• Initiative is part of Etisalat’s ongoing commitment to support the health needs of the UAE community

Etisalat conducted a successful blood donation campaign across its offices across the UAE in collaboration with Sharjah Blood Transfusion and Research Centre and Abu Dhabi Blood Bank.

Etisalat employees turned up in large numbers at Etisalat’s headquarters, offices and business centres in the UAE to donate blood and demonstrate their support for the cause with their selfless volunteering, in line with Etisalat’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) and commitment to contribute to the local community.

Dr. Ahmed bin Ali, Group Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, Etisalat, said: “The blood donation campaign is part of our efforts to consolidate the values of corporate social responsibility. This initiative embodies the spirit of volunteerism, generosity and giving that Etisalat strives to instill among our employees. Giving blood should be a continuous process; it is important that we provide our employees with opportunities to participate in giving back to society.”

Dr. Fatma Sajwani, Medical Director of Sharjah Blood Transfusion and Research Centre, said: “Voluntary blood donation is encouraged to assure safe blood supply to patients who need blood transfusion. Blood donation is beneficial to the donor’s health and not only to the recipient of the blood. We work in collaboration with all who support this generous act and support them fully with the facilities and services that can be provided.”

“Blood donation is a valuable act of giving that one can easily do without harming their health. A single unit of blood can help in the treatment of three patients. Blood donation is a humanitarian act that is beyond comparison. This voluntary act of giving serves an important need in the community,” said Dr. Naima Oumeziane, Medical Director of Abu Dhabi Blood Bank.

• First operator in MENA region to introduce MEC and its importance in delivering innovative 5G services
• MEC architecture achieves performance gains of as much as 90% in video streaming, validating how ultra-low-latency applications will be delivered over 4G and 5G networks

Etisalat today announced the successful deployment of a Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) implementation that will pave the way for Etisalat to roll out new 5G-styled services, beginning with its Content Delivery Network (CDN).

MEC is a network architecture that brings real-time, high-bandwidth, low-latency access to radio network information, allowing operators to open their networks to a new ecosystem and value chain. The deployment of MEC architectures will be critical for 4G/5G service providers, as it allows them to significantly reduce latency, which is essential for delivering the new breed of revenue-generating services such as virtual reality gaming, autonomous driving, augmented reality, IoT, and many others.

MEC is ideal for hosting high-bandwidth, low-latency applications in next-generation digital mobile networks. By moving the most demanding applications, such as video, closer to the network edge, operators can ensure the best performance and experience for consumer and enterprise customers.

Khalid Al Suwaidi, Vice President, Mobile and Fixed Core Networks, Etisalat, said: “Etisalat has led in bringing the latest in innovation and modern technology to the network. We strongly believe that pioneering the next-generation networks will enable Etisalat to cement its industry-leading position. We are now the first operator in the MENA region to introduce MEC and its importance in delivering innovative 5G services.”

To demonstrate the benefits of this architecture, Etisalat closely measured the performance of its MEC-based CDN across a few key areas, including latency, “time to first byte”, and total load time. The results showed improvement gains of as much as 90% across these areas when compared to hosting the video content on the core network or elsewhere on the Internet.

With today’s announcement, Etisalat confirms that it has validated the MEC architecture and eliminated the hurdles to its adoption; demonstrated that virtualised architecture is capable of providing carrier-grade performance at the edge of the network; and enabled the adoption of low-latency, high-bandwidth applications using MEC architecture for both 4G and 5G networks.

• Initiative is aligned with UAE’s strategy to support and grow Small & Medium Businesses
• Startups to compete and pitch their business plans for a chance to win prizes worth AED 350,000

Etisalat today announced the launch of the second edition of Hello Business Pitch competition, designed to encourage entrepreneurs and homegrown Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) to build and grow their business.

Following the successful response to the competition in 2018, Etisalat has renewed its commitment towards empowering entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into real business ventures. Etisalat’s ‘Hello Business Pitch’ provides an opportunity for start-ups to pitch their business ideas in front of an expert panel of judges who will be assessing their business model through the strength of their pitch.

Esam Mahmoud, Senior Vice President, SMB, Etisalat, said: “The SMB sector plays an important role in the UAE economy, accounting for 86 percent of the total private sector workforce and more than 60 percent of the country’s current GDP. Today’s announcement is in line with Etisalat’s continuous efforts to support SMBs and start-ups in the UAE and position Etisalat as the preferred business partner of choice.”

“Hello Business Pitch competition, now on its second year, aims to bring growth and innovation in the entrepreneurship and SMB sector. At Etisalat, we are driven by our service mantra ‘Your Business Grows with Us.”

A panel of judges, subject matter experts and partners will join hands to review all submissions and shortlist the top three winners who will be awarded prizes worth AED 350,000 to help grow their business. To be eligible, startup businesses need to be up to 3 years old.

For further details on the eligibility criteria, submission requirements and the competition timelines, please visit etisalat.ae/hellobusinesspitch.

• First 5G-enabled metro in MENA

Etisalat today announced that it is enabling 5G connectivity at the Etisalat Metro Station, becoming the first 5G-enabled metro in the Middle East and North Africa.

Etisalat Metro Station is the eastern terminus of Dubai Metro’s Green Line, which opened to the public in September 2011. Etisalat aims to provide metro users with a unique 5G experience riding on blazing speeds of more than 1Gbps and faster response time with latency less than 1 millisecond. At 20 times faster than 4G and with ultra-low latency, 5G technology allows users to stream live 4k resolution videos, with virtually no lag, and they will enjoy AR/VR services, cloud gaming from anywhere in UAE, robotics, and instant wearable technologies connectivity.

The 5G-enabled Etisalat Metro Station announcement follows Etisalat’s major global milestones achieved in 5G network. Etisalat embarked on its 5G journey in 2014 when it started constructing its network with a dedicated team of engineers and specialists dedicated to build advanced infrastructure supporting future technology requirements in the region.

The major milestone for Etisalat and the telecom industry was the launch of the first ‎‎commercial 5G wireless network on 14th May 2018 in the UAE becoming the first telecom operator in the MENA region to achieve this technological breakthrough and set an industry benchmark.‎ Expo 2020 was also the first major commercial customer in MEASA to partner with Etisalat on 5G in July 2018 delivering a unique and memorable experience for the millions of visitors.‎

In yet another global breakthrough in the 5G journey, Etisalat announced this month that it achieved over 3.1Gbps download throughput over its 5G Stand Alone (SA) network. Ookla, the global leader in fixed broadband and mobile network testing applications, data and analysis, recognised Etisalat for being the fastest mobile network in MENA and broadband network in GCC, Africa and Arabian region in 2019 due to its continuous efforts to invest and build one of the world’s most advanced networks.

In November this year, Etisalat partnered with Yas Marina Circuit to enable 5G connectivity at the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2019, making it the first 5G powered international racing track in the MENA region. Etisalat Digital partnered with DMCC in October to transform Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) into an innovative smart and sustainable district, powered by the 5G network. Smart solutions will be installed across JLT, home to over 16,000 companies and 100,000 people who live, work and visit the area. In August, Etisalat announced the availability of 5G coverage in the world’s tallest and iconic tower ‘Burj Khalifa’ showcasing readiness of the state-of-the-art 5G network and compatibility with industry leading 5G smartphones.

Etisalat announced in June that it has become the first mobile operator in MENA to provide 5G coverage inside an international airport. Through its network rollout and the pioneering launch of the first 5G handset in the MENA, Etisalat managed to provide UAE customers with an opportunity to experience the power of 5G technology.

Etisalat’s senior executives highlighted key 5G achievements, digital transformation initiatives and next generation technologies at the prestigious Leaders’ Summit in Dubai.

The 13th edition of the summit focused on the theme ‘It’s all about Smart Networking’. The summit brings telecom experts and leaders together on one platform to debate and discuss about future developments in the regional and global telecom industry. The attendees included decision makers from the telecom industry covering all segments in the ecosystem.

Hatem Dowidar, CEO, Etisalat International, participated in a debate on the topic 5G serving societies. Kamal Shehadi, Chief Legal and Regulatory Affairs Officer, Etisalat International, participated in the panel focusing on The Year of 5G deployments: from Planning to Reality. Key discussion topics were 5G economics and use cases, including lessons learned from initial 5G deployments, 5G serving the next wave of traffic growth, importance of fiber backbone in 5G deployments; and the gaps and solutions for a complete commercial deployment.

Ali Amiri, Group Chief Carrier and Wholesale Officer, Etisalat, took part in the panel on Capacity Planning in the 5G Data Era, which highlighted various issues such as managing the huge amounts of data generated in the 5G era, aligning capacity planning withy 5G digital services plans, and the role of satellites in guaranteeing the transfer of data.

Meanwhile, Fatima Mohamed Saleh, Vice President, Fixed Access Network was one of the key speakers of the panel focused on Infrastructure Planning in Smart Cities. The panel outlined the role of FTTH in smart cities, pillars of smart cities, infrastructure-related requirements for establishing smart cities, and the role of AI and blockchain in building smart cities.

Hazem Metwally, CEO, Etisalat Misr, joined chief executives in The Leader’ Panel: The Game Has Changed, while Jose Luis Lopez Villen, Director, Open Innovation and IoT Partnerships Programme, Etisalat; participated in the panel titled The Future Tech Landscape and Digital Transformation. Antonio Ricciardi, Senior Vice President, Consumer Intelligence and Engagement, Etisalat, delivered a presentation on Smiles UAE: Success with Smart Partnerships.

• For the first time in the UAE, enjoy unlimited calls with ‘Business Infinite’
• Make calls without limits to local as well as international destinations

Etisalat today announced the launch of ‘Unlimited Calling’ for business executives and professionals-for the first time in UAE-unlimited local and international calls on select plans.

This follows the recent success of the launch of the new ‘Freedom Unlimited’ plans, offering postpaid customer’s unlimited local and international calls.

Now businesses can make unlimited local calls across UAE on the ‘Business Infinite’ postpaid plan priced at AED 350 and enjoy both unlimited local and international calls on the AED 600 plan.

Free roaming minutes, GBs of data (local and roaming), and a free gold VIP number await businesses opting for higher rental plans. They can enjoy 500 incoming and 100 outgoing roaming minutes as well as 100GB of national data and 1GB of roaming data on the AED 900 plan. Meanwhile, those selecting the AED 1,200 plan get to enjoy 1,000 incoming and 200 outgoing roaming minutes as well as 125GB national data and 2GB roaming data.

Salvador Anglada, Group Chief Business Officer, Etisalat, said: “Today’s announcement will enable businesses to seamlessly connect as well as save on their local and international calls. This brings in flexibility in the business as well as increases productivity. The launch is in line with our overall objective to remain committed to the varying needs and requirements of the Business sector.”

Etisalat business customers can make unlimited calls to mobile, or fixed numbers in the UAE, or majority of international destinations – enabling them to talk non-stop with their business associates and freely connect with their counterparts outside UAE.

To find out more about the plans, please visit www.etisalat.ae/infinite.

• FTTH has reached 95.7 percent of homes across the UAE, maintaining country’s position as global leader in FTTH
• Abu Dhabi first capital city in the world to be completely connected to the fiber optic network
• UAE is ranked number one globally, surpassing Singapore, China, South Korea, Hong Kong and Japan

UAE today leads globally as the country with the highest Fiber to the Home (FTTH) penetration for a third year in a row making it a digital hub for innovation with an advanced network that has helped transform and bring innovative future technologies to all its subscribers.

FTTH has reached 95.7 percent of homes across the UAE, maintaining the country’s position as a global leader in FTTH, according to the latest international report from the FTTH council.

The council publishes its annual report that showcases the countries with the highest fiber optic network penetration globally. The report highlighted UAE as the number one country globally with its fiber network coverage surpassing Singapore, China, South Korea, Hong Kong and Japan.

Juan Colina, President, FTTH Council MENA, said: “Fiber connectivity is integral as it becomes a platform for the future of the network especially today with the launch of 5G making it easier to bring futuristic technologies to all subscribers. Etisalat has played a critical role in positioning UAE on this global scale by driving infrastructure investments in building one of the most advanced networks in the region and maintaining consistent leadership for the third year in a row.”

With Etisalat’s strategy focused on ‘Driving the Digital Future to Empower Societies’ the network forms a significant component of this digital transformation journey. Etisalat has continuously focused on investing in innovation and on next generation technologies and services to expand and enhance the network.

This achievement was only possible due to the continuous support and vision of the leadership of UAE in the development and modernisation of the infrastructure.

In today’s connected world, with the greater need for computing and connectivity capabilities such an advanced network also enables the implementation of futuristic technologies like augmented reality, robotics and artificial intelligence. Consumers are able to experience high performance and capabilities required in advanced gaming, streaming, applications and entertainment with a high-speed network.

For enterprises, digital transformation will play a pivotal role in enabling the support of advanced use cases, applications and technologies. This will be key to bring success and next level of development leading Etisalat to play a greater role in digital lives of consumers and enterprises. This forms the backbone of a robust and one of the most advanced and fastest network in the region.

• First operator globally to be ranked by Ookla® on a regional level

Ookla, the global leader in fixed broadband and mobile network testing applications, data and analysis, recognised Etisalat for being the fastest mobile network in MENA and broadband network in GCC, Africa and Arabian region in 2019 due to its continuous efforts to invest and build one of the world’s most advanced networks.

The ranking is based on analysis by Ookla of millions of tests actively initiated by customers across every network to check internet speeds using various applications on web and mobile platforms. The Speedtest awards™ for top network providers are determined using a ‘Speed Score’ that incorporates a measure of each provider’s network speeds (download and upload) to rank network speed performance. The Etisalat network was recognised as the fastest network in mobile and broadband speeds in the UAE as well as across the MENA and GCC, Africa and Arabian region respectively.

Etisalat received the recognition at a ceremony attended by Doug Suttles, CEO and co-founder, Ookla and Khalifa Al Shamsi, Group Chief Corporate Strategy and Governance Officer, Etisalat, along with other senior management from both companies.

Doug Suttles, CEO and co-founder, Ookla, said: “Today’s announcement signifies Etisalat long standing commitment and leadership in the telecom industry. This recognition is significant as tests are actively initiated by consumers across every network. The latest Ookla results highlights Etisalat’s achievements in both mobile and fixed networks in MENA and the GCC, Africa and Arabian region, respectively. This has positioned UAE among the top five fastest countries in the world for mobile according to the Speedtest Global Index in October this year. Additionally, Etisalat was also ranked on a global level among the top 10 most improved fixed broadband networks comparing Q3 2018 to Q3 2019.”

Khalifa Al Shamsi, Group Chief Corporate Strategy and Governance Officer, Etisalat, said: “The telecom network is the backbone of an economy and plays a significant role in bringing digital transformation and innovation in the country. We are proud to receive this global recognition from Ookla as the region’s fastest network, which is in line with UAE’s goals of becoming a smart nation and enabling a digital economy. This is also a testament to Etisalat’s leadership and readiness to address the future requirements of the network.

“The recognition is a result of the company’s long-term vision and strategy of ‘Driving the digital future to empower societies’ with Etisalat continually investing in innovation, next-generation technologies and services to enhance the network.”

Etisalat was the first in the region to take a lead and launch previous generations of the network mainly 3G, 4G and 5G.

In 5G, Etisalat set major benchmarks for the industry, by becoming among the first few operators globally to start testing 5G in February 2014.

Etisalat became the first telco in MENA in May 2018 to launch a commercial 5G network providing fixed wireless service in the UAE. This was followed by another major substantial breakthrough in our 5G journey by connecting and partnering with Expo 2020 as the first major commercial customer in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region to access 5G services. Etisalat connected Expo 2020 Dubai to its network, leading it to be the world’s smartest and most connected location in the world.

In May 2019, Etisalat also became the first telecom operator in MENA to enable its customers to experience the power of the 5G network and release the first 5G handset before many others in the market.

• 5G speeds achieved over 3.1Gbps download throughput

In yet another global breakthrough in the 5G journey, Etisalat achieved over 3.1Gbps download throughput over its 5G Stand Alone (SA) network. In October 2019, Etisalat successfully completed the first end-to-end 5G SA call in the UAE, becoming the first operator globally to achieve this milestone.

The new throughput record is a result of a gradual progression of Etisalat’s 5G rollout, as it develops the technology across the 5G ecosystem towards the full vision of an autonomous 5G network. In this test, 200MHz spectrum was used with a mobile smartphone capable of 5G SA operation.

Commenting on this latest achievement, Saeed Alzarouni, SVP of Mobile Network, Etisalat, said: “Etisalat continuously endeavours to achieve a network capable of delivering beyond customer expectations. Today’s landmark announcement sets a new benchmark in the telecom industry, a testimony to our continuous efforts in building a network that will enable innovation and accelerate digital transformation.

“We have yet again achieved another milestone in our 5G journey with the new download throughput, which is a result of Etisalat’s efforts in building a robust 5G network that is software upgradable from non-standalone (NSA) to standalone technology.”

5G is a major enabler for the fourth industrial revolution, providing faster data connectivity combined with higher speed. With ultra-high speed and low latency services to the user 5G will enable users to enjoy uninterrupted 4K video streaming, best gaming experience, AR/VR services and autonomous transport.

Standalone 5G does not use 4G LTE for any control functions of 5G, unlike non-standalone (NSA) 5G. The major advantages of standalone 5G will be in the enterprise arena as lower latencies can be achieved and network slicing is possible.

Etisalat today announced its support for the 10th edition of Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival, which celebrates the UAE Founding Father's vision to preserve Emirati roots while building a more prosperous future.

Held under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the festival is an annual event established to honour the UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, for his pivotal role in preserving the nation’s proud history as a gateway to the future.

The festival is being held in sync with the 48th UAE National Day festivities, from 28th November 2019 to 1st February 2020, at Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi. Visitors to the festival can experience Emirati heritage and culture through its arts, crafts, traditional cuisine and customs.

Commenting on Etisalat’s gold sponsorship of the event, Sultan Al Dhaheri, General Manager, Etisalat Abu Dhabi, said: “Etisalat is honoured to partner with Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival since its inception in line with our commitment to uphold the cultural and traditional values instilled by the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The festival showcases authentic Emirati culture and the rich diversity of the country’s traditions, and highlights the achievements of our predecessors.

“We are proud to be associated with this annual event that aims to educate the young generation of UAE residents and visitors about the importance of national culture and heritage and of preserving UAE customs and traditions, which serves as a solid foundation of our country’s tremendous growth and development.”

During the festival, Etisalat has a dedicated booth promoting its diverse and innovative products, offers and services.

• Etisalat senior executives participate in GSMA Mobile 360 series-MENA

5G network forms the underlying layer to digitally transform and bring new capabilities across industries, entertainment and public services changing the role of telcos to facilitate services that will enable futuristic use cases, opined Etisalat senior executives at the two-day GSMA event.

The conference brought together public and private sector leaders to discuss and debate how mobile technology is transforming the landscape and creating a better future for citizens and businesses alike.

Etisalat senior executives headlined discussions and presented keynotes during the entire event. Hatam Bamatraf, Chief Technology Officer, Etisalat International kicked off the first day with a keynote on ‘Muscat to Rabat-A Journey through the Arab world in 7 innovations’. His presentation focused on the digital journey since the early 1990s until the 4th industrial revolution dissolving barriers between the physical and virtual world.

The second day’s main discussion focused on ‘Creating Business Value from Intelligent Connectivity’ with Khalifa Al Shamsi, Group Chief Corporate Strategy and Governance Officer, Etisalat presenting the keynote and Hatem Dowidar, CEO, Etisalat International giving the welcome address.

Al Shamsi highlighted ‘Operators’ Perspective on Creating Business Value From Intelligent Connectivity’. He pointed out how the role of telcos has drastically changed within the new digital ecosystem. Today 5G technology is way beyond connectivity; it is a revolution that will put mobile at the heart of the digital continent enabling new capabilities across industry verticals.

