone will enable customers to experience Etisalat's Mobility product offerings in a digital format from new offerings to services. The Mobility zone will fulfill Etisalat's objective to digitally standardize its communication to customers across all touch points.

Khaled Elkhouly, Chief Consumer Officer, Etisalat said: "Etisalat has been continuously investing across its services and business units to enable digital transformation. The launch of the self-interactive digital system and display supported by innovative technology will give customers a unique real time experience of the array of products and services. This is a paradigm shift in our approach towards improving customer experience through innovative technology from doing digital to being digital."

This is a first of a kind initiative in the country and will be expanded across Etisalat's other key retail outlets in the country.