Dowidar in his welcome address pointed out the active role of an operator in the ICT ecosystem. Connectivity is at the core but also an enabler of the future of the network.

Now it’s time for the industry, regulators within the telecom sector and other industries to allow telcos to actively contribute with solutions and services that will enable digital transformation across these businesses.

The other key speakers included the participation of Dr Kamal Sameer Shehadi, Chief Legal and Regulatory Officer, Etisalat International in a keynote panel discussion ‘Challenges & Opportunities’ moving forward in the 5G world’ and Robert Middlehurst, Vice President, Regulatory Affairs, Etisalat International, in a discussion titled ‘Privacy and Cross Border Data Transition’.

• Incredible discounts up to 70 percent on devices, mobile and home entertainment
• Special promotions run on UAE National Day holidays between 29^th Nov - 3^rd Dec

Etisalat today announced its first ‘Green Friday’ in UAE, an annual sale that aims to give all subscribers maximum benefits before the much awaited end of the year holiday season with the best in deals and discounts for its wide range of devices, mobile services and home entertainment.

This limited special promotion will be held during the UAE National Day holidays between 29th November until 3rd December across Etisalat retail stores, website and mobile app. Subscribers can avail discounts up to 70 percent on devices and accessories, free connection and 50 percent on OSN El Farq subscription for a year. eWallet customers enjoy a special 10 percent discount in addition to the promotions on ‘Green Friday’ on their purchases during this period.

Khaled Elkhouly, Chief Consumer Officer, Etisalat said: “We are delighted to launch our ‘Green Friday’ discount period in UAE which will give our subscribers a great opportunity to enjoy the best in devices, mobiles and home entertainment. With everyone planning gifts and giveaways for family and friends during the upcoming holiday season, this is the best time for our consumers to buy their favourite devices on a budget. The annual sale is part of Etisalat’s long term commitment to meet all the varied requirements of all our subscribers in the country.”

To find out more about ‘Green Friday’, please visit www.etisalat.ae/greenfriday.

Etisalat Information Services announced its digital sponsorship of the fourth Unity Run, a community event that aims to promote diversity and social inclusion of people with disabilities.

The fourth edition of Unity Run saw people from all walks of life come together for a 3km walk and 10km run on 15th November at Dubai Silicon Oasis. Etisalat Information Services sponsored this annual event through its platform connect.ae, a hyperlocal search engine.

Rashid Al Naqbi, General Manager, Etisalat Information Services, said: “We are honoured to be the official digital marketing sponsor of the Unity Run, the UAE's leading community event supporting people of determination and promoting the cause of inclusiveness in all areas of UAE society.

“Our association with the Unity Run, now on its fourth year, is closely aligned with our own values at Etisalat Information Services to support inclusiveness for all people of the UAE and in all areas of life. We wish the organisers of this event all the best and look forward to continue supporting this worthy cause in the future."

Ruth Dickinson, Event Director and Managing Partner, FittGROUPME, said: “The Emirates NBD Unity Run stands for inclusion and tolerance of all people of all abilities, and every year we celebrate unity in diversity. In this special UAE Year of Tolerance, the Emirates NBD Unity Run included a community celebration of tolerance and inclusion. The whole community was invited to participate in the fun run and walk as well as visit the Unity Village to see the wonderful international cultural displays from embassies and consulates based in the UAE, as well as art and entertainment from students of all abilities, all supporting the UAE Year of Tolerance. It was a wonderful carnival of activities for all the family to enjoy.”

Unity Run is under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Higher Committee for the Protection of the Rights of People of Determination, and organised under the umbrella of the Hamdan bin Mohammed Community Sports Initiative.

This year, members of the Special Olympics UAE and the UAE Paralympic teams were invited to take part in the run. Participants completed an untimed fun 3km walk followed by a 10km run, wearing Unity Run shirts styled to celebrate the UAE flag colours. People of determination and their companions were encouraged to participate and join in the carnival atmosphere as everyone celebrated unity in diversity in the UAE.

Etisalat highlighted the role of 5G in empowering the digital economy during a workshop held by Ministry of Economy in Abu Dhabi today.

Dr Ahmed Bin Ali, Group Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, Etisalat, was speaking at a workshop focused on ‘Utilising future studies in development plans’ organised by the Ministry of Economy in coordination with GCC General Secretariat in Abu Dhabi. The workshop attended by senior government officials focused on how key industry verticals will play a significant role in contributing to the growth and boost the economy of UAE.

Etisalat embarked on its 5G journey in 2014 when it began construction of its network with a dedicated team of engineers and specialists dedicated to build advanced infrastructure supporting future technology requirements in the region.

5G plays an important role in the global economy. The major milestone for Etisalat and the telecom industry was the launch of the first ‎‎commercial 5G wireless network on 14th May 2018 in the UAE, becoming the first telecom operator in the MENA region to achieve this technological breakthrough and set an industry benchmark.‎

Expo 2020 was also the first major commercial customer in MEASA to partner with Etisalat on 5G in July 2018 delivering a unique and memorable experience for the millions of visitors.‎

Through its network rollout and the pioneering launch of the first 5G handset in the MENA, Etisalat managed to provide UAE customers with an opportunity to experience the power of 5G technology.

It is expected that the telecom sector contribution will grow to $4.8 trillion (4.8 per cent of GDP) by 2023 as countries around the globe increasingly benefit from the improvements in productivity and efficiency brought about by increased take-up of mobile services. Looking further ahead, it is forecast that 5G will contribute $2.2 trillion to the global economy over the next few years, with key sectors such as manufacturing, utilities, and professional and financial services benefiting the most from the new technology.

Etisalat today announced its partnership with Yas Marina Circuit to enable 5G connectivity at the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2019, making it the first 5G powered international racing track in the MENA region.

The 11th edition of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will run for five full days, from 28th November until 2nd December 2019. This incredible racing festival with an array of world-class on and off-track entertainment will welcome 60,000 visitors from more than 170 countries around the world.

Yas Marina Circuit is considered one of the most technologically advanced Formula One circuits in the world and is the home for motorsports in the Middle East.

Etisalat aims to provide customers with a 5G unique experience riding on blazing speeds of more than 1Gbps and faster response time with latency less than 1 millisecond. At 20 times faster than 4G and with ultra-low latency, 5G technology allows users to stream live 4K resolution video, with virtually no lag.

Today’s announcement yet again proves Etisalat’s technology prowess and widespread availability of the 5G network and services in the country.

With 5G technology, consumers will enjoy uninterrupted 4K & HD videos, AR/VR services, cloud gaming from anywhere in UAE and instant wearable technologies connectivity.

This breakthrough achievement is a result of Etisalat’s strategic approach and continuous efforts in building and investing in the network to enable connectivity, innovation and bring digital transformation.

The ‘Formula 1’ announcement follows Etisalat major global milestones achieved in 5G network this year.

Etisalat embarked on its 5G journey in 2014 when it started constructing its network with a dedicated team of engineers and specialists dedicated to build advanced infrastructure supporting future technology requirements in the region.

The major milestone for Etisalat and the telecom industry was the launch of the first ‎‎commercial 5G wireless network on 14th May 2018 in the UAE becoming the first telecom operator in the MENA region to achieve this technological breakthrough and set an industry benchmark.‎ ‏‎

Expo 2020 was also the first major commercial customer in MEASA to partner with Etisalat on 5G in July 2018 delivering a unique and memorable experience for the millions of visitors.‎ ‏

Through its network rollout and the pioneering launch of the first 5G handset in the MENA, Etisalat managed to provide UAE customers with an opportunity to experience the power of 5G technology.

Launches cyberbullying campaign and first dedicated chatbot in the UAE

Etisalat held its first cyberbullying conference to highlight issues faced by children today in the cyberworld and create awareness on how parents can help them deal with and prevent cyberbullying.

The conference was held in partnership with Ministry of Education at Etisalat Academy in Dubai. The one-day event was held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation.

The event titled ‘Cyberbullying Awareness Conference’ – included a panel of renowned experts in the field of child education and internet security. Dr. Amna Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Assistant Undersecretary for Welfare and Activities sector from Ministry of Education and Abdul Aziz Al Zarooni, Chairman of the Working Group on Child Online Protection initiative of ITU (International Telecommunications Union) and Information Security Engineer at TRA were the main participants at the conference along with other cybersecurity and CSR experts from Etisalat. The other senior representatives included Faisal Mohammad Al Shimmari, Chairman of the board at the UAE Child Protection Association

The conference was held as part of the third annual nationwide ‘National Bullying Prevention Week’ activities and Etisalat’s first cyberbullying campaign aimed to spread awareness on the rising trend of bullying against children in the cyberworld.

As part of Etisalat’s commitment to the campaign, senior executives conducted demonstrations for parents to train them on the new bully bot driven by AI technology. This mimics online bullies and puts users on a simulated cyber bullying session to create awareness and shows how to protect a child in such a scenario.

Dr. Amna Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Assistant Undersecretary for Welfare and Activities sector from Ministry of Education said: “We are delighted to have partnered with Etisalat to be part of this conference, which is line with UAE leadership’s directions to protect the children and youth with advanced educational, health and social welfare platforms to ensure their safety and wellbeing.

“This will be done with the development and implementation of specialised awareness programs aimed at schools, parents and the community to provide adequate protection to children from bullying and cyberbullying. The ultimate objective is to ensure that the next generation who represent the nation’s human capital will grow to be aware and are fully equipped to manage any kind of challenges in the internet world. I am thankful to Etisalat to make the best use of technology by launching the cyberbully chatbot that will easen the life of parents and children.”

Dr. Ahmed Bin Ali, Group Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, Etisalat said: “Etisalat is honoured to hold the first cyberbullying conference under the patronage of our ‘Mother of the Nation’ H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak in partnership with the Ministry of Education. With the launch of our countrywide campaign, we are looking forward to work with the community by empowering them with technology and tools that will increase awareness on this relevant topic and help parents and children to understand the consequences. The chatbot ‘Bully Bot’ will go a long way in a providing adequate information on how to deal with the issues and protecting our children as well.

The inaugural ‘Cyberbullying Awareness Conference’ was attended by government officials, NGO representatives, Etisalat cyber protection experts, senior executives, as well as parents and various media entities.

The chatbot provides three AI based cyberbullying simulations: Loser, Pizza Face & Cow. These scenarios were developed based on real cyberbullying examples that take place, and has been reviewed by experts on the topic. The chatbot shares information on general knowledge about cyberbullying, the symptoms and effects on children, how can parents help and actions parents can take.

The chatbot can be accessed from Facebook messenger installed on the mobile, and have an active account to be able to access the bot link: http://m.me/103611917693669

• For the first time in the UAE, enjoy unlimited calls on ‘Freedom Unlimited’ postpaid mobile plans

• Make calls without limits to local as well as international destinations

• Benefit from limited time ‘Double Data’ promo on eligible ‘Freedom Unlimited’ plans

Etisalat today announced the launch of its new ‘Freedom Unlimited’ plans, offering postpaid customers – for the first time in the UAE - unlimited local and international calls on select plans.

With the new ‘Freedom Unlimited’ plans, postpaid customers can choose a plan, based on their need and enjoy complete freedom from calling limits. They can make unlimited calls to mobile, or fixed numbers in the UAE, or majority of international destinations – enabling them to talk non-stop with their loved ones, freely connect with their families back home and enjoy peace of mind.

Khaled Elkhouly, Chief Consumer Officer, Etisalat, said: “At Etisalat, we are committed to providing top-notch benefits and bringing in customer-centric innovations that focus on fulfilling our customers’ needs. For postpaid mobile customers, we have constantly introduced best-in-value propositions to meet their growing and changing usage trends.

Etisalat’s ‘Freedom’ journey began with the ‘Your choice….your rules” with the freedom from plans commitment, followed by ‘Roam like Home’ that enables Freedom postpaid customers to continue enjoying local allowances while travelling overseas. We, at Etisalat, are keen on keeping the momentum of ‘Freedom’ going by offering the UAE’s first ‘Unlimited Calling’ options to give our customers the freedom to make unlimited calls whenever they want.”

Postpaid customers also stand to benefit from the limited time ‘Double Data’ promo without any additional charge when they subscribe to one of the eligible new Freedom plans. They can enjoy double data benefit for 12 months, starting from the day of activation.

Additionally, customers can either choose a no commitment option and enjoy complete freedom from a postpaid plan, or get a contract to save more. Customers also avail great benefits at a fair price, and enjoy ‘Smiles Unlimited Buy 1 Get 1’ subscription worth AED 20 a month for unlimited discount vouchers on shopping, dining, wellness and travel.

With ‘Roam Like Home’ access starting from just AED 100/ week, customers can use their local data and minutes on the new ‘Freedom Unlimited’ plans, while roaming across Etisalat’s preferred roaming partners globally. ‘Freedom Unlimited’ customers will also enjoy 100 Wi-Fi hours per month at more than 350 locations, including shopping malls across the UAE when they connect to ‘UAE WiFi by Etisalat’.

To find out more about the plans, please visit www.etisalat.ae/freedomunlimited.

• yallacompare expects move to further increase awareness of insurance products
• Smiles users can pay for products with their accrued points and earn points on purchase of insurance offers

yallacompare, the Middle East’s leading financial comparison platform, has formed a first-of-its-kind partnership with Smiles, the award-winning deals and rewards program of Etisalat.

In addition to great offers across shopping, dining, entertainment, wellness and travel categories, users of Smiles will soon be able to compare insurance offers and buy their insurance from yallacompare within the Smiles app. Smiles users can earn and redeem Smiles points against purchase of insurance offers from the yallacompare link inside the Smiles app.

Gross written premium for all insurance classes were worth AED 44.8 billion in the UAE in 2017, according to the UAE Insurance Authority. While that represented growth of 12% over the year before, yallacompare believes there is considerable scope for growth in new segments of the market.

“The insurance market is growing rapidly in UAE, yet many types of insurance, including home, life, personal accident and travel cover, are still seen as a ‘nice to have’, rather than essential,” said Jonathan Rawling, CFO, yallacompare.

“This important partnership with Smiles and Etisalat will help to further raise awareness of the different types of cover available and how affordable they can be. It will make it easier than ever for UAE residents to buy insurance and ensure they have adequate protection against the unforeseen.”

Khaled El Khouly, Chief Consumer Officer of Etisalat, said: “At Etisalat, we endeavour to offer the best value and the most innovative services to our customers. Smiles with its wide ecosystem of partners has been consistently offering value to our customers, which is beyond telecom. We are pleased to announce this first ever in UAE innovative tie-up with yallacompare that would enable Smiles users to get the best value on insurance offers across multiple insurance providers within their favourite Smiles app.”

Smiles is one of the largest engagement and lifestyle platforms in UAE with more than 2 million Smiles app users, 650 plus partner brands offering deals at more than 3,500 locations.

A series of initiatives and services launched to help develop and empower People of Determination

Etisalat today announced that it has been named the official telecom partner of the third AccessAbilities Expo, a global platform that reflects the aspirations of over 50 million people of determination across the Middle East.

The Expo is being held from 5-7 November under the patronage of HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Airports, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Dr Ahmed bin Ali, Group Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, Etisalat, said: “We are pleased to be associated with AccessAbilities Expo, which is in line with Etisalat’s overall strategy and vision of ‘Driving the Digital Future to Empower Societies’ to get the best in technologies and services to improve their lives, integrate them in the society and enable them to overcome their daily challenges. This event is also closely aligned with our corporate social responsibility strategy to support people of determination and facilitate their integration in communities.”

Daniyal Qureshi, Show Manager of AccessAbilities Expo (AAE), said: “Telecommunications has been playing a crucial role in enlarging the scope of accessibility. Almost every innovative product and service for this fast growing segment of our society is one way or the other linked to the telecom industry.

“Etisalat has been playing an exceptional role in the UAE in enhancing accessibility in the society. It has a more widened role to play in the coming time as the technology changes its landscape. Etisalat coming on board the AAE is a clear indication of the UAE's unflattering resolve to be in a lead position in this domain.”

AccessAbilities Expo is line with the vision and aspirations of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, to make Dubai a friendly city for people of determination by 2020.

Etisalat’s continuous support of the People of Determination falls in line with its long-established Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy of extending its reach, offers and services across the community. With its numerous efforts and partnerships Etisalat has always supported ‘People of Determination’ by helping them integrate into society and increase their role in the community.

Etisalat has harnessed the power of its advanced IT and communications technologies to provide discounted offers and special packages and services to people of determination. This has been clearly demonstrated in the advanced technologies Etisalat showcased at its stand during GITEX Technology Week.

WheeM-i (Wheelchairs Mobility Interface), a “wheel-on,” semi-autonomous electric vehicle that makes traveling around cities easier for people with lightweight manual wheelchairs, made its world premiere at Etisalat’s stand at this year’s GITEX. BrightSign, created by Saudi tech innovator and inventor Hadeel Ayoub, uses assistive technology to facilitate communication for individuals with speech disability.

In previous editions of GITEX, Etisalat demonstrated the innovative Mind rockets, an assistive technology that targets the hearing-impaired providing instant translation in different sign languages for websites, mobile apps, YouTube videos, etc. Virtual bionics focused on patients having missing limbs taking them to a virtual world where they can see actual hands giving their physicians better opportunities to assess their situation for better therapy.

Etisalat showcased the world’s first mass-producible, micro-braille smartwatch and smart glass for the blind. The DOT Braille Smart Watch is lightweight and offers flexibility in manufacturing and design.

Etisalat launched special Plans for People of Determination that include 50% discount on monthly package rental for eLife Family Value Pack of TV, internet and telephone; 50% discount on monthly package rental for home telephone; on monthly Home Internet package rental; 50% discount on prepaid and postpaid mobile data packs; and free subscription to Internet Calling Plan on mobile and eLife while using HiU-Messenger, C’Me and BOTIM.

Etisalat marked International Day of Sign Languages this year across its 36 business centres and retail stores across the UAE. Sign language will be a permanent feature across selected business centres and retail stores in line with Etisalat’s efforts to support the UAE’s strategic objectives to integrate people of determination with various disabilities into the community.

It is a key element of Etisalat’s CSR strategy to provide equal opportunities to all, particularly that sport is a right and must be accessible to all throughout the society. Etisalat has been the main partner of various regional and international sport events for people of determination. It was the official telecom partner of both Special Olympics IX MENA Games Abu Dhabi 2018 and Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019.

As part of the partnership with Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, Etisalat joined the world in March this year to celebrate the Special Olympics 50th anniversary to work together to create a new future for people of determination. In celebration of ‘Light Up for Inclusion’ - a global demonstration of tolerance, respect, and celebration of difference - Etisalat’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi and Dubai Al Kifaf buildings lit up in red. Etisalat also hosted the last leg of the Special Olympics ‘Flame of Hope’ journey at its Abu Dhabi headquarters.

In 2012 in London, Etisalat was a platinum partner for people of determination in sports for men and women from UAE, and then became the official partner of the UAE Special Olympics team for the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles in 2015. Etisalat was the official partner of the UAE Paralympic Committee in 2016 at the Special Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and supported the UAE Paralympic Team at the Paralympic Asian Games held in Jakarta in 2018.

Etisalat Information Services, an Etisalat subsidiary, facilitated the digital sponsorship of the Unity Run through its platform connect.ae. The Unity Run, now on its fourth year, is a community event celebrating the diversity of the UAE and raising awareness of people of determination.

Etisalat invited a group of physically impaired children to the Disney Show at Dubai World Trade Centre, in coordination with various humanitarian entities, bringing joy and happiness to the determined kids. It also supported a mass wedding ceremony for special needs people, held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The initiative was aimed at sending a message that people of determination are an important part of society and have equal rights.

In line with the UAE’s vision to make the country disabled-friendly, Etisalat launched the ‘Talking Bill’ service to support people of determination by enabling visually-challenged customers to access bill summary details of their account free of charge.

Etisalat today announced that it is supporting the third edition of Dubai Fitness Challenge 2019 as official telecom partner.

An initiative of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, the Dubai Fitness Challenge 2019 kicked off on 18th October and will end on 16th November 2019.

As a telecom partner, Etisalat encourages participants to take advantage of the various fitness events and activities that are on offer during the Dubai Fitness Challenge and do their part to make Dubai the most active city in the world.

Launched in 2017, the city-wide event challenges everyone to complete 30 minutes of activity a day for 30 days. The goal is to transform Dubai into the most active city in the world. It not only cultivates fitness-focused mindsets but also inspires Dubai’s residents to work towards a common goal of maintaining healthier, active lifestyles in the long run.

The Kite Beach Fitness Village is presented by ENOC in association with Etisalat and Meraas. It is open from 12pm to 10pm (Sunday to Wednesday) and 12pm to 12am (Thursday to Saturday ) from 18th October to 16th November 2019 for participants to clock in their daily fitness time and get active while trying out a new activity every day of the month.

Etisalat today announced that it is supporting the third edition of Dubai Fitness Challenge 2019 as official telecom partner.

An initiative of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, the Dubai Fitness Challenge 2019 kicked off on 18th October and will end on 16th November 2019.

As a telecom partner, Etisalat encourages participants to take advantage of the various fitness events and activities that are on offer during the Dubai Fitness Challenge and do their part to make Dubai the most active city in the world.

Launched in 2017, the city-wide event challenges everyone to complete 30 minutes of activity a day for 30 days. The goal is to transform Dubai into the most active city in the world. It not only cultivates fitness-focused mindsets but also inspires Dubai’s residents to work towards a common goal of maintaining healthier, active lifestyles in the long run.

The Kite Beach Fitness Village is presented by ENOC in association with Etisalat and Meraas. It is open from 12pm to 10pm (Sunday to Wednesday) and 12pm to 12am (Thursday to Saturday ) from 18th October to 16th November 2019 for participants to clock in their daily fitness time and get active while trying out a new activity every day of the month.

First telecom operator to launch the first commercial 5G network in MENA

Fourth 5G device announced by Etisalat

Get it on the same Smart Pay prices of Galaxy Note10+ (4G) 

Etisalat announced the launch of the highly-anticipated Samsung Galaxy Note10+ 5G. The launch of the Samsung Note10+ 5G is the fourth in the line of 5G devices from leading smartphone brands, and is available at all Etisalat stores in the UAE from 24th October 2019. With the commercial roll out of 5G, the UAE Note10+ 5G users will be able to take full advantage of Etisalat’s superior 5G network and services.

The smartphone harnesses the full power of the next generation network for streaming high-resolution video, downloading content hyper fast, and streaming graphics-heavy games in real time. It also delivers a rich feature set, including a 6.8-inch Infinity-O Display, 4,300mAh battery with Super-Fast charging capability, incredible camera experience and the famous S Pen.

Etisalat will be offering Galaxy Note10+ (5G) as standalone and prices at 4,284.76, excluding 5% VAT. Etisalat customers may opt to purchase the Samsung Galaxy Note10+ (5G) with flexible Smart Pay plans on a 12, 18, or 24-month contract starting from only AED 166. They will enjoy the same Smart Pay offering of the Samsung Galaxy Note10+ (4G) devices.

Khaled Elkhouly, Chief Consumer Officer, Etisalat, said: “Etisalat’s pioneering efforts in launching the 5G network and devices have always focused to enhance the digital experience and provide innovative solutions and services to its customers. The launch of the fourth 5G device gives our consumers an opportunity to harness the power of 5G with faster data speeds, lower lag time and reliable real-time connectivity. This is in line with our strategy to focus on digital innovation and to ‘Drive the digital future to empower societies’ have led to investments in superior and state-of-the-art technology solutions on the network.

“We are working closely with key partners such as Samsung to ensure that the best of mobile innovations reach valued customers ahead of time. Such advanced 5G devices will deliver on the aspirations of all UAE residents, our businesses, and the emerging 5G-enabled society that is fundamental to accelerating the digital economy for the UAE.”

Featuring a combination of advanced imaging technology and software, the Galaxy Note10+ 5G elevates mobile videography and photography to the next level. With the Galaxy Note10+ 5G, content creators and everyday users alike can use state-of-the-art tools to capture stunning video and photos—allowing their channels, stories and posts to stand out and make an impact.

The Galaxy Note10+ 5G is equipped with 12GB RAM and 256GB internal storage. To mark the launch of the first 5G enabled device in the UAE, Samsung has launched the Note10+ 5G with a new special color, Aura Blue. The device is also available in Aura Glow, Aura White and Aura Black colors.

2-year comprehensive programme seeks to accelerate Abu Dhabi’s digital transformation projects

Etisalat Digital and Abu Dhabi Digital Authority (ADDA) today announced the launch of a two-year Scale Abu Dhabi (AD) programme in line with ongoing efforts to drive Abu Dhabi’s digital transformation.

Over a two-year period, Etisalat Digital will provide a design-led methodology and process empowered by the Etisalat Digital co-creation lab to develop innovative solutions as well as a hub to source global innovation to the emirate of Abu Dhabi. It will also enable ADDA with access to cutting-edge technology platforms such as IoT, blockchain, big data, video analytics and cloud. A co-branded space will be provided for ADDA to become a leading hub of innovation and creativity in the region.

Eng Saleh Abdullah Al Abdooli, CEO, Etisalat Group,  said: “We are pleased to collaborate with Abu Dhabi Digital Authority to launch the Scale AD programme in line with the UAE leadership’s vision and signifies our overall strategy of ‘Driving the digital future to empower societies’. This unique programme will help position Abu Dhabi as an innovation hub and a platform for startups to create and enhance digital solutions and smart services for ADDA. This partnership will also facilitate Etisalat to drive digital transformation across government departments with its 5G powered solutions and cutting-edge technologies.”

H.E. Dr. Rauda Al Saadi, Director General, ADDA, said, “We are highly pleased with this newly signed agreement with Etisalat, which allows us to embrace our mandate to play a lead role in Abu Dhabi's digital future. We are confident that this collaboration will give us the opportunity to leverage ADDA's key competencies, infrastructure and partnerships--especially across its digital transformation efforts.”

“Rest assured that ADDA will remain steadfast in reinforcing public-private ties and working closely with strategic partners like Etisalat to help provide essential technical knowledge and expertise needed in boosting the emirate's digital transformation, resulting in the creation and provision of a seamless and proactive customer experience to the Abu Dhabi community through ADDA’s 'TAMM' platform,” she concluded.”

Etisalat provides a wide range of Digital Solutions to ADDA’s platform ‘TAMM’, a leading and futuristic model for government services in line with the Abu Dhabi Government Vision and the Abu Dhabi economic stimulus plan ‘Ghadan 21’.

Etisalat Digital’s team and ADDA stakeholders have been working together on several strategic tracks as part of this programme. Together, both entities are using a design-thinking process and human-centric approach to reimagine the future digital kiosk visitor experience for TAMM customers. By prioritising customer needs at the heart of the process, the teams aim to map the ideal journey for a seamless customer experience.

ADDA is benefitting also from personalised and enriched customer insights through Etisalat Digital’s Data Insights platform, and a real-time customer sentiment measurement platform, which is being deployed in all TAMM centers.

In addition, Etisalat Digital will be providing 5G indoor coverage in all ADDA TAMM centers, as well as building proof of concepts in TAMM centres focused on digital kiosks, contact centre transformation, and sharing industry-specific best practices.

Etisalat Digital partnered with DMCC - the world’s flagship Free Zone and Government of Dubai Authority on commodities trade and enterprise – to transform Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) into an innovative smart and sustainable district, powered by the 5G network.

Both organisations have committed to the comprehensive roll out of smart services across one of Dubai’s most popular residential communities and business districts. Scheduled to start later this month, innovation-led initiatives aim to make the DMCC, and JLT community, the first smart and sustainable district of its kind in the region.

DMCC’s partnership with Etisalat Digital falls in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai and Smart Dubai 2021 strategy, for Dubai to become the happiest city on earth.

”This is an exciting announcement and one that will come as welcome news to everyone connected to DMCC, the Jumeirah Lakes Towers community and the emirate of Dubai as a whole. DMCC’s Smart and Sustainable District Strategy is about the intelligent application of data and technology to deliver a better quality of life for thousands of residents and companies in Jumeirah Lakes Towers,” said Feryal Ahmadi, Chief Operating Officer, DMCC.

“With Etisalat Digital’s support, DMCC will introduce a new wave of innovation to Dubai, and completely transform how we respond to the needs of the community. The smart solutions planned will accelerate our sustainability drive and increase safety, reduce health risks, lower pollution, boost social connectedness and ultimately, deliver a cleaner and more sustainable environment for all,” she added.

Etisalat Digital will roll out smart devices, services and platforms to drive efficiencies across public amenities, energy consumption, asset and building management. Etisalat Digital will also provide smart solutions related to parking, street lighting, air quality, noise pollution, environmental performance and traffic monitoring.

“Etisalat Digital’s strategic partnership with DMCC will transform the JLT community to become the first 5G powered smart district in the region, making it a more seamless, efficient and safe experience for its members, residents and visitors. Both entities will work together to empower the community, reduce environmental footprint, provide smart solutions to improve infrastructure and transportation and deliver efficient public utilities,” said Salvador Anglada, Group Chief Business Officer, Etisalat.

“This smart city project is in line with Etisalat’s vision of ‘Driving the Digital Future to empower societies’ and commitment to support the government’s vision as well as the development of smart technologies across the UAE,” he added.

DMCC’s long-term Smart and Sustainable District Strategy focuses on three core pillars: operational efficiency, customer centricity and sustainability. Project updates will be communicated to stakeholders by DMCC in due course.

Etisalat Group today announced its consolidated financial statement for the nine months ending 30th September 2019.

Financial Highlights and Key Developments 

    • Aggregate subscriber base reached 148 million; representing Year over Year increase of 5%.

    • Nine month consolidated revenues reached to AED 38.8 billion, while consolidated net profit after Federal Royalty for the Nine month amounted to AED 6.7 billion an increase of 2.1% compared to same period last year.

    • Nine month Consolidated EBITDA amounted to AED 20.1 billion, representing an increase of 2% year over year and resulting in EBITDA margin of 52%.

    • Etisalat signed a binding agreement to acquire Help AG, one of the regional leaders in Cyber Security solutions  in the UAE and KSA

    • Etisalat Digital and  Microsoft partner to deliver intelligent cloud solutions for its enterprise customers 

    • Etisalat named ‘Best Regional Wholesale Carrier’ by Telecoms World Middle East

    • Etisalat Launches MENA’s first 5G roaming agreement.

    • Etisalat makes 5G connectivity available in the world’s tallest and iconic tower ‘Burj Khalifa’

    • Etisalat Academy is now GCC’s first accredited Service Automation Framework (SAF) Training Centre

CEO's Message:

Eng. Saleh Abdullah Al Abdooli, CEO, Etisalat Group said: “Etisalat’s performance in the third quarter demonstrates our agility in adapting to the rapid changes in the telecom industry; we have channelled our efforts towards leading the digital transformation with the successful roll out of 5G networks while equipping our operations with the next generation of technologies like AI and robotics.

“Thanks to our strategy of ‘Driving the digital future to empower societies’ paving the way to achieve our digital ambitions. As we move into the 5G era, it has opened a world of opportunities enabling the deployment of innovative solutions and services across different sectors which will accelerate digital growth, drive efficiencies, and enrich the overall customer experience.

“With continuous collaboration with our partners in the public and private domains, we are well geared to deliver 5G innovative solutions that will alter and reshape our society and industry on a large scale. Our investments in Etisalat’s infrastructure and human capabilities have given us confidence moving forward to achieve our strategic goals to meet the current and future needs of our customers across our operations.”

“Etisalat is thankful to the vision and support of the wise leadership of the UAE in inspiring us to deliver world-class networks and innovative services. We also extend appreciation to our shareholders and loyal customers who are at the heart of everything we do.”

Q3 - Subscribers

In the UAE, the subscriber base reached to 12.4 million subscribers, while Etisalat Group aggregate subscribers reached 148 million subscribers representing a year on year increase of 5%.

Q3 – Revenue & Net profit

Etisalat Group’s consolidated revenue for the third quarter of 2019 amounted to AED 13.0 billion, while Consolidated net profit after Federal Royalty amounted to AED 2.3 billion resulting in a net profit margin of 18%.

Q3 - EBITDA

Consolidated EBITDA totaled AED 6.8 billion, representing an increase of 3% year over year and resulting in EBITDA margin of 52%.

In yet another milestone in the 5G journey, Etisalat successfully completed the first end-to-end 5G Standalone (SA) call in the UAE and has become the first operator in the MENA region to achieve this milestone.

Keeping in line with its overall strategy and vision of ‘Driving the Digital Future to Empower Societies’, Etisalat has maintained its leadership position due to its continuous innovation and digital transformation setting a benchmark in the region. Today’s announcement is a result of the test conducted in the 3.5GHz carrier with a spectrum of 100MHz. Using a Standalone (SA) smartphone, throughput of over 1.5Gbps was achieved in download speed and 200Mbps on the upload speed.

Standalone 5G does not use 4G LTE for any control functions of 5G, unlike non-standalone (NSA) 5G. The major advantages of standalone 5G will be in the enterprise arena as lower latencies can be achieved and network slicing is possible.

Saeed Al Zarouni, Senior Vice President, Mobile Network at Etisalat, said: “Etisalat has led in bringing the latest in innovation and modern technology to the network. In 5G, we have paved the way in terms of launching the network and service, today’s announcement is yet another benchmark in UAE and MENA. This achievement has positioned UAE on a global platform, giving us an opportunity to share our experience and set an example for other operators in the region.

“The launch of 5G standalone will enable the application of 5G use cases across industry verticals optimising the capabilities of the network. This will also enable provisioning of the 5G network for automated and AI based technologies.”

Today’s landmark announcement is a result of Etisalat’s efforts in building a robust 5G network that is software upgradable from non-standalone (NSA) to standalone technology. Etisalat’s focus was always to ensure the capabilities of 5G are fully captured, enabling the seamless management of upgrades and migration from NSA to SA.

Etisalat’s success in 5G was due to its long term planning and investments in its infrastructure, first trials and strategic partnerships started as far back as 2014. Etisalat set a major benchmark in the industry by becoming the first telco in MENA in May 2018 to launch the commercial 5G network providing fixed wireless service in the UAE. This was followed by another major substantial breakthrough in our 5G journey by connecting and partnering with Expo 2020 as the first major commercial customer in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region to access 5G services.

In May 2019, Etisalat was the first telecom operator in MENA to enable its customers to experience the power of the 5G network and release the first 5G handset before many others.

Etisalat also became the first telco in MENA to provide indoor 5G coverage in selected buildings in the country. Abu Dhabi airport became the first international terminal to be powered with indoor ultra-high speed 5G connectivity.

Etisalat this year at GITEX Technology Week has a major focus on smart solutions that focus on health and also empower the ‘People of Determination’ harnessing the power of 5G and innovative technologies like AI, robotics and IoT to improve their mobility, independence and ultimately their lives.

WheeM-i (Wheelchairs Mobility Interface), a bicycle-sharing system equivalent for wheelchairs, made its world premiere at Etisalat’s stand. This unique smart mobility showcase is in line with its long-established corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy of extending its reach, offers and services across the community.

BrightSign, created by Hadeel Ayoub, a Saudi tech innovator and inventor uses assistive technology to facilitate communication for individuals with speech disability. This wireless glove contains a number of motion and position sensors that gives feedback to a smartphone app using machine learning giving users complete control over sign language libraries.

Dr. Ahmed bin Ali, Group Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, Etisalat, said: “Our commitment to CSR has always remained a major priority, and is integrated into our business activities to create value for subscribers and shareholders as well as communities that we serve. When it comes to ‘people of determination’, Etisalat has endeavoured to enrich their user experience by providing them with various services and means of support.

“Health is a major focus for Etisalat this year giving us an opportunity to showcase technologies that will transform the sector and is in line with overall strategy of ‘Driving the Digital Future to Empower Societies’. We believe that everyone should have access to best quality of care. At Etisalat we aim to improve people’s lives by use of digital health technologies and want to be the trusted digital health partner.”

The health solutions we are showcasing follow the journey from health prevention, early diagnosis, timely treatment & care, health monitoring to patient empowerment and engagement.

    • 5G connected ambulance showed how the technology can help emergency services relay crucial information to prepare the hospital for receiving the patient and prioritising treatment

    • Pharmaself24 is a state-of-the-art system for setting up an automated 24-hour prescription collection point

    • Comarch CardioVest is a solution used to perform preventive examinations, diagnostics and supervision of adult patients with cardiological disorders

    • Comarch Life Wristband is an element of the care system that increases patients’ security and gives them greater independence.

    • Remote Maternity Care is a solution for safely monitoring a baby’s heart rate and uterine contraction activity at home.

    • Paxera Ultima is a powerful browser-based, all-encompassing multi-modality medical viewer.

    • Stella Equinox is a clinical care and telehealth solution optimized for small to medium-sized clinical practices providing ambulatory care to patients.

    • M2S virtual reality solution introduces a new and efficient way to screen eye related diseases using virtual reality.

    • CarePassport is a trusted healthcare app for patients to aggregate and access all their medical data, including medical images, lab results, dental records, clinical reports and more from different healthcare providers.

UAE students, mainly from Khalifa University, Dubai University, Sharjah University and American University of Sharjah, visited the Etisalat stand today to witness and learn from these showcases.

Etisalat is demonstrating the retail spaces of tomorrow at GITEX Technology Week with innovative and transformative showcases that can be enabled on the 5G network paving the way for future growth highlighting how smart technologies are becoming an integral part of the industry.

During this year’s edition, the demonstrations are intuitive and intelligent featuring technologies like technologies like AI, IoT, RFID, NFC, autonomous and robotics.

The intelligent retail experience will help visitors witness the evolution of retail and at the same time experience a connected store. Now with the 5G network, it will become a critical enabler of these futuristic use cases opening up a world of opportunities for the retail sector.

This year at GITEX, retail has showcases including AI assisted shopping, connected fashion, IoT self-checkout, autonomous vehicles, robotics and advanced payment solutions.

The Neolix self-driving delivery vehicle helps track via an app and simply use their smartphone to access items once the vehicle arrives. Moby Mart is staff-less and can be put anywhere: from a small village, to the city centers, to airports, office building, etc. VICKI is an IOT self-checkout solution for retail understanding her customers' habits, preferences and even questions.

Caper, the autonomous shopping cart is a self-service checkout on wheels that can with the help of built-in sensors, identify every item that a customer puts into it. The complete shopping experience in the retail area is AI-assisted utilising state of the art facial recognition systems to identify specific users.

Swisslog’s robot-based solution ItemPiQ showcases highly efficient order processing solutions for single items and is designed for repeated, reliable picking of a wide range of items to fulfil fast delivery of orders at low operating costs.

The AI powered robotic checkout assistant picks items at the checkout counter and identify each item being picked along with the price. At the same time there is another autonomous checkout that dismisses barcodes and recognises the products immediately. There is also a lot analytics on the stand with technologies conducting real time face and body analysis.

The advanced payment demonstration of the biocompatible NFC implant is a unique showcase completing the intelligent shopping experience using the microchip implanted in the hand. Imagine a seamless digital interaction for everyday transactions.

For the fashionistas, the new connected fashion concept is framed in a realistic look and feel with visitors being able to interact with ‘Furhat’ the robot who will assist you in your complete shopping experience, the zone also consists of dynamic displays and interactive experiences, personalised shopping, product customisation, offline pickup for online purchased orders.

The retail area will also attract the foodies, with displays from ‘Natufia Kitchen Garden’, originally designed for Michelin star chefs is an environmental friendly concept encouraging chefs to grow their own herbs and vegetables right in their kitchen.

The fully automated bread-making machine ‘Breadbot’, world’s first smoothie vending machine ‘Alberts Robotic Smoothie Station’, and a disruptive coffee experience with ‘Robotic Barista’ are the other attractions on the stand.

Etisalat is pushing boundaries of innovation with its impressive digital showcase, signaling the new future of mobility at this year’s GITEX Technology Week.

This is in line with Etisalat’s continuous efforts to boost the Dubai Government strategy to raise the share of autonomous transport to as much as 25% of the total transportation in the emirate by 2030. Autonomous technologies will get a boost with the 5G network enjoying the benefits of high speed and ultra-low latency influencing the development of self-driving cars making them faster, smarter and safer.

In recent years, the mobility sector has seen tremendous innovation, change and disruption, with more power to change the world, user experience and connected services that are enabling the future of mobility. Electric vehicles, mobility as a service, and autonomous driving are changing how we work and go on in our daily lives.

Etisalat’s objective is to drive the digital future by taking the lead in innovation to bring futuristic technologies from around the world to UAE and the region.

Making a grand entrance at GITEX this year is the Renault EZ-ULTIMO, a robo-vehicle equipped with level 4 autonomous driving capability for a premium and immersive mobility experience. Powered by an all-electric drivetrain, it can connect to urban environments and highway infrastructure, and can drive itself without human input both in the city and on the highway.

Taking off from Etisalat’s stand is the Lazareth Flying Motorcycle, a four-wheeled mechanical sculpture around a 5.2-litre V8 Maserati engine. The flying motorcycle can convert from ride to fly mode in approximately 60 seconds.

Another crowd puller at Etisalat’s stand is the LIFT Aircraft’s Hexa drone-like aircraft that is controlled using a joystick in the cockpit and stabilised by a flight computer. It weighs around 200kg, seats one person and has 18 set of propellers, motors and batteries. In the event of an emergency, flight controllers can take over the aircraft and fly it remotely like a drone. The aircraft can travel just more than 97kph at top speed and includes air-cushioned floats, allowing it to land on water if necessary.

Visitors who wish to enjoy the ultimate freedom of a bird and intuitively explore the skies can head over to the Etisalat stand to experience a breathtaking and refreshing experience with Birdly. Unlike a common flight simulator that requires a joystick, mouse and/or numerous buttons, Birdly users command their full-body VR flight experience instinctively with arms and hands, embodying the feeling of being a bird.

The ‘WheeM-I’ (Wheelchairs Mobility Interface), a semi-autonomous electric vehicle making travelling within the city easier for people with a lightweight manual wheelchair, is making its presence for the first time globally. Connected via an app, it will enable users to interact with the device, with other wheelchair users, and other means of transport and transport applications via an application programming interface.

Etisalat today welcomed visitors at GITEX Technology Week with its advanced and innovative showcases focusing on its main theme ‘5G-A World without limits’  highlighting the significant role of technologies like AI, Robotics, VR and AR across verticals.

The theme is aligned with Etisalat’s vision ‘Driving the digital future to empower societies’  by presenting solutions for the first time globally on the stand.

Dr Ahmed Bin Ali, Group Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, Etisalat said: “Etisalat’s presence at GITEX this year is special as the 5G revolution is here bringing in the next wave of digital transformation and innovation. Visitors will be able to experience 5G and future technologies that is going to intensify and disrupt the way we live and work falling in line with our strategy and Etisalat’s theme ‘5G A World without limits.”

In 5G powered showcases, there is the 5G connected ambulance demonstrating how the technology can help emergency services, a unique consumer experience with 5G cloud gaming and an immersive futuristic remote driving experience as a F1 racer with VR over 5G showing the capabilities of the network’s low latency and high speed throughput.

AI and robotics make a major presence with demos in mobility, retail, healthcare, smart living and entertainment.  

Italdesign, the makers of the first flying car from last year at GITEX bring a unique sharing service for wheelchair users. The ‘Wheem-I’ is making its presence for the first time globally,  a semi-autonomous electric vehicle making travelling within the  city easier for people with a lightweight manual wheelchair.

Etisalat also brings advanced robotic technologies to the stand with humanoid and social robots across the stand. There is ‘Furhat’ the world’s most advanced social robot who makes a presence this year communicating just like humans and maintaining eye-contact, considered to be a game changer in the world of robotics. Humanoid robots Selma & Owen based on the Mesmer system is a combination of robotics and animations software to create lifelike humanoid characters.

Next generation robotic technologies and displays on the stand make a unique showcase on the stand,
    •    ‘MELTANT’ developed by MELTIN reproducing the complex finger movements of humans in a wire-driven manner
    •    FUSION-robot backpack consisting of a helping pair of hands developed by Japan’s most advanced university Keio
    •    StockBot & Tiago used for daily inventory and logistics
    •    RB-KAIROS designed specifically for industry
    •    Interactive autonomous 360 a self-navigating robot used in an indoor environment.
    •    ANYmal a quadrupedal robot designed for autonomous operation in challenging environments
    •    TeleRetail outdoor delivery robot based on autonomous technology self drives detecting its external environment

In retail, robotics and AI technologies provide visitors an intelligent shopping experience. Demonstrations include advanced payments with an NFC implant in the hand, an AI-powered autonomous checkout and analytics including assisted shopping.Robot based solutions from Swisslog using 3D vision technology highlights how efficiency can be reflected in order processing.

Etisalat today announced the launch of its Video Surveillance (VSAAS), providing small and medium businesses (SMBs) with a value-added service that addresses their security and regulatory compliance needs.

Etisalat VSAAS is a state-of-the-art onsite video surveillance technology that enables business owners to focus on growing their businesses, while allowing Etisalat to proactively deploy, manage, troubleshoot and support the solution.

Esam Mahmoud, Senior Vice President, Small and Medium Businesses, Etisalat: “We are delighted to launch a first-of-its-kind Video Surveillance solution in the UAE that offers round-the-clock security, real-time data access, remote surveillance, and flexible scalability in data storage for small and medium businesses. Etisalat’s mantra ‘Your business grows with us’ reflects our commitment to the country’s SMB sector. In addition to helping SMBs manage their business, increase their business productivity and importantly, profitability, we are offering them enhanced security and enabling them to benefit from the power of video and video analytics.”

Etisalat is offering customers a one-stop solution for all video surveillance needs: end-to-end managed services, security surveillance with analytics, web and mobile access, business intelligence, upgradeable cloud storage, and a monthly subscription model. Other features include end to end managed services, heat maps, people counting, a security system, and a queuing management solution.

Etisalat Video Surveillance covers all CCTV requirements, ranging from supply to installation, testing, commissioning, and maintenance support. It will provide the required cameras, network video recorders with local storage, cloud-based video management system with analytics, web-based access, a mobile app, and basic seven days cloud backup as default for continuous streaming.

The service ensures safety and security of customers’ premises, resources and assets. Customers are now able to view live and play back recordings remotely, getting alerts on critical transactions, and store data over a secured cloud. Etisalat VSAAS video analytics technology allows customers and retailers to optimise operations by responding quickly to their needs and market trends.

Instead of paying upfront, customers can select from four packages that suit their business needs, starting from AED99 per month. They can customise their VSaaS package by choosing a range of add-ons with their base packages.

For more information on the service, please visit https://www.etisalat.ae/en/smb/digital-solutions/vsaas/vsaas.jsp.

Etisalat today announced it was recognised as ‘Best Regional Wholesale Carrier’ at the prestigious Telecoms World Middle East Awards gala event in Dubai. This marks a record sixth year that Etisalat has won this award.

Etisalat was shortlisted among top telecom companies for its success in the wholesale business as the ‘Best Regional Wholesale Carrier’ and bagged the ‘Digital Transformation Award – Operator’ award at the regional telecom event.

Etisalat has been expanding its global reach over the past years through strategic investments in various cable systems. Its network modernisation, core international network capabilities and expansion of its global reach, innovative wholesale services portfolio and its partnerships with major cloud and content providers hosted at its SmartHub, made Etisalat a strong contender in this category.

Commenting on the award, Ali Amiri, Group Chief Carrier and Wholesale Officer, Etisalat, said: “We are delighted to receive this award which highlights Etisalat’s core international network capabilities, reach and commitment to quality as well as the capabilities and success of our SmartHub and the strategic partnerships we have formed over the years. This recognition is also largely due to the trust put in us by our valued customers and loyal partners to deliver the highest quality and innovative international services.”

Etisalat is a premium wholesale provider and the preferred wholesale hub in the region where its Smarthub offers reliable infrastructure services to more than 52 high profile carriers and content providers to strategically locate PoPs in the region, which gives universal connectivity with a full portfolio of wholesale services. Such a wide range of services makes Etisalat the most integrated provider of wholesale services in the MENA region.

Dr Ahmed bin Ali, Group Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, Etisalat who accepted the ‘Digital Transformation Award’ on behalf of the company, said: “Winning this prestigious award is a great achievement for Etisalat, which has consistently set the leadership benchmark in technology. As a company our overall strategy ‘Driving the Digital Future to Empower Societies’ is focused on making this digital future a reality and bringing technologies of the future to all our customers across our markets. Our infrastructure plays a key role in the country’s ambitions to get digitally competitive and bring in digital transformation.”

As a technology leader in MENA, Etisalat became the first to launch mobile communications with 3G in 2004, 4G in 2011, and most recently 5G services. 5G technologies and the network will deliver capacity and connectivity along with opportunities for economic growth, education, healthcare, transportation and more. Etisalat has continued to break barriers, deploying automation and AI technology. At the beginning of 2019, Etisalat declared reaching the ‘AI adoption milestone’. Etisalat will remain the backbone and benchmark in digitalisation.

The awards ceremony was part of the two-day Telecoms World Middle East conference in Dubai. The winners were chosen by an independent a panel of expert judges assembled by Terrapinn, the organisers of the annual Telecoms World Middle East conference and awards.

Today digital proliferates the telecom industry with digital services deeply embedded in our business models. We are also enablers for other industries providing connectivity solutions to grow in the digital economy, said Hatem Dowidar, CEO International, Etisalat, in his opening remarks at Telecoms World Middle East and Carriers World Middle East 2019.

“Etisalat pioneered the 5G launch in the MENA region through its commitment and focused efforts on key strategic priorities that has enabled smarter digital offerings and transformed the ecosystem. This has opened up opportunities to engage with business and customers in new ways.”

The 15th Telecoms World Middle East and Carriers World Middle East is ongoing at Conrad Hotel in Dubai on 24-25 September. The event is among the biggest and most influential telecom events in the region focusing on the latest developments transforming the telecoms industry, such as 5G networks, AI and automation. Discussions covered strategy, innovation and partnerships for the telecoms ecosystem.

Etisalat chief executives were part of panel discussions and roundtables moderated by global and regional experts in the region. Hatem Bamatraf, CTO, Etisalat International, was a key panelist in the opening CEO keynote panel on ‘Driving digital transformation in TMT: a 2030 vision’. Key topics were reinventing the current telco to thrive in the future, offering a multi-service player with a wide range of digital services; developing the most efficient business models and strategies to grow in the digital era. These discussion topics are in line with Etisalat’s overall strategy of ‘Driving the Digital Future to Empower Societies’.

Dr Kamal Shehadi, Chief Legal and Regulatory Affairs Officer, Etisalat International, participated in a keynote panel on ‘5G rollout: will the Gulf win the race?’. Panelists deliberated on a wide range of issues, including tapping into the 360 million mobile subscribers in the region; examining the need for private sector investment to deliver 5G goals; explaining the economic benefits and social benefits of next generation network deployment; and evaluating the necessary regulations to enable deployment and causes for concern.

Ali Amiri, Group Chief Carrier and Wholesale Officer, Etisalat, took part in a panel discussion on ‘Breaking boundaries in the ME: what opportunities lie ahead?’ A multitude of topics were discussed such as accessing emerging markets in the Middle East (ME) for global and regional carriers, capitalising on the geographical advantage of the UAE and neighboring countries, and driving the ME to become the subsea terminal hub between Europe and the Far East.

The panel also looked into highlighting best practice to avoid cable congestion; improving connectivity between existing subsea cables; and boosting capacity to meet the massive growth in data, IP and content demands between Asia and West Africa via the Middle East.

Other Etisalat senior executives who participated in panel discussions were Omar Al Zaabi, Vice President – Product & Capacity Management, Etisalat; and José L. López-Villén, Director of Open Innovation & IoT Partnerships, Etisalat.

On the event’s second day, Gonçalo Fernandes, Senior Director Emerging Technologies and Design, Etisalat Digital, will take part in a ‘fireside chat’ on ‘Blockchain for telecoms: a new digital transformation tool’. Robert Middlehurst, Vice President/Regulatory Affairs, Etisalat International, will share his insights into ‘Regulating AI: a matter of urgency?’

Abid Mustafa, Director Strategy and Customer Experience PMO, Etisalat, will present a case study on ‘Documenting Etisalat’s Robotic Process Automation (RPA) journey’. He will cite the benefits of effectively automating human interaction with computer software to carry out tasks autonomously; increasing responsiveness to disruption by streamlining tasks; and keeping the end user in mind by overcoming major challenges.

Etisalat today marked International Day of Sign Languages across its 36 business centres and retail stores across the UAE. The initiative is in line with Etisalat’s brand direction, ‘Together Matters’, which reflects the leadership’s principles of promoting co-existence and acceptance and that the world is a better place when we are together.

On 23^rd September each year, International Day of Sign Languages is celebrated across the world along with International Week of the Deaf to promote awareness about the importance of persons with hearing disabilities. The over-arching theme in 2019 is 'Sign Language Rights for All!'

Today, the sales team put their sign language skills into practice at Etisalat business centres and retail stores. Short videos on Emirati sign language are also being shown on screens across its stores to promote the inclusion of deaf people and encourages everyone to ‘speak’ the same language.

In the lead up to today’s event, Etisalat employees attended basic training on Emirati sign language, which uses a combination of gestures, facial expressions, silently mouthed words and physical posture. They learned how to greet customers in sign language, such as “Assalamu alaikum” (peace be upon you) and “How can I help you today?”

The training also covered the customary “Thank you for choosing Etisalat”, “What kind of phone would you like?”, “How would you like to pay?” and “What number would you like?” Etisalat employees were also taught how to use basic signs when asking for an Emirates ID, People of Determination ID, and a salary certificate, among various transactions.

Sign language will be a permanent feature across selected business centres and retail stores as part of Etisalat’s ongoing commitment to inclusion, accessibility and diversity. It is also in line with Etisalat’s efforts to support the UAE’s strategic objectives to integrate People of Determination with various disabilities into the community.

The UAE has adopted, through Cabinet Decision No. 38 for 2018, a sign language dictionary, the first sign language dictionary in the Emirati dialect, which is the primary reference for sign language for the hearing impaired in the UAE.

Retailers need to adopt digital transformation strategies and keep pace with the rising customer demands to stay ahead of the competition. Customers now demand a more engaging and personalised in-store experience, pushing retailers to consider new digital transformation and Artificial Intelligence tools that can help them acquire, engage and retain their customers efficiently, said Esam Mahmoud, Senior Vice President, Small and Medium Business, Etisalat.

He was addressing an Etisalat forum titled ‘Digital Transformation in Retail’ on 18th September at the W Dubai Hotel, The Palm. The event, which attracted a large number of representatives from the retail sector, highlighted how digital transformation currently influences the retail sector and disrupts the entire ecosystem, including customer engagement, communication, collaboration and retail analytics.

In his keynote, Mahmoud stressed: “Etisalat works closely with SMBs in the UAE by investing our resources in understanding their requirements to help meet their business needs. Our commitment to empower SMBS in the retail sector is in line with Etisalat's strategy of ‘Driving the digital future to enable societies’ helping them adopt digitalised processes in their business operations.”

Mahmoud also highlighted the importance of customer experience, where he quoted industry statistics that revealed 96 percent of customers believe customer service plays an important role in determining brand loyalty, while 80 percent consider speed, convenience, and friendly service as mostly important.

He cited retailers' approaches towards digital transformation, namely cashier-less technology, Big Data analytics, Augmented Reality, omnichannel, immersive experience, digital signage, visual search and more.

Etisalat currently provides a wide range of digital solutions and services for SMBs in the retail sector, including video-surveillance-as-a-service (cameras and in-store analytics), omnichannel, online marketing services, digital signage, and online payments, among others.

Etisalat today announced the launch of the region’s first ‘Upgrade Anytime’, an exclusive programme that gives customers what they want – affordability and the freedom to trade in their iPhone with a new one of different model, screen size, color, capacity, or new installment scheme without any restrictions - upon completion of 90 days of their contract.

Etisalat was the first to launch ‘iPhone for life’ in the UAE in 2016, wherein customers buying a new iPhone on of 18 or 24 months could trade-in to a new Apple smartphone for free after completing 12 months into their contract.

Starting September 2019, a customer purchasing the new iPhone device via a Smart Pay plan can now join the ‘Upgrade Anytime’ programme for free at Etisalat call centres, business centres, online and mobile app.

Khaled Elkhouly, Chief Consumer Officer, Etisalat, said: “We are pleased to introduce an exclusive scheme – the first ever in the MENA region - for our valued customers to enjoy a free upgrade to Apple’s new generation smartphones. Etisalat’s new ‘Upgrade Anytime” programme will make it easier to upgrade to the new iPhones every 90 days. With our Smart Pay options, we are making it highly affordable for customers to get their hands on these highly desired Apple devices.”

‘Upgrade Anytime’ subscribers with a new iPhone 2019 models will be eligible for a free upgrade to any iPhone model upon completion of 90 days of their Smart Pay contract.

This unique value proposition allows customers to change the screen size, the colour or storage size on their iPhone by simply bringing the device back and getting a new one. If the screen has scratches or is broken but is in working condition, a customer can replace it with a new device free of cost. Customers will have the option to upgrade to any of the 12, 18 or 24-month flexible payment plans at any Etisalat upgrade locations.

For more details on the ‘Upgrade Anytime’ programme, please visit www.etisalat.ae/upgradeanytime.

Etisalat today announced it is offering the latest products from Apple, including iPhone 11 Pro Max, a new pro line for iPhone, as well as the new dual-camera iPhone 11.

Etisalat is also offering Apple Watch Series 5 with Always-On Retina, allowing the watch’s display to be always visible. The new line of Apple products also include the seventh generation iPad, and will be available beginning 20^th September 2019 at 8am at Etisalat retail stores across the UAE. Purchases of the new Apple products could also be made via the website www.etisalat.ae or My UAE Etisalat app.

Customers may opt to purchase the new Apple devices through Smart Pay and enjoy 12, 18 or 24 months flexible payments. Those purchasing any of the new iPhone 11 series on Smart Pay will benefit from a free membership of Etisalat’s unique ‘Upgrade Anytime’ programme, the first such upgrading scheme in the region.

The ‘Upgrade Anytime’ programme allows members purchasing any of the new iPhone 11 to upgrade to the latest model upon completion of 90 days of membership. It entitles them to replace their device with the same version but one with a different colour, memory capacity, display size or even to choose a different monthly installment plan.

Etisalat customers also have the opportunity to get a 40% discount if they opt to purchase a second Apple device (iPad, Apple Watch, Airpod or an iPhone/Airpod case), upon purchase of any of the new iPhone 11.

Additionally, Etisalat customers can enjoy the state-of-the-art new embedded SIM Card (eSIM) in the Apple Watch. The eSIM service, exclusively offered by Etisalat in the UAE, allows users to receive and make calls, SMS or browse the web using only their Apple Watches independently of the iPhone handset which costs AED 25 to activate. Customers can also avail of a promotional offer of a 6 months free subscription, exclusively from Etisalat. Customers can also avail the AppleCare+ service on affordable monthly installments.

Etisalat began taking pre-orders for the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 5 and the new iPad on 13th September 2019.

iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro max feature a new triple-camera system that provides a pro-level camera experience with an Ultra-Wide, Wide and Telephoto camera, delivering huge improvements to low-light photography with Night mode and the highest quality video in a smartphone. The powerful Apple-designed A13 Bionic chip provides unparalleled performance for every task while enabling an unprecedented leap in battery life, with iPhone 11 Pro offering up to four more hours of battery life in a day than iPhone Xs, and iPhone 11 Pro Max offering up to five more hours than iPhone Xs Max.

iPhone 11 is packed with new powerful and innovative capabilities seamlessly integrated with iOS 13, bringing an unparalleled user experience. iPhone 11 introduces a powerful dual-camera system with an all-new Ultra Wide and Wide angle cameras, producing the highest quality video in a smartphone. For more details on the new Apple products, please visit www.apple.com.

Etisalat and Ericsson are embarking on an exclusive roadshow – The 5G Experience Bus – showcasing 5G capabilities through innovative use cases. The roadshow will demonstrate how 5G will enhance digital transformation to all UAE consumers and businesses.

Saeed Zarouni, Senior Vice President, Mobile Network, Etisalat says: “Etisalat has set a benchmark with the launch of the first commercial wireless network in MENA, a testimony to our continuous efforts in building a network that will enable innovation and accelerate digital transformation. The 5G roadshow with Ericsson is in line with the UAE leadership’s vision and further signifies our overall strategy of ‘Driving the digital future to empower societies’. This is an opportunity to experience the immense potential of 5G and new generation technologies for all customers.”

Etisalat reached a major milestone in May 2018 with its launch of the region’s first commercial 5G network, and all its customers experienced 5G in UAE for this year – a first in the Middle East & North Africa (MENA). Etisalat was also the first telco in the region to enable indoor 5G coverage in an international airport- namely Abu Dhabi Airport. The leading telco made another significant achievement by enabling 5G in Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, which adds to Etisalat’s long list of 5G landmark successes, including having Dubai Expo 2020 as the first major commercial entity to get 5G coverage in MEASA region.

Fadi Pharaon, President of Ericsson Middle East and Africa, says: “With Etisalat’s successful 5G launch, 5G is now a reality in the UAE, enabling high speeds, low latency and massive connections to people and businesses. Building on our long-standing partnership with Etisalat we are thrilled to launch our joint 5G Experience Bus to showcase new use cases. Our partner Etisalat is capable of unlocking the potential of 5G for UAE consumers and businesses.”

The ‘5G Experience Bus’ will have multiple stopovers at strategic locations in UAE. Companies will witness various real-life IoT use cases enabled by 5G, such as transport, energy, public safety, logistics and entertainment focusing on enhancing operational efficiencies and user experiences.

5G and digital transformation in the energy sector will bring plenty of opportunities for value creation and innovation. Collaboration and open innovation among telecom operators, industries and governments will bring joint 5G success, creating new eco-systems and business models, said Khalifa Al Shamsi, Chief Strategy and Governance Officer, Etisalat Group.

Al Shamsi explained the advantages of 5G technology compared to previous wireless generations and shared the various features it brings to industries during his keynote titled ‘Leveraging 5G to Drive Sustainability & Enable innovation in the Energy Sector’ during the 24th World Energy Congress (WEC) held from 9–12 September 2019 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

His keynote stressed on the important role of Etisalat as a telco and digital solutions provider to innovate in tailoring specific vertical solutions by working closely with partners.

The mass connectivity of sensors and IoT devices is extremely relevant as upto 1 million devices can be connected in a square km, increasing the potential of remotely covering and monitoring a huge location like an oil field or a refinery with more than hundreds of thousands of sensors with a single 5G station.

Al Shamsi said: “Today there are immense opportunities with 5G for industrial verticals looking for new ways to enable innovation with futuristic technologies such as IoT, AI and robotics improving efficiency and productivity, supporting the development of new products and services. 5G is the cornerstone for Industry 4.0 and key for digital enablement, industry stakeholders must collaborate to pilot, trial and experiment with advanced technologies that are critical to capture the full potential of the energy sector.”

“With Etisalat’s focus on ‘Driving the Digital Future to Empower Societies’ we work closely with the energy and utilities sector in supporting them leverage the benefits from the 5G network and technology, innovate jointly, optimise their business processes and provide more efficient and profitable business.

Etisalat also participated in panel sessions aimed at sharing best practice and identifying solutions for the key issues facing the sector. Alberto Araque, Vice President, IoT & Digital Payments, Etisalat Digital, joined global energy leaders and experts in a panel discussion on “The age of digitalisation: a new vision for energy systems”. Kamran Ahsan, Senior Director, Security Solutions, Etisalat Digital, participated in a panel discussion titled “Cybersecurity, 3 clicks from collapse” that highlighted the importance of increasing resilience to cyber risk to current and future energy security.

Etisalat’s stand featured live demos and presentations on IoT and security, namely Smart Service Station, Connected Worker, Smart Utilities, Device Security, Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Security Infrastructure, and ICS Security Operations.

The World Energy Congress is the world’s largest and most influential energy event covering all aspects of the energy agenda. High profile attendees included ministers, energy leaders, and prominent experts. Running since 1924, the Congress enables dialogue among Ministers, CEOs, policy-makers and industry practitioners on important developments in the energy sector.

Under the theme 'Energy for Prosperity', the 24th World Energy Congress defines the strategy for a collaborative, sustainable and innovative energy future that enables societal, commercial and community prosperity. It marked the first time the Congress has been hosted in a Middle Eastern city, and by an OPEC member country, in the event’s 95-year history.

As part of the UAE leg of Manchester City’s 2019 global Trophy Tour, Etisalat today hosted the tour at its Abu Dhabi headquarters to celebrate the club’s record-breaking 2018/19 season with fans.

Alongside the back-to-back Premier League titles, the Man City men’s team claimed a further 3 trophies: the FA Cup, Community Shield, Carabao Cup, as well as two more titles gained by the Man City Women’s team: Women’s FA Cup and the FA WSL Continental Cup.

Etisalat employees as well as 20 lucky fans were selected to be the first in the UAE to see all six trophies up close, take photos with them, and win special prizes at Etisalat’s Abu Dhabi headquarters. Man City enthusiasts with the best poses got a chance to win fan kits including co-branded footballs, while a lucky draw winner picked up a signed jersey.

Etisalat is the regional partner of the 2019 Manchester City Trophy Tour, which will see both men’s and women’s trophies appear around the world, taking over each city it visits and featuring a programme of exciting fan activations along with exclusive competitions and prizes.

As part of the UAE leg, a public fan engagement will be held in Yas Mall on 7th September, 2019. Etisalat will sponsor a segment where fans are quizzed on various trivia questions, and awarded co-branded fan kits and footballs.

For more information on the 2019 Trophy Tour, visit www.mancity.com.

Etisalat announced that the all-new Samsung Galaxy Note10 is available across its business centres and retail stores from 1st September 2019.

Etisalat customers may opt to purchase the Samsung Galaxy Note10 with flexible Smart Pay plans on a 12, 18, or 24-month contract starting from only AED 145. Device rentals will be offered for free up to four months to Etisalat customers who purchase the device through a 24-month Smart Pay plan during 2019. They will enjoy zero monthly device rental for the rest of 2019, and can start paying by January 2020.

Khaled Elkhouly, Chief Consumer Officer, Etisalat, said: “We are committed to continuously offer new deals to our customers by partnering with leading global brands and mobile manufacturers. Samsung Galaxy Note10 is our way of offering customers all the power that connections can bring so they can take creativity with self-expression to the next level. With Etisalat’s Smart Pay options, we are making it affordable for all customer segments to get their hands on this highly desired smartphone.”

For the first time ever, the Galaxy Note comes in two sizes, so consumers can choose the device that is best for them. While the Galaxy Note10 packs a 6.3-inch display combining the power of the S Pen and ultimate productivity in a compact form factor, the Galaxy Note10+ features the biggest Note display ever with a 6.8-inch display on a device that is still easy to hold and use.

Galaxy Note10 allows users to utilise state-of-the-art tools to capture stunning video and photos—allowing their channels, stories and posts to stand out and make an impact. A new-and-improved version of the S Pen is also packed into the Galaxy Note10, building on the Bluetooth Low Energy-enabled S Pen capabilities with Air Actions, allowing users to control certain aspects of the device using different gestures with the S Pen.

With an almost bezel-less edge-to-edge display – and a small, centered cut-out for the front camera, intuitive UI, and gorgeous colour choices, Galaxy Note10’s attention to detail leads to a more beautiful device and more immersive experience. In addition to that, a powerful battery, advanced hardware, and gaming-optimised features come together to help users perform at their best.

Additionally, the Galaxy Note10+ lasts through the day with just 30 minutes of charge. It also comes with 256 GB and 512GB of built-in storage, with the ability to add an additional 1TB of external storage. Other groundbreaking capabilities include an expanded Samsung DeX, and partner integrations such as Microsoft all offer productivity solutions which make it easier for users to accomplish their goals. For more details on Samsung Galaxy Note10, please visit www.samsung.com.

Etisalat began taking pre-orders on 8th August 2019 for the new device. The standalone price of a Galaxy Note10 is AED 3,332.38, while a Galaxy Note10+ is priced at AED 3,808.57, excluding 5% VAT.

Etisalat customers purchasing the device with a new or existing prepaid account would be eligible to dial *056# and receive one of the following special deal of the day offers: 1GB for 3 months, 3GB for 2 months, or 10GB for 1 month. For more information, please visit etisalat.ae/galaxynote10.

Etisalat today announced the launch of its Double Data offer providing existing and new postpaid customers twice as much data on their ‘Freedom’ plans.

Etisalat Freedom plan customers who joined on 1st April onwards will automatically get their data doubled upto 200GB as part of the limited time promotion.

New and existing Etisalat customers can take advantage of the Double Data offer by subscribing or upgrading to the Freedom 225 and above plans. As Etisalat values its existing customers, those on eligible Freedom plans will receive the double data automatically for 12 months at no extra charge. All other existing customers can avail this limited time promotion by migrating to the Freedom plans.

Following its global milestones achieved in 5G network this year and the live 5G video calls made across various locations in UAE, Etisalat today announced the availability of 5G coverage in the world’s tallest and iconic tower ‘Burj Khalifa’ showcasing readiness of the state-of-the-art 5G network and compatibility with industry leading 5G smartphones.

Today’s 5G call is a major step for Etisalat as it proves the network readiness and availability of the 5G network and services in the country. Etisalat’s landmark announcement earlier in the year also gave subscribers an opportunity to be the first in the MENA region to experience the new super-fast 5G network on 5G ready smartphones.

Etisalat aims to provide customers a unique experience by enjoying blazing speeds and faster response time on the 5G network upto 1Gbps and lower latency to 1 millisecond. At around 20 times faster than 4G and with ultra-low latency, 5G technology will allow users to stream live 4K resolution video anywhere at any time, with virtually no lag.

With 5G technology consumers will witness unprecedented network speed allowing users to enjoy uninterrupted 4K & HD videos, AR/VR services, cloud gaming from anywhere in UAE, advanced robotics, autonomous transport, 3D printing and wearable technologies.

This breakthrough achievement was possible due to the continuous efforts in building and investing in the network to enable connectivity, innovation and bring digital transformation. Etisalat aims to build 1,000 5G towers across the UAE during 2019 to enable 5G coverage.

Etisalat embarked on its 5G journey in 2014 when it started constructing the network with a dedicated team of engineers and specialists dedicated to build one of the most advanced networks in the region.

The major milestone for Etisalat and the telecom industry was the launch of the first ‎‎commercial 5G wireless network on 14th May 2018 in the UAE becoming the first telecom operator in the MENA region to achieve this technological breakthrough and set an industry benchmark.‎

Expo 2020 was also the first major commercial customer in MEASA to partner with Etisalat on 5G in July 2018 delivering a unique and memorable experience for the millions of visitors.‎ ‏
Through its network rollout and the pioneering launch of the first 5G handset in the MENA, Etisalat managed to provide UAE customers with an opportunity to experience the power of 5G technology. Etisalat also empowered visitors at Abu Dhabi international airport with indoor ultra-high speed 5G connectivity, making it the first airport in the region with 5G coverage.

Etisalat Carrier & Wholesale (C&WS) and Sparkle today announced the establishment of a 5G data roaming interconnection between Etisalat and TIM, paving the way for 5G roaming between Middle East and across the globe.

This strategic agreement will set the path for 5G and the global mobile and carrier community. While Expo 2020 was the first major commercial customer in MEASA to partner with Etisalat on 5G, Etisalat was also the first telecom operator to launch the first commercial 5G network in MENA.

Through its network rollout and the pioneering launch of the first 5G handset in the MENA, Etisalat managed to provide UAE customers with an opportunity to experience the power of 5G technology. Etisalat also empowered visitors at Abu Dhabi international airport with indoor ultra-high speed 5G connectivity, making it the first airport in the region with 5G coverage.

Ali Amiri, Group Chief Carrier & Wholesale, Etisalat, said: “5G is seen as a game changer with rich potential for the wholesale business bringing maximum opportunities with higher connection speeds, mobility and capacity, as well as low-latency capabilities. This has enabled new use cases and applications positively impacting different industry sectors.

“The strategic partnership with TIM will enable mobile operators across the globe with superior roaming services and connectivity. With Etisalat’s wide coverage roaming services covering 837 operators in 216 destinations and Smarthub IPX providing wide 4G coverage to more than 460 live LTE partners in 163 countries would play a pivotal role in enabling 5G for all our customers across international networks.”

Etisalat Academy today announced the launch of the GCC’s first accredited Service Automation Framework (SAF) Training Centre in partnership with APMG and Etisalat Group.

The Centre is advanced and provides step-by-step guidance for the design and delivery of automated services. Its aim is to deliver training courses and certification services for a broad range of professional certification schemes.

Etisalat Academy is the first to address this concept in the region that provides a deep insight into the theory and methods of service automation. It offers the framework by which any organisation can automate its services, ‘go digital’ and enable them to offer self-service technologies to their customers.

Hatem Bamatraf, Chief Technology Officer, Etisalat International, said: “‎‎Innovation is always at the core of Etisalat’s strategy to ‘Drive the digital future to empower societies’. Due to technological advancements and the way that end users have changed their behaviour, interest in service automation has greatly grown in the last decade. Transportation, hotel reservations and e-commerce can now be delivered to customers without any human intervention as the process is completely automated.”

Commenting on the launch of the Centre, Dr. Ali Al Qayedi, General Manager of Etisalat Academy, said: “We are pleased to partner with APMG International as the most reputable global accreditation and examination institute, to deliver the Service Automation Framework as the world’s first certification that provides step by step guidance for the design and delivery of automated services. The courses of the Service Automation Framework provide a deep insight into the concept of service automation, the concept by which organisations can automate their service offering.”

Richard Pharro, CEO, APMG International, said: “We would like to congratulate the Etisalat Academy on their recent APMG accreditation to deliver Service Automation Framework Training and Certification. Our robust assessment of an organisation’s trainers, training materials and quality management ensures candidates receive the best training and certification experience. SAF is an essential addition to the training schedule for companies going through digital transformation and it is especially relevant in such a forward thinking business community in the UAE.”

Smiles, the deals and discount app that provides a wide range of daily deals and lifestyle rewards, is offering customers the chance to win a summer holiday for two to the paradise island of Mauritius.

Smiles has partnered with Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority and Emirates Holidays to launch this mega promotion where a subscription to the Unlimited Buy 1 Get 1 package gives customers a chance to enter a raffle draw: one raffle entry for 30 days package; three raffle entries for 90 days package; and 10 raffle entries for a yearly package.

Five lucky customers get to win a summer holiday package for two to Mauritius, which includes return flight tickets on Emirates for two, return airport transfers by private car for two, and three-night stay inclusive of breakfast in a beachfront resort in Mauritius. The promotion is valid from 1st to 31st August 2019.

Smiles users enjoy great deals and discounts on entertainment, shopping, dining, travel and wellness - with over 500 lifestyle partners covering over 3,500 outlets across UAE. Over 1.7 million unique users are currently enrolled in the Smiles programme and have enjoyed savings of more than AED410 million.

Subscribing to Unlimited Buy 1 Get 1 on Smiles opens up unlimited Buy 1 Get 1 and discount benefits at more than 2000 outlets comprising restaurants, theme parks, spas and travel options across UAE. Unlimited Buy 1 Get 1 can be subscribed on the Smiles app. for as low as AED 20 per month. Unlimited Buy 1 Get 1 also has 90 days and Annual subscription packages at AED 55 and AED 199 respectively.

The Smiles app can be downloaded from iOS Apple store and Google Play Store. The app, previously available only for Etisalat customers, is now accessible to all UAE residents and visitors.

The programme also enables members to fast-track earning points with the ADIB Smiles Covered Card and CBD Smiles Credit Card, with cardholders earning up to 10 Smiles points for every dirham spent on the co-brand card and getting 50 per cent discount on two cinema tickets any day of the week.

Distribution of interim dividend for the first half of the fiscal year 2019 of 40 fils per share

Etisalat Group today announced its consolidated financial results for H1 ending 30^th June 2019.

H1 2019 Financial Highlights and Key Developments

• Etisalat Group subscriber base reached 143 million representing year on year increase of 2%
• Etisalat Group Consolidated Revenues for first half of 2019 reached AED 25.9 billion while consolidated Net profit amounted to AED 4.4 billion representing 3.1% increase year over year.
• Consolidated EBITDA totaled AED 13.3 billion, representing an increase of 2% year over year and resulting in EBITDA margin of 52%.
• Etisalat is the first telecom operator in MENA to provide 5G network inside Abu Dhabi’s new international airport, hence enabling it to become the first Airport in the region with 5G coverage allowing speeds of up to 1Gbps.
• Etisalat launches e-Wallet, the new mobile digital payment service in collaboration with Noor Bank.
• Etisalat collaborated with Microsoft as its strategic partner , to provide government entities, large enterprises, and small and medium enterprises with state of the art digital transformative solutions.
• Etisalat’s innovation program ‘Future Now’ launched 3 challenges covering the topics of multi-cloud, insurance on demand and industrial IoT, in addition to selecting with 5 startups for next stage.
• Etisalat unveiled Robotic Centre of Excellence to deliver automated solutions for greater customer satisfaction.
• Etisalat launched a smartphone self-service vending machine, a ‘first-of-its-kind’ in the UAE.
• Etisalat opens ‘Smiles UAE’ application to all residents and visitors in the UAE .
• Etisalat awarded private sector’s ‘Leading Practice in Internal Audit’ by UAE Internal Auditors Association.

• Etisalat achieved ‘The Most Valuable Telecoms Brand’ in MENA by Brand Finance.
• UAE is ranked as a global leader in Fiber to the Home (FTTH) penetration for a third year in a row, according to the leading industry body FTTH Council.

“Etisalat’s performance in the first half of the year is a testimony of its regional leadership in the telecom sector. We have remained focused on our core business while demonstrating agility to transform and lead in the digital space driven by our bold vision ‘To Drive the Digital Future to empower societies’.

The launch of the first 5G network in the region is a major achievement as it opens up massive opportunities and adds value to both our customers and shareholders, it will help fast-track new innovative digital services. We have recently launched our mobile digital payment banking service e-Wallet, which is a solid step towards achieving the smart vision of UAE and is in line with country’s overall objectives to achieve digital transformation.

“Etisalat is thankful to the visionary leaders of United Arab Emirates for their continuous support of the telecom sector and the management team for staying committed and focused to achieve our digital ambitions. We thank all our customers and shareholders for the continuous motivation that helped spark growth, contribute to our success, transformation and innovate boldly to make an impact in the near future.”

“Etisalat Group’s solid financial performance in the first half of 2019 is a result of our sincere efforts in building and investing in future networks while focusing on enabling innovation, and accelerating digital transformation across our operations.

“While Expo 2020 was the first major commercial customer in MEASA to partner with Etisalat on 5G, Etisalat remains proud of its accomplishments as the first telecom operator to launch the first commercial 5G network in MENA. Through our network rollout and the pioneering launch of the first 5G handset in the MENA, we managed to provide our UAE customers with an opportunity to experience the power of 5G technology before many others. We have also empowered visitors at Abu Dhabi international airport with indoor ultra-high speed 5G connectivity, making it the first airport in the region with 5G coverage.

“These breakthrough achievements were only possible due to sincere commitment and focused efforts on key strategic priorities that would enable a smarter digital future, transform the ecosystem and open up opportunities to engage with business and customers in new ways. 5G will forever change the way we work and live by bringing positive impact on societies, industries and economies.

Etisalat remains grateful to the country leadership for their continuous support, thankful to our customers who are at the heart of everything we do and our shareholders for their constant encouragement, our focus will be to continue investments in futuristic solutions and next generation technologies to deliver the best-in-class services and solutions.”

• In the UAE the subscriber base reached 12.4 million subscribers in H1 of 2019, while Aggregate subscriber base reached 143 million, representing a year over year increase of 2%.

• Consolidated revenues amounted to AED 25.9 billion and consolidated net profit after Federal Royalty amounted to AED 4.4 billion representing a year over year increase of 3.1% and resulting in a net profit margin of 17%.

• Consolidated EBITDA totaled AED 13.3 billion, representing an increase of 2% year over year and resulting in EBITDA margin of 52%.

• Earnings per share (EPS) amounted to AED 0.51 in the first half of 2019; a 3% increase from the same period last year.

• Share special moments with family and friends with a new Hajj and Umrah roaming pack
• Enjoy 10GB and 1,000 minutes for only AED150 valid for 14 days

Etisalat announced the launch of a new roaming pack for customers travelling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah. The offer provides enhanced data and voice allowances and a 14-day validity that allows them to stay connected with family and friends back home.

From 21st July to 19th August 2019, customers can enjoy 10GB data and 1,000 minutes (to make and receive voice calls) valid for 14 days for only AED150. With more data and minutes and a 14-day validity, the pack gives customers peace of mind and more flexibility to use the services for the duration of their pilgrimage. They do not need to get a local SIM and get to avoid the hassle of queuing and registration.

The current (non-promo) Hajj and Umrah pack, which has a 1GB data and 200 minutes allowance and costs AED150, is valid for 7 days.

The Hajj and Umrah package offer is charged upon purchase but activated only upon the first usage. For customers to enjoy the enhanced allowances and validity, the pack must be activated within the promo period. It is not automatically renewed but customers can purchase up to six packs simultaneously without the need to wait for the previous pack to expire to purchase a new one. Even if a customer activates a pack on the last promo day, he or she would still get the enhanced allowances in full until the pack is consumed or expires.

The pack can be used across all mobile operators in Saudi Arabia, without the need to manually select any roaming partner. Data allowances can be used at full speed, with no speed throttling; while minutes can be used to receive calls and make calls to UAE numbers, Saudi Arabia numbers and other preferred countries.

To subscribe while inside the UAE or abroad, dial *177#, text ROP to 1010 or through My Etisalat app > Shop > Roaming. Alternatively, customers can call 101 or visit any Etisalat Business Centre or outlet.

There’s a palpable excitement in the air as Etisalat today unveiled the newly crafted ‘together’ emoji.

Today is the sixth World Emoji Day, a day to celebrate the use of every emoji possible on your social media accounts.

Avid emoji fans may soon find themselves excitedly embracing the new ‘together’ emoji. Depicting three quirky faces - a smiling face with smiling eyes, a winky face and a laughing emoji huddled up together - this adorable digital icon is set to breathe life into our messages in a creative, colourful and light-hearted way.

Etisalat recently enlisted designers to create their own renditions of the ‘together’ emoji and got their creative juices flowing. The team drew inspiration from Etisalat’s core belief that ‘Together Matters’ to embody the power of technology in connecting and enriching people’s lives.

From 10th to 14th July, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram users were asked to choose the icon what they thought best describes the word ‘together’. Promoters were also on hand to collect votes from customers using tablets at Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Sahara Mall, Yas Mall and Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi.
People could start sharing and communicating using the new emoji once submitted and accepted by the Unicode Consortium for inclusion. Unicode is responsible for defining which emojis make onto all platforms, including iPhones, Android devices, and computers.

Etisalat Digital, in partnership with First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) and Avanza Innovations, have developed UAE Trade Connect (UTC), a new nationwide platform that will use the latest disruptive technologies to digitise trade in the UAE. The initial phase will focus on addressing the risks of double financing and invoice fraud before turning to other key areas of trade finance.

UTC is aimed at driving digital transformation of trade in the UAE by enabling banks, enterprises and governments to collectively benefit from innovations such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, machine learning and robotics. Seven major UAE banks, in addition to FAB, have joined the nationwide platform.

The agreement to develop the solution was signed by Salvador Anglada, Group Chief Business Officer, Etisalat, with Manoj Menon, Head of Global Transaction Banking, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB); Sumit Aggarwal, Executive Vice President and Group Head - Transaction Banking Services at Emirates NBD; Hassan Al Redha, General Manager, Institutional & Transaction Banking, Commercial Bank of Dubai; Ahmed Abdelaal, Executive Vice President, Mashreq; Devid Jegerson, Head of Customer Experience and Platform Development, National Bank of Fujairah; Peter England, CEO of RAKBANK; Haytham Elmaayergi, Global Head of Transaction Banking, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank; and James Greenwood, Chief Operations Officer, Commercial Bank International.

Etisalat Digital along with the eight banks will form a working group to further develop and extend the solution to other areas of trade. This nationwide platform, which is open for all UAE banks to join, will safeguard banks from potential fraud losses through advanced detection tools, allowing them to extend additional financing to their corporate clients.

Emojis have been around since the late 1990s, with dozens upon dozens of new ones being rolled out each year. Those small smiley faces, heart and hand symbols of all shapes, sizes and colours, have become a huge part of social media platforms, particularly Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

With a whopping 3,000+ emojis to choose from, finding that little icon for ‘together’ seems daunting. Etisalat, which launched its new brand direction ‘Together Matters’ in 2018 to embody the power of technology in connecting and enriching people’s lives, is yet to find that elusive ‘together’ emoji.

Etisalat is all set to come up with an emoji to aptly describe the word ‘together’ - to give us the chance to connect with each other in a language that we all understand. Designers will put on their thinking caps in an attempt to seamlessly replace the word ‘together’ with an emoji.

From 10^th to 14^th July, Etisalat will put the creation of a ‘together’ emoji into the hands of social media savvy residents by asking them to select from three emojis. Promoters will also approach shoppers asking them to vote using tablets at activations located in Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Sahara Mall, Yas Mall and Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi from 5pm – 11pm.

What better way to celebrate World Emoji Day on 17^th July than with a perfectly-crafted ‘together’ emoji. This reaffirms Etisalat’s core belief that ‘Together Matters’, and that nothing is impossible when people work together.

• Device to be available at Etisalat stores from 12 th July
• Etisalat to build 1,000 5G sites in 2019
• Get your 5G device through Smart Pay and enjoy 12, 18 or 24 months flexible payments

Following the successful launch of the first 5G commercial device in the UAE, Etisalat and Huawei today unveiled Huawei's first commercial 5G-enabled smartphone HUAWEI Mate 20 X (5G) at Etisalat’s ultra-modern Open Innovation Centre in Dubai in the presence of Etisalat and Huawei senior management and the media.

The launch of the HUAWEI Mate 20 X (5G) is the second in the line of 5G devices from leading global smartphone brands, and will be available at Etisalat stores from 12th July. Etisalat began taking pre-orders for the highly anticipated device on 1st July.

Dr Ahmed bin Ali, Group Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, Etisalat, said: “We at Etisalat are pleased to welcome you today at the launch of Huawei's first commercial 5G-enabled smartphone. With continuous investments in technology and innovation on the network, Etisalat’s infrastructure enables 5G connectivity today for all fixed and mobile devices. For this year alone, we will have up to 1,000 5G sites across the UAE. This event reflects our commitment to enable our customers to enhance customer experience, and enjoy the best-in-class performance and our 5G network that boasts of ultra-high speeds and low latency services.”

Etisalat subscribers can now enjoy the blazing speed of the 5G network across the country up to 1Gbps and lower latency around 1 millisecond. With ultra-high speed and low latency services to the user 5G will enable subscribers to enjoy uninterrupted 4K video streaming, best gaming experience, unleash highly connected technologies blending physical and digital realms from AR and VR to IoT, AI, autonomous vehicles, 3D printing, wearable technology and more.

At around 20 times faster than 4G and with ultra-low latency, 5G service will allow users to stream live 4K resolution video anywhere at any time, with virtually no lag.

David Wang, Country Manager for Huawei Consumer Business Group in the UAE, said: “We are happy to be a part of this historical milestone and we highly anticipated to join the first 5G network roll-out by Etisalat in the UAE. The HUAWEI Mate 20 X (5G) with its wide range of patented 5G technologies is expected to represent high-speed connectivity and powerful performance, and usher UAE users in a new exciting era of smart mobile technologies.

“We began to develop the 5G technologies in 2009 and invested significant effort into developing 5G across our device, network and chipset offerings. This allowed Huawei to amass a number of patents that are synergistic with its smartphones, facilitating rapid iterations towards better 5G experiences.”

The HUAWEI Mate 20 X (5G) comes packed with two chipsets the Balong 5000, the world’s first 7nm 5G multi-mode chipset capable of connecting a wide range of network protocols including 4G, 3G and 2G, and the Kirin 980, Huawei’s fastest chipset yet and the brand’s 7nm top-of-the-line SoC chip. Together, the HUAWEI Mate 20 X (5G) is capable of providing users with Ultra-fast downlink speeds creating a 5G experience like no other. In addition to meeting all the requirements for a stellar 5G connection, the HUAWEI Mate 20 X (5G) comes with an impressive 7.2-inch AMOLED Ultra Large Screen for streaming and gaming, which is also boosted by GPU Turbo 3.0 for a better visuals. The HUAWEI Mate 20 X (5G) also includes a Leica Triple Camera setup complete with a 40MP wide angle camera, 20MP ultra-wide camera and the 8MP telephoto camera for a stunning photography from macro to Ultra-Wide.

Etisalat customers can purchase Huawei Mate 20X device on etisalat.ae/mate20x or by visiting the nearest Etisalat Business Centre or outlet. The standalone price of a Huawei Mate 20X 5G is AED3,523. Customers may opt to purchase the device with flexible Smart Pay plans on a 12, 18, or 24-month contract starting from only AED 153.

Customers purchasing the device with a new or existing prepaid account would be eligible to dial in *056# and receive one of the following special deal of the day offers: 1GB for 3 months, 3GB for 2 months, or 10GB for 1 month.

Etisalat Digital is collaborating with Microsoft as its strategic partner in the UAE, to provide government entities, large enterprises, and small and medium enterprises with state of the art digital solutions and enable transformation based on Microsoft Cloud services. The announcement coincides with the official launch of Microsoft’s cloud regions in the UAE, to offer cloud-based services including Azure, Office 365, and ExpressRoute, as well as data residency options for customers.

As a strategic Microsoft partner spanning cloud, security and access services, Etisalat Digital will provide end-to-end solutions based on Microsoft’s intelligent and trusted cloud to Government institutions, large enterprises, small-medium businesses and start-ups . This offering, coupled with digital assessment, customer co-creation lab, cloud migration, and modernisation along with deployment, support, managed services and ongoing monitoring, will be valuable in the UAE market.

Salvador Anglada, Group Chief Business Officer, Etisalat said: “Our collaboration with Microsoft perfectly fits our existing capabilities and positions Etisalat Digital as the digital enabler on the Microsoft local cloud, empowering our customers to move faster to the cloud, increase agility, accelerate innovation with enhanced service latency and performance.

“Microsoft’s trusted intelligent local cloud offering with world-class security and compliance combined with Etisalat’s own advanced infrastructure and reliable connectivity and strong local presence address the digital transformation needs of organisations in the country, which reinforces the UAE 2021 Vision of attaining the global top position in smart services.”

“This strategic collaboration between Microsoft and Etisalat Digital is an effort towards achieving a shared vision of enabling organisations in the UAE to accelerate their digital transformation journeys by embracing the cloud - and help them better engage their customers, empower employees, optimize operations and transform their products and services,” said Sayed Hashish, Regional General Manager, Microsoft Gulf. “Etisalat Digital’s breadth of expertise within the IT ecosystem, in concert with the Microsoft intelligent cloud, are a perfect combination to provide an end-to-end digital solution to our mutual customers, empowering them to achieve more.”

Etisalat Digital is collaborating closely with Microsoft as a cloud solutions provider, offering integrated connectivity with Microsoft ExpressRoute as well as private cloud services using Azure Stack. Etisalat Digital is also providing consulting, migration and managed services to ensure the smooth transition of business customers to the cloud and sees tremendous potential from Microsoft’s intelligent cloud served from state-of-the-art datacentres.

Etisalat launches pilot project with first location at ADNOC Distribution service station

Etisalat has launched a smartphone self-service vending machine that is a ‘first-of-its-kind’ for the UAE by partnering with ADNOC Distribution, the leading fuel distributor and convenience store operator in the UAE. The machine will allow customers 24/7 access and a five-minute turnaround time to buy a smart phone automatically.

The launch is part of a pilot project implemented by the two entities to ensure the provision of high-quality services and deliver an enhanced customer experience. The first machine is available at the ADNOC Distribution service station located on the Abu Dhabi Corniche (No. 933).

Sultan Mohamed Al Dhaheri, General Manager, Etisalat Abu Dhabi, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with ADNOC Distribution in this pilot project to promote and make the availability of Etisalat mobile products and services at a prime location in Abu Dhabi. Etisalat has continuously focused on creating an efficient and enhanced the retail environment to provide digital services to give our customers an enriched experience. The launch of the UAE’s first self-service vending machine at ADNOC Distribution’s service station reaffirms our strong commitment to innovation and adopting the latest retail technologies to deliver digital and a seamless shopping experience for customers.”

Eng. Saeed Al Rashdi, Acting CEO, ADNOC Distribution, said: “We are always looking to provide our customers with innovative services through our national network of service stations. This vending machine is a great example of a new fast-track service being made available to serve the needs of today’s digital world. Our customers are not just filling up with our range of fuels – they are shopping in our Géant  Express and ADNOC Oasis stores, eating in our Oasis Café  s and are using our range of additional services from lube change to car wash. Innovations such as this smartphone vending machine are retail additions that we welcome at our service stations.”

The vending machine provides a range of selected handsets and accessories for both Android and iOS. When prompted, a customer inserts his or her Emirates ID card, checks the personal information displayed on the screen, enters or modifies the mobile number, and selects the item and the payment method. Both cash and credit cards are accepted. The machine will dispense the product and receipt at the end of the transaction.

• eWallet’s multiple features enable hassle-free transactions
• Service is safe, convenient, flexible and easy to use

Etisalat and Noor Bank today announced the launch of eWallet, a new digital payment service aimed at empowering UAE customers with safe, convenient, and flexible payment solutions using a mobile device. The eWallet service is offered by a fintech company ‘Digital Financial Services’

• a joint venture establishment between Etisalat and Noor Bank, regulated and licensed as a Retail Payment Service Provider by the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates.

Etisalat and Noor Bank have brought their key strengths in technology, banking, marketing, distribution networks, and superior digital experience to launch this new service, which is safe, convenient, flexible and easy to use. The partnership is in line with the UAE Vision 2021 of creating smart knowledge economies that will enable a shift to a cashless economy.

Eng. Saleh Abdullah Al Abdooli, CEO, Etisalat Group, said: “Capitalising on the current digital wave, Etisalat has transitioned to an integrated ICT solutions provider by digitising consumer needs across our markets. This is in line with the transformation of the telecoms industry, which has enabled consumers to adopt increasingly tech-savvy lifestyles, businesses to change the way they operate and deliver value, and governments to offer ever-smarter solutions on the route towards smart governments and cities. Our powerful digitally inspired vision ‘To Drive the Digital Future to empower societies’ has opened the doors of innovation by facilitating multiple modes of digital interaction that are customer centric and improve the overall experience.”

“Mobile banking today has the potential to be a game-changer, rapidly gaining ground across the globe and opening up a new dimension for daily transactions undertaken by consumers. This new digital mobile service will usher in a new era of digital payments in the country, changing the very definition of service for both the telecom and banking sector. This was made possible due to the continuous investments by Etisalat’s and Noor Bank’s infrastructure to enable a conducive ecosystem that is compliant, robust and flexible to provide a cashless future to all our customers.”

John Iossifidis, CEO of Noor Bank, said: “Noor Bank is committed to championing a robust digital payments landscape in the UAE. The launch of the eWallet solution, in partnership with Etisalat, is well aligned to our strategy of innovation and digital transformation. This first-of-its-kind partnership aims to develop a comprehensive eco-system in the digital wallets space regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE.”

He added: “At Noor Bank, we pride ourselves on adopting collaborative business models that deliver greater value for our customers. We are pleased to partner with Etisalat to accelerate the use of fast, secure and convenient cashless payments across the nation through the eWallet.”

eWallet will register customers – from individual users to business entities – who can share money through individual to individual transfers, merchant purchases, bill payments and salary payments, among many more services to be rolled out in due course.

Using a smartphone app, customers can easily manage their account, know their balance, and transfer money. Android users can download the eWallet app by visiting the Google Play Store while the iOS version can be downloaded from the App Store.

In addition to the digital registration, cash in and cash out, customers can perform all these activities physically by visiting Etisalat and Noor Bank branches. More services will be added through our preferred partners’ network to facilitate these activities in the future, to provide customers with nationwide coverage. For more details, please visit www.e-wallet.ae .

• Freedom abroad: Use your mobile phone while abroad as if you’ve never left home
• Enjoy seamless roaming experience with the ‘Roam Like Home’ weekly subscription
• Travelers to enjoy local allowances and home tariff on roaming calls, data, and SMS and stay connected abroad

Etisalat today announced the launch of ‘Roam Like Home’ (RLH) services that enable Freedom postpaid customers to continue enjoying local allowances while travelling outside the country.

With Etisalat’s new roaming options, customers can enjoy a seamless roaming experience. Freedom postpaid customers can choose from Data  only at AED100, Voice only at AED200, and Voice & Data at AED250, all valid for seven days.

All RLH models are charged upon subscription, with validity starting from the first eligible usage, so customers who purchase now can use them anytime while roaming with any of Etisalat’s preferred roaming partners covering more than 120 countries including while inflight. These do not renew automatically so customers will need to re-purchase upon expiry.

There are six Freedom postpaid plans starting from AED100 all the way up to AED1,000. To avail any of the ‘Roam Like Home’ service, Freedom postpaid customers with active roaming service can subscribe through My Etisalat UAE app, by dialing *177#, by SMS, or call the customer care centre or visit the nearest Etisalat business centre.

Fair usage policies apply to ensure superior service levels to customers with normal usage behaviour. For more information about the roaming products and services, visit www.etisalat.ae/roaming.

Smiles, the deals and discount app that provides a wide range of daily deals and lifestyle rewards, is offering customers the chance to win an exclusive and once in a lifetime magical trip for four persons to the happiest place on earth.

Smiles has partnered with Al Tayer Holidays and Disneyland® Paris to launch this mega promotion where every purchase of voucher on Smiles gives one raffle entry while subscription to the Unlimited Buy 1 Get 1 gives 10 raffle entries. Four lucky customers get to win a stay for four in Disneyland® Paris. The promotion is valid from 10^th June to 11^th July 2019.

The Disneyland® Paris holiday for four includes return flight tickets, airport pick-up and return, a three-night stay in a five-star Disneyland® Paris Hotel, park tickets for both Disney Parks® valid for four days, food vouchers for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and VIP treatment, including goodies, VIP areas for shows, private meet and greet with Disney characters.

The Smiles app can be downloaded from iOS App store and Android Play Store. The app, previously available only for Etisalat customers, is now accessible to all UAE residents and visitors.

Smiles users enjoy ‘Buy 1 Get 1 Free’ deals on entertainment, shopping, dining, travel and wellness - with over 500 offers to choose from 350 lifestyle partners covering over 3,000 retail outlets across UAE. Over 1.7 million unique users currently enrolled in the Smiles programme have been enjoying more than AED300 million worth of savings.

Smiles offers a host of features and benefits with the ‘Unlimited Buy 1 Get 1’ subscription at AED20 per month, or AED199 only per year, to get unlimited downloads of discount coupons across all categories at no cost for the duration of the subscription period.

The programme also enables members to fast-track earning points with the ADIB Etisalat Covered Card, with cardholders earning up to four Smiles points for every dirham spent on the card. New cardholders also get up to 70,000 Smiles points as a joining bonus, and a 50 per cent discount on two cinema tickets any day of the week.

• Free speed upgrade for majority of eLife packages with TV complements UAE’s No 1 global ranking in fibre optic network reach
• From Eid, the entry speed for all eLife Unlimited plans is now 250 Mbps, permanently

Etisalat customers will now experience one of the fastest broadband speeds in the region from the comfort of their homes, enhancing their experience while using multiple smart devices at one time.

Today Etisalat has raised the benchmark for home entertainment by delivering an incredible 12x greater broadband speed on its advertised entry plan compared to just a year ago. The speeds have now more than doubled for eLife home entertainment packages permanently, at no extra charge.

This upgrade is a result of the company’s long-term vision and strategy of ‘Driving the digital future to empower societies’ with Etisalat continually investing in innovation, next-generation technologies and services to enhance the network. The UAE is ranked number one for Fiber to the Home (FTTH) penetration across the world for a third year in a row.

Khaled El Khouly, Chief Consumer Officer at Etisalat, said: “This Eid we are delighted to gift our valued home customers this permanent speed upgrade to eLife Unlimited and eLife Value pack customers. This speed increase represents a phenomenal upgrade of broadband speeds across the board, and this is especially noticeable on our entry plans from just last year going from 20Mbps to 250Mbps.”

“Superfast broadband is essential to support an increasing number of Internet-capable devices in the home. At Etisalat, we are committed to deliver blazing internet speeds, exclusive and rich TV content at the most competitive prices.”

The entry-level plan, ‘eLife Starter’ will now offer 250 Mbps; The unlimited Sports and Entertainment plans offer 500 Mbps and with Premium plans offer speeds towards 1 Gbps.

Existing customers of the older generation of eLife triple play plans called ‘eLife value packs (Family, Sports, Entertainment, Combo and Premium) will also enjoy a speed doubling.

‘eLife Unlimited’ allows subscribers to enjoy all the premium content from major TV broadcasters, media and content companies such as MBC, OSN and StarzPlay on one box to ensure non-stop entertainment is delivered to every household in the country.

The speed upgrade is automatically applied to all eligible customers without any changes to their commitments or any need to opt-in, they will simply enjoy the new speeds.

First Operator in the region to offer 5G smartphone and service to all customers

Etisalat today made a landmark announcement giving their subscribers an opportunity to be the first in the MENA region to experience the new super-fast 5G network on 5G smartphones.

Starting today Etisalat customers can enjoy 5G access on ZTE Axon 10 Pro, the first available 5G device from Etisalat. Etisalat subscribers can now enjoy the blazing speed of the 5G network up to 1Gbps and lower latency around 1 millisecond.

This launch is the first in line of 5G devices from leading global smart phone brands expected to be unveiled this year from Etisalat.

The breakthrough achievement in 5G will enable subscribers to enjoy and unleash highly connected technologies blending physical and digital realms from AR and VR to IoT, AI, autonomous vehicles, 3D printing, wearable technology and more.

At around 20 times faster than 4G and with ultra-low latency, 5G service will allow users to stream live 4K resolution video anywhere at any time, with virtually no lag.

Etisalat customers now have the opportunity to experience 5G and purchase ZTE Axon 10 Pro from Marina mall in Abu Dhabi and Dubai Mall. Additionally, customers may also opt to buy with flexible Smart Pay plans on a 12, 18 or 24-month contract starting from only AED 241.

5G network will be available for all Etisalat postpaid, prepaid, consumer and business customers using a 5G devices. All customers will be able to use existing data packs on the 5G network.

E-ision, a fully owned subsidiary of Etisalat, signed a strategic partnership with OSN, the region’s leading entertainment network, to obtain rights to broadcast ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 on eLife TV in the UAE.

Under this partnership, E-Vision further brings to Etisalat’s eLife customers the best in content from around the globe and the biggest sport events live.

 Starting from 30^th May 2019, eLife will be offering two additional channels from OSN, dedicated to this much-anticipated world-sporting event the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. It will be AED199 (one time charge) from 30^th May-14^th July. Matches can be watched on channel 790 and 791 directly.

Commenting on the exclusive agreement, Humaid Sahoo Al Suwaidi, E-Vision’s CEO, said: “We are delighted to enter into a strategic partnership with OSN, which reiterates E-Vision’s position to acquire world-class entertainment. As a pioneer and trusted content aggregator in the region, E-Vision is constantly striving to bring the most comprehensive turn-key solutions for content aggregation and content management for IPTV platforms and multi-screens (OTT).”

OSN’s CEO, Patrick Tillieux commented: “Our partnership with E-Vision will bring the 12th edition of the ICC Cricket World Cup to more cricket enthusiasts across the United Arab Emirates. We are providing E-Vision with our 2 dedicated channels - OSN Cric XTRA 1 and OSN Cric Xtra 2 - bringing fans live and exclusive coverage of every game. Making these channels available through E-Vision mirrors our commitment to provide customers with more value and unmatched TV experience and enables us to make great content available to more and more customers across the region, and that’s a goal we will always thrive to deliver on.”

• Nationwide campaign by Etisalat staff to draw a smile on children’s faces, in collaboration with Toys with Wings
• Collected toys distributed to needy children in hospitals & refugee camps around the world
• CSR initiatives an integral part of Etisalat long-term vision & strategy

DUBAI, 29 May 2019: Etisalat staff joined hands with Toys With Wings and Emirates Red Crescent for the toy collection drive to bring smiles and happiness to less fortunate children around the world this Eid Al Fitr.

As part of the Eid gift campaign, Etisalat’s CSR team placed boxes in the foyer of its buildings in the UAE for employees to give away children’s toys. The gift-giving initiative received an overwhelming response across the UAE.

Dr Ahmed bin Ali, Group Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, Etisalat, said: “We are delighted to partner with Toys With Wings and Emirates Red Crescent on this initiative that go a long way towards putting a smile on the faces of these children and make a difference in their lives.

“Corporate social responsibility is a key pillar in our operations and we believe that it is important to contribute to communities where we operate and improve people’s lives. We are also working on a number of initiatives of the government in its goals of giving back to the society.”

Abdullah Al Haj Al-Zarouni, Director of the Emirates Red Crescent Dubai branch, said: “We would like to commend Etisalat for its initiative, which is vital in promoting more social cohesion through humanitarian work. Etisalat’s CSR initiative goes a long way to bring happiness to needy children in time for Eid.”

For her part, Mouna ElHaimoud, Toys with Wings founder, said: “We all know how important play is to children, especially those affected by conflict and poverty. We cannot thank Etisalat and its CSR team enough for this wonderful participation, which will enable children in need around the world to join the festivities this coming Eid and be just as joyful as the rest of society.”

The assortment of toys collected from 14 ^th to 27 ^th May 2019 will be distributed to needy children in time for Eid al Fitr.

Registered under Emirates Red Crescent, Toys with Wings, founded by Moroccan journalist Mouna ElHaimoud in 2015, collects used and new toys to distribute them inside refugee camps, orphanages, children’s villages and paediatric hospitals round the world. A number of public and private companies contribute in donating toys to needy children in other countries. Since the initiative was launched, more than 250,000 toys were distributed in 14 countries.

With Caller Tunes, customers get a chance to win Mercedes-Benz C-Class cars

Abu Dhabi 26 May 2019: Etisalat handed over 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class cars to the first and second winners of its Caller Tunes ‘Win a Car’ promotion conducted at Etisalat’s main headquarters in Abu Dhabi.

Nur Mohammed Haydar Ali and Ali Hossain Nurerjaman received the car keys at separate handover ceremonies attended by Mustafa Alshareef, Vice President, Government & VVIP Relations-Dubai region, Etisalat.

The ‘Win a Car’ promotion runs from 4^th March to 4 ^th June 2019. Customers simply need to subscribe or purchase caller tunes or any package such as Salati (prayer time tunes), Music Channel, and VIP Plan, to enter the raffle draw for a chance to win a Mercedes C class 2019 model car. They can buy the tunes from IVR-144, USSD *444#, Caller Tunes by Etisalat app, or log on to https://callertunes.etisalat.ae/ .

During the promotion period, customers can download as many tunes from any Caller Tunes channel. Customers with the highest downloads will have a bigger chance to win the car. The third and final draw is scheduled to be held on 12^th June.

Etisalat is set to thrill UAE gamers with its exclusive launch of the Xbox One S all-digital edition, which is now available across all Etisalat stores in the UAE, through www.etisalat.ae, and My Etisalat UAE app.

Khaled Elkhouly, Chief Consumer Officer, said: “We are extremely delighted to have tied up with Microsoft to bring the much-awaited Xbox One S All-Digital Edition to our customers in the UAE. Our Smart Pay options of 12, 18 and 24 months will make it highly affordable for all customer segments to get their hands on this highly desired disc-free and completely digital device that comes with three free games.”

According to Microsoft, the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition offers disc-free gaming and entertainment, creating an affordable way for gamers to start playing Xbox One games. The console allows gamers to build a library of digital games that travels with them and is available in the cloud.

Etisalat customers will be able to purchase with flexible Smart Pay plans on a 12, 18, or 24-month contract for AED85, AED58, and AED44 per month, respectively. Alternatively, customers can purchase it upfront for AED999.

• For the first time in the UAE, 300% bonus credit offered on every AED30 recharge or more
• 100% bonus credit for the customer to use and 200% to share with 2 friends

Ramadan is a month of spiritual reflection and a special time for family and friends to come together to strengthen their bonds. In keeping with the spirit of the holy month, Etisalat has introduced its Ramadan Bonus on Recharge promotion to enable its customers to spread joy, share Ramadan moments as and when they happen, and strengthen social relationships throughout the holy month.

During the holy month until 2^nd June 2019, Wasel and WaselGo customers who recharge with the value of AED30 or more will receive 100% bonus credit for them to use and 200% to share with two friends. The bonus will be valid for two days and can be utilised for national and international calls and SMS to share the moments of Ramadan with their loved ones.

Prepaid customers need to dial *101*300# before the first recharge of AED30 or more to enjoy and share the bonus.

Etisalat handed over a 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA sedan to the winner of its Devices Festival raffle draw conducted earlier this month at Etisalat’s Abu Dhabi headquarters.

Mohammed Khaled Ahmed Al Shehhi received the key to the luxury car during a handover ceremony attended by Sultan Mohamed Al Dhaheri, General Manager, Etisalat Abu Dhabi.

The Etisalat Devices Festival launched on 26 ^th December 2018 and concluded on 31^st March 2019. Customers enjoyed discounted prices of upto 85% on smartphones, tablets, smart watches, and accessories at Etisalat retail shops, website, My Etisalat mobile app, and the Smiles app. Purchases were made using one-time payments, while Smart Pay was available on selected devices. To enter the mega raffle draw, customers had to spend a minimum of AED150 on the discounted items during the festival.

Etisalat today announced the launch of ‘Smiles UAE’, making the popular app – with its wide range of daily deals and lifestyle rewards - accessible to all UAE residents and visitors. The app was previously available only for selected Etisalat customers.

Smiles users will enjoy ‘Buy 1 Get 1 Free’ deals on entertainment, shopping, dining, travel and wellness - with over 500 offers to choose from 350 lifestyle partners covering over 3,000 retail outlets across UAE.

Over 1.5 million unique users currently enrolled in the Smiles programme have been enjoying more than AED 300 million worth of savings.

The Smiles UAE app can be downloaded from iOS App store and Android Play Store. It is free of charge, and available with an inaugural offer of 1,000 free Smiles points on the first transaction.

Khaled Elkhouly, Chief Consumer Officer, Etisalat, said: “Since its launch two years ago, the Smiles app has received an overwhelming response from Etisalat customers. There was a popular demand to make Smiles available for everyone in the UAE, as the app was able to deliver significant value and happiness to its users.” 

Smiles UAE also offers a host of features and benefits with the ‘Unlimited Buy 1 Get 1’ subscription at AED20 per month, or AED199 only per year, to get unlimited downloads of discount coupons across all categories at no cost for the duration of the subscription period.

The programme also enables members to fast-track earning points with the ADIB Etisalat Covered Card, with cardholders earning up to four Smiles points for every dirham spent on the card. New cardholders also get up to 70,000 Smiles points as a joining bonus, and a 50 per cent discount on two cinema tickets per week.

Tamdeed Projects and Etisalat Facilities Management, subsidiaries of Etisalat Services Holding, highlighted the latest trends and best practices for powering digital transformation in smart cities and smart buildings at the recently concluded 2019 BICSI Middle East & Africa (MEA) Conference and Exhibition.

The conference was held at the Dubai World Trade Centre under the theme ‘From AI to Zettabytes: A Connected Future!’ It featured keynotes, a panel discussion, and technical presentations by international experts sharing the latest advancements in the world of structured cabling infrastructures, extra low voltage (ELV) systems and Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

Tamdeed Projects and Etisalat Facilities Management (eFM) were the event’s exclusive diamond-level sponsors. The participation of both entities reinforces their commitment to support the ELV, ICT and communications network community and promoting innovation within all aspects of telecom network and smart city solutions.

Tareq Salman, General Manager, Tamdeed Projects, delivered a presentation on ‘Tamdeed’s transformation journey from passive to active technologies’. Tamdeed’s vision is to be the leading strategic partner in value-added communications networks. Salman shared insights into Tamdeed’s journey from a fiber optic solution provider to an ELV and ICT player.

Eng. Ali Hassan Abdulla Al Harmoodi, General Manager, eFM, presented “eFM – The Future of FM”, highlighting the company’s skilled workforce, diversified industry knowledge, smart and integrated facilities management offerings, IoT, cloud, and AI-based solutions, and reliable technology ecosystems, among others.

The conference hosted an exhibit hall with over 40 exhibiting companies, a BICSI Theatre where companies gave short presentations on their latest innovations, and a Technology Showcase featuring new products, projects, and services from multiple exhibitors.

Tamdeed showcased its broad portfolio of integrated OSP (Outside Plant – outdoor fiber optic infrastructures), Telecom, ELV and ICT solutions and services in the UAE, while eFM presented innovative Smart Training Rooms, Smart Meeting Rooms, and the integration with various building management and automation systems.

The conference was organised by Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI), a professional association supporting the advancement of the information and communications technology (ICT) community covering the spectrum of voice, data, electronic safety & security, extra low voltage, audio & video technologies and project management.

Etisalat and Commercial Bank of Dubai today announced their partnership to launch a co-branded CBD-Etisalat credit card. The new card will be available in two variants - Visa Platinum and Visa Signature - and will be UAE’s pre-eminent ‘Lifestyle’ credit card offering cardholders the fastest way to earn points on Etisalat’s award-winning Smiles platform. These points can then be redeemed seamlessly via the Smiles mobile app for discounts, deals and experiences across categories such as shopping, entertainment, travel, dining, wellness and bill payments at over 300+ partners.

Etisalat also announced that for the first time ever, the Smiles platform will now be available for everyone in the UAE with any mobile number. In addition to earning up to 10 Smiles points per AED1 on their card spends, customers will also get complimentary lounge access at over 900 airports globally, free valet parking, cinema discounts, insurance benefits, 0% balance transfers and easy payment plans on their purchases.

Khaled El Khouly, Chief Consumer Officer of Etisalat, said: “We are pleased to collaborate with Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD) to launch this dynamic co-branded credit card, which comes fully loaded with a host of features, deals and lifestyle benefits in addition to earning Smiles on their credit card spends. At Etisalat, we always strive to offer the best value to our customers by forging the right partnerships to provide innovative services. We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership with CBD to continue providing the best-in-class telco and financial benefits from both companies’ products.”

Speaking on the occasion Dr. Bernd van Linder, Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Bank of Dubai, said: “Our partnership with Etisalat is a major step forward for us in creating a strong new-to-bank customer proposition in the market. We welcome the opportunity to leverage the Smiles platform and offer our co-branded card holders a suite of benefits that are relevant, contemporary and provide substantial value.

• Up to 3 favourite numbers with 500 mins each
• Flexibility to adapt your plan based on usage on a weekly basis

For the first time in the UAE, Etisalat prepaid customers can now rollover data and minutes and enjoy the benefit of any unused allowance. New ‘WaselGo’ will offer a selection of four value-packed weekly plans starting from just AED 10 .50 , including multiple ‘market first’ features such as ‘rollover’ of data and flexi minutes, and up to three favourite numbers to make almost endless calls to loved ones (500 minutes per number).

With the rollover feature, customers will not lose anything they pay for as their unused data and minutes will be added to their new allowances upon renewal, re-subscription, or moving between plans.

Khaled Elkhouly, Chief Consumer Officer, Etisalat, said: “At Etisalat, we understand the varying customer requirements as there is a continuous effort in understanding the usage patterns of all our subscribers. This unique service offering ‘Wasel Go’ is in line with our long-term vision to constantly innovate and a testimony to our efforts in making the change to address the varying desires of our customers.

“For the first time in the UAE, our valued prepaid customers can now rollover data and minutes conveniently keeping track and utilise any of their unused data and minutes. This compelling rollover feature and upto three favourite numbers to make almost endless calls to loved ones bring a lot of flexibility and gives customers peace of mind.”

Customers who sign up for ‘WaselGo’ will be able to choose from four variants – ‘small’, ‘medium’, ‘large’ and ‘extra large’ weekly plans - based on their need for data and minutes. Prepaid users will be able to subscribe to the packs after migrating to the new ‘WaselGo’ prepaid line by dialling *101*15#.

Other benefits include flexibility and digital account management. Customers can move between the four weekly plans, and the rollover of unused allowances will apply even when changing plans. ‘WaselGo’ will also have end-to-end account management features on the mobile app and USSD *101# in an intuitive user interface. For more information, please visit etisalat.ae/waselgo.

Representing a 5% increase YOY‎

Etisalat Group today announced its consolidated financial statements for the three months ending 31st March 2019 Financial Highlights and Key Developments of Q1 GCEO’s Message:
Eng. Saleh Abdullah Al Abdooli, Etisalat Group CEO said: “Etisalat’s solid performance of the first quarter is a promising start for 2019, an extension for our achievements of last year, and a testimony to the efforts in realising our vision and ambitions toward “Driving the digital future to empower societies”.

“Etisalat achieved the most valuable telecom brand in the MENA region, yet another significant milestone attributed to our digital efforts. Etisalat infrastructure continues to play a key role in our goal to bring-in full scale digital transformation. The consistent efforts and investment in our network has helped position the UAE as a global leader in FTTH penetration among all its international counterparts for a third year in a row”.

“Etisalat will continue its endeavour towards network modernisation and investment in future technologies such IoT and AI powered by our pioneering deployment of 5G network which will enable the company to address its growing customer and business aspirations with innovative services and solutions. We are confident that 5G will bring a wealth of opportunities in the socio-economic development of the UAE.

Etisalat is also thankful to the vision of our wise leadership in the UAE in positioning the country among the most digitally advanced globally, inspiring us to deliver world-class networks and innovative services. We extend appreciation to our shareholders and loyal customers, to whom we owe more success and greater achievements.” Subscribers
In the UAE the subscriber base reached 12.6 million subscribers in Q1 of 2019, while Aggregate subscriber base reached 143 million, representing a year over year increase of 2%

Revenue & Net Profit

• Consolidated revenues amounted to AED 13.0 billion and consolidated net profit after Federal Royalty amounted to AED 2.2 billion representing a year over year increase of 5% and resulting in a net profit margin of 17%.

EBITDA

• Group Consolidated EBITDA for the first quarter of 2019 increased by 2% to AED 6.6 billion while EBITDA margin increased 1 point to 51% year on year.

EPS

• Earnings per share (EPS) amounted to AED 0.25 in the first quarter of 2019; a 5% increase from the same period last year.

Etisalat today announced its strategic partnership with UAE-based conglomerate DBA (Darwish bin Ahmed & Sons) Group to provide Etisalat OneCloud services in support of its digital transformation process.

As part of the agreement, DBA Group will be migrating its entire IT infrastructure to Etisalat OneCloud.

The landmark project is underway, with operations of two major DBA subsidiaries – Saif bin Darwish and AHI Carrier – having already migrated to Etisalat OneCloud.

Abdulla Darwish Al Ketbi, Chairman, DBA Group, said: “It has been ingrained in the corporate policy of DBA group to have strong fundamentals on Technology. Our success over the years is based on that backbone.

Our partnership with Etisalat is long and varied like IoT solutions, managed data networks, Digital security etc.

We are extremely happy that we are partnering with Etisalat One Cloud which is entirely UAE based, as we move forward in our technology transformation”.

Sultan Al Dhaheri, General Manager, Etisalat, said: “We are pleased to offer Etisalat’s OneCloud services that cater to the growing needs of DBA Group, a prominent UAE-based conglomerate with international operations.

With Etisalat’s corporate strategy focusing on 'Driving the digital future', we are working closely with all our customers and partners to transform their businesses by investing in digital services and solutions.

Etisalat’s OneCloud solution is a vital tool in enabling DBA Group’s digital transformation aimed at improving efficiency, transparency and resilience through new technology.”

Etisalat OneCloud offers a wide range of cloud solutions designed to fulfill the security, performance and data location needs of UAE enterprises.

This end-to-end managed cloud solution includes infrastructure-as-a-service, managed security services, managed backup, managed applications and managed disaster recovery services.

DBA is one of the most reputed business organizations based in the UAE’s capital with a portfolio that includes Construction, Automotive, HVAC, Real Estate, IT Solutions among others.

The group had re-engineered its Vision & Mission in the mid-nineties to foray and expand much internationally and now has business interests in over 35 countries. DBA Management identified “Technology” as a key driving factor for the ongoing growth.

A sound IT Infrastructure built on a world-class ERP Solution, Business Intelligence and Planning Tools, facilitate group-wide integration of core Corporate Activities.

Migration to Etisalat OneCloud is a logical step forward.

• Get 1,000 minutes to stay connected with loved ones back home for AED69 monthly
• Enjoy unlimited calls to all numbers of your choice
• Widest choice of destinations – call up to 14 countries

Etisalat today announced the introduction of new international packs enabling prepaid customers to make unlimited international calls to unlimited numbers within 14 countries for as low as AED20 a week.

With close to 80% of the UAE population comprising expatriates, this offer will help the majority of the population to keep in touch with their loved ones back home.

The new packs will undoubtedly give peace of mind to all UAE residents, as they can call longer, for less. Today, on an average, every prepaid customer makes 180 minutes of international calls to his country. Customer who subscribe to the AED20 weekly bundle will get 200 international minutes, while those who opt for the monthly pack priced at AED69 get to enjoy 1,000 minutes.

All Etisalat prepaid subscribers can subscribe to the packs by dialling *135*90#. Countries covered in this promotion include India, Pakistan, Egypt, Nepal, Canada, Germany, UK, USA, Australia, Indonesia, China, Morocco, Malaysia and Afghanistan.

• Etisalat to invest AED 4 billion during 2019 in digital transformation, the mobile and fiber network
• Targeting to build 1000 5G towers in the UAE

Etisalat’s pioneering efforts in 5G will pave the way for the ‘Future of Connectivity’ with innovation and digital transformation taking centre stage and leading the company to play a greater role in the digital lives of consumers and enterprises, said Hatem Bamatraf, Chief Technology Officer, Etisalat International at 5G MENA 2019.

Bamatraf was the keynote speaker at ‘5G MENA 2019’ in Dubai that held high-level keynotes, 5G use-cases, onstage debates and interviews, executive CxO summits, a series of networking opportunities, an awards ceremony, a day-long Blockchain and IoT focused stream.

As part of his keynote, he highlighted Etisalat’s continuous investments and ‎‎focus on enhancing and building one of the most advanced networks in the region having empowered digital transformation and opening up opportunities to engage with our customers in new ways.

Etisalat plans to invest AED4 billion during 2019 in digital transformation, mobile and fiber networks.

“We are stepping into an era, which marks the revolution of ‘Intelligent Connectivity’ underpinned by ubiquitous and hyper connectivity.

This term is used to describe the powerful combination of flexible, high-speed 5G networks, the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). This will have a significant and profound change on individuals, industries, society and the economy, transforming how we live and work.”

5G is a reality in UAE due to Etisalat’s pioneering efforts, which will enable subscribers to enjoy technologies blending physical and digital realms from AR & VR to IoT, AI, autonomous vehicles, advanced robotics, 3D printing, wearable tech and more. This is mainly due to the backbone of a robust and one of the most advanced, fastest and widest network in the region.

“Innovation was always at the core of our strategy to ‘Drive the digital future to empower societies’ putting our efforts on providing innovative solutions enabling connectivity, mobility, connected devices, energy efficiency, lower latencies and more reliability.”

Bamatraf reflected the successful journey of Etisalat setting a benchmark for the telecom industry. The major milestone for Etisalat and the telecom industry was the launch of the first ‎‎commercial 5G wireless network in May 2018 in the UAE becoming the first telecom operator in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to achieve this technological breakthrough and set an industry benchmark.

Etisalat was the first operator to have a fully developed commercial 5G network available to provide gigabit internet services to its customers. The network will fuel enterprises digital transformation, IoT, smart cities and the fourth industrial revolution.

He added that Etisalat’s network will also provide the most advanced digital and telecom services to Expo 2020 Dubai and its millions of visitors, supporting an expected 300,000 users on peak days. It will be a key component of the Expo 2020 ‘smart site’ that will deliver a unique and memorable experience for the millions of visitors.

In terms of 5G readiness, Etisalat is ready to launch the 5G service for all consumers with its infrastructure and network equipped to support all 5G devices set to be launched by global mobile device manufacturers in 2019. With continuous investments in technology and innovation on the network, Etisalat’s infrastructure can enable 5G connectivity today for all fixed devices expected to be launched this year.

He added: “Mobily acquired 100 MHz in each band and commercial 5G launch is expected by the end of 2019, pending availability of commercial devices supporting Mobily’s specific spectrum bands. We believe that 5G can be a good substitute for fibre for fixed services in our emerging markets footprint. In that regard, we have started evaluating the technical and commercial viability of 5G for FWA (Fixed wireless Access) in some of our markets. These evaluations will help us in developing a road map for commercial FWA rollout in selected markets.”

With majority of 5G deployments to be implemented by 2020 on a global level, ‎‎by the end of 2024 industry estimates indicate a projection of 1.5 billion 5G subscriptions accounting to 17 percent of all mobile subscriptions at that time. Etisalat foresees the future of connectivity and is already exploring use cases with new technologies and services that will blend our physical and digital world.

Infrastructure investments have been key to this growth and leadership in the market, this continuous investment have led to the modernization of mobile and fiber-optic networks and infrastructure development through investments in future technologies such as IoT, AI and 5G.

Innovative digital security solutions showcased including managed and cloud security, digital risk protection and IoT security

‘Building Digital Resilience for Digital Businesses’ was the highlight of Etisalat Digital’s keynote at the seventh edition of Gulf Information Security Expo and Conference (GISEC), the Middle East’s largest and most comprehensive cybersecurity event.

Etisalat Digital showcased its digital security offerings and also conducted live demos of IoT hacks at the event.

At GISEC 2019, there was a demonstration of its continued commitment in building awareness among customers, partners and competitors, showcasing its digital security solutions, collaborating with industry peers, and sharing insights on the latest security trends. The event also positioned Etisalat Digital as a key digital security solutions provider in the region.

Etisalat Digital delivered a keynote on ‘ Building Digital Resilience for Digital Businesses, a follow up discussion on his keynote of GISEC 2018.

Last year, Etisalat Digital Security introduced an industry-agnostic four quadrant approach for digital resilience in digital businesses. This year, the GISEC audience was briefed about solutions, services, platforms, projects and future initiatives undertaken by Etisalat Digital Security.

Etisalat Digital highlighted that all these initiatives have contributed in reinforcing UAE’s digital ecosystem. Building digital resilience through local capabilities establishes unique and unrivalled position of Etisalat Digital Security as an exclusive trusted partner of digital businesses in the region.

A presentation titled ‘Driving efficiency in Smart Cities’ was delivered by Etisalat Digital in the IoT/Smart Cities conference.

Etisalat Digital security experts also conducted live demos of IoT attacks at The Dark Stage, which is new to GISEC this year. They demonstrated the full life cycle of attacks, compromised a device and performed remediation.

Etisalat Digital’s Security Solutions has been delivering cutting-edge digital security offerings to businesses in the UAE powered from a state of the art in-country Global Security Operations Centre. Its robust portfolio across Network, Managed and Cyber Security has been proactively safeguarding business customers from impending cyber-attacks. .

The event held at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from April 1-3 brought together over 7,000 top security professionals to discover cutting-edge solutions, share insights and equip themselves with the right tools to protect their businesses from rapidly evolving cyber-threats.

Etisalat will join major companies around the world on 30 th March to mark Earth Hour, the world's largest movement in support of action on climate change.

Ten of Etisalat’s buildings across the UAE will switch off their lights and non-essential electronics from 8:30 to 9:30pm on 30th March for Earth Hour.

Commenting on the announcement, Dr. Ahmed Bin Ali, Group Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, Etisalat said: “Etisalat is continuously investing in green technologies and smart innovative systems, in line with its strategy to lead the digital future.

“We hope that our annual participation in this event will help to increase awareness, encourage environment-friendly practices and limit the excessive depletion of energy resources. Etisalat supports a wide range of green initiatives and our participation forms part of our corporate social responsibility strategy, of which the environment is a main pillar. We are making significant investment in technologies and infrastructure to empower society and to ensure a successful and sustainable future.”

Earth Hour unites people across the world to express their concern over the global crisis of climate change. Etisalat is delighted to be taking part in this noble initiative, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy, which considers the support of environment-friendly initiatives one of its most important pillars.

Etisalat has invested in green technologies across its advanced nationwide fibre optics network, the widest in the world, and advanced systems and equipment that play a major role in the reduction of carbon emissions. The use of efficient energy is encouraged across the network with the digital technologies taking over traditional processes. Internally, across our business centres and communication with our consumers is paperless today. Smart stores and online shopping on the retail front have helped improve the overall customer experience and reduce carbon footprint as well.

Etisalat Facilities Management, a subsidiary of Etisalat Service Holdings, has initiated several energy management programmes and services to help its clients efficiently manage their energy consumption and utilisation, including retrofitting services, smart sensors, and advanced control systems.

Earth Hour is a global movement organised by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The event is held annually to encourage individuals, communities, and businesses to turn off non-essential electric lights for one hour, from 8:30 to 9:30pm on a specific day towards the end of March, as a practical step towards global reduction of CO2 emissions.

For more information, please visit: www.earthhour.org .

• Telco participates in 18th Arab Media Forum
• Al Shamsi highlighted the adoption of smart technologies for the media industry
• Hologram reporters to become a reality in the future
• Etisalat exclusively brings first Arab Robot Journalist ‘Aga A 20-50’ to the regional media event

‘Media 2.0’-the increasing impact of future technology on the media sector-was the focus of Khalifa Al Shamsi, Chief Strategy and Governance Officer, Etisalat Group at the two-day Arab Media Forum, the largest annual gathering of its kind in the Arab region.

Etisalat was the official telecom partner at the event and in its 18th year of participation.

Al Shamsi highlighted in his session that media plays an increasingly significant role in our lives as a trusted source for news and information, and beyond that also a source for entertainment. It is also a powerful communications platform for the society with the ability to influence people’s opinions and perceptions therefore making a significant social impact at all levels.

Media industry has undergone drastic transformation in recent years, and mainly due to the major technology advancements the world has witnessed.

He went on to highlight the advances in technology and how it has facilitated the growth of the media sector. The investments in 5G networks will play a significant role making a positive impact on the media. 5G has ‘unlimited capabilities’ with high speeds and ultra-low latency. Live feed news coverage for reporters in the field specifically for breaking news and multi-location interviews for the TV industry were cited as examples for the future of media on the 5G network.

The high speeds for data download/upload speeds will benefit all journalists in particularly investigative reporters. These advanced capabilities will also be of immense benefits in media coverage of major cultural events, especially large-scale ones such as the upcoming Dubai Expo 2020.

This will enhance the broadcasting capabilities for external coverage vehicles, create futuristic media platforms, and augment the services of content providers. High speeds and low latencies would also boost the quality of the media’s interaction with its audiences.

5G technology will make hologram reporters a reality, still currently in experimentation stages; people in the future would go beyond than virtual reality being able to experience the news event through advanced immersive experiences technology.

Currently globally there are 5 billion smart phone users with the number projected to surpass 7.2 billion within the coming 5 years or less. 5G data usage will comprise of 25 percent of the total global data transfer share

Video and immersive experiences will form the core of future 5G network capabilities giving users near life-like experiences with maximised levels of 2-way interactions.

5G networks will have a significant and positive outcome for the media and entertainment industry. There will be a transformation for fixed networks whereby globally all markets would move to a single telecom network that delivers 24/7 links to the rest of the world.

This would elevate financial revenue, create new sources of income from advertising and content and have a wider outreach. In such a scenario, all segments of the society should be familiar with advanced technologies which it makes important to have new regulations and legislations to be put in place to safeguard people’s privacy as well as tackle cyber security and intellectual property.

He concluded his talk by pointing out that it’s imperative that we have media entities ready and willing to adopt these new technologies in order to ensure its leading regional and global status.

At Arab Media Forum this year, there was a focus on the use of AI-driven ‘Future Journalists’, a first for the MENA region. Etisalat exclusively brought the first arab ‘Robot Journalist’ in a session on the first day of the forum named ‘Aga A 20-50’. These advances in the ICT sector will cause disruptive advances in the making, broadcasting and usage of all media at a regional and global scale.

Etisalat honoured its top performing partners of 2018 at an awards ceremony in Dubai.

Etisalat holds an annual award ceremony to recognise and reward the company’s partners for their support to achieve strong results and for their efforts in taking Etisalat to greater heights.

There are 78 partners being awarded from different segments mainly electronic retailers, digital channels and hypermarkets. The awards were in three categories-Platinum, Diamond and Gold- focused on achievers in postpaid, prepaid, eLife and recharge.

This year, the ‘Indirect Sales Partner event’ was held at the Hilton, Al Habtoor City, Dubai.

Omer Rashid, Senior Vice President, Sales Consumer, Etisalat, said: “Etisalat was able to achieve great success in 2018. Its partners, notably in the consumer sales sector, were part of Etisalat’s achievements. In light of this Etisalat organised this awards ceremony, which reaffirms its commitment to building strong relationships with its partners.”

For his part, Mohamed Al Zarouni, Senior Vice President, Indirect Sales, Etisalat, said: “Etisalat uses this event as a platform not only to recognise but to engage and motivate its partners and front line staff. We look forward to working closely together, receiving feedback to maximise sales opportunities and handling challenges effectively and efficiently to make 2019 yet another successful year.”

Etisalat’s partners expressed their sincere appreciation for the awards and declared their continuous support for the event. The event serves as a cornerstone of their success, and they take pride in partnering with the largest telco in the Middle East, Asia and North Africa.

The annual event is being held since 2016 that seeks to recognise the top performing partners to drive passion and create a competitive environment.

• Agreement paves way for joint innovative Abu Dhabi Government services
• ADSSSA adopts ‘Next Generation’ strategic approach of digital services for government sector

with the Abu Dhabi Smart Solutions and Services Authority ( ADSSSA ) to boost their collaboration in the digital transformation of government services in Abu Dhabi.

Etisalat will provide the technical knowledge and expertise to facilitate the ADSSSA’s drive to digitise Abu Dhabi Government services, thus providing seamless and proactive customer experience to the Abu Dhabi community through the ADSSSA’s platform ‘TAMM’.

The MoU was signed by Saeed Mohamed Al Mansouri, Executive Director of Joint Government Services, ADSSSA, Salvador Anglada, Group Chief Business Officer, Etisalat at Etisalat’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi. The signing ceremony was also attended by H.E Dr. Rauda Al Saadi, Director General, ADSSSA, and Eng Saleh Abdulla Al Abdooli, Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Group in addition to a number of senior executives from both entities.

The agreement strengthens the existing cooperation between ADSSSA and Etisalat, and paves the way for joint innovative initiatives and strategic solutions to provide an array of innovative digital solutions, boosting the level of Abu Dhabi government’s customer happiness and satisfaction.

H.E Dr. Rauda Al Saadi, ADSSSA Director General said: “This agreement with Etisalat is a strong impetus to the digital transformation drive in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and will enhance its leading position in the field of government digital services.

Through this strategic partnership, we will look at exploring new horizons and enable the latest digital technologies and smart solutions in the government sector, which is in line with the UAE leadership’s vision to provide the community with the best and most innovative solutions and services, and enrich people’s lives.

“We look forward, through this collaboration with Etisalat, to enhance our strategic goals leveraging the best and most up-to-date technologies available today to our end-users, and to provide sustainable best-in-class government services in Abu Dhabi emirate.”

Eng. Saleh Abdulla Al Abdooli, Group Chief Executive Officer of Etisalat, said: “We are honoured to bring our network capabilities, teams and expertise together to serve and cater to the requirements of the different segments of UAE.

The cooperation with ADSSSA will help in enhancing digital platforms, smart services and applications enriching people’s lives in line with the vision of the UAE leadership to be a pioneer in all sectors.

The partnership will provide futuristic solutions and services enabling connectivity with an advanced network and digital capabilities, which is also in line with Etisalat’s vision of ‘Driving the Digital Future to empower societies’.”

The MoU comes in the context of Etisalat's commitment to support the efforts of ADSSSA to harness the latest digital technologies to provide the next generation of government services.

Etisalat provides a wide range of ICT solutions to the Abu Dhabi government services platform ‘TAMM’, which is a leading and futuristic model for government services in line with the Abu Dhabi Government Vision and the Abu Dhabi economic stimulus plan ‘Ghadan 21’, which means ‘Tomorrow 21’.

• Inaugural event receives overwhelming response
• Awards seek to recognise outstanding SMBs and start-ups in the UAE

Etisalat announced the winners of its inaugural ‘SMB Awards 2018’ in Grand Gala event to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of small and medium businesses (SMBs) and start-ups in the UAE.

The prestigious inaugural awards function was attended by Ali Ibrahim, Deputy Director General, Department of Economic Development, Dubai and Abdul Baset Al Janahi, CEO, Dubai SME along with senior management from Etisalat.

Black Tulip Flowers was named SMB of the Year, while The Digital Transformation Award was presented to Jackys Business Solution and Farmchip General Trading picked up the Start-up of the Year.

Meanwhile, IRIS Health Services received the Innovation Award, while the Positive Social Impact Award was given to Toys with Wings. Junkbot Robotics scooped the Young Entrepreneur Award and RPMA Communication & Wireless System Equipment walked away with the Technology Disruptor Award.

The SMB Awards received an overwhelming response with great submissions from Entrepreneurs and SMBs across all industries. In addition to the previous awards, Enerwhere Sustainable Energy won the Sustainability Award, while the Community Care Award was presented to Rahma-Cancer Patient Care Society. A.J. Arabia was named Emirati Entrepreneur and the final Smart Solutions Award was picked up by Farnek Services.

Esam Mahmoud, Senior Vice President, SMB, Etisalat, said: “We launched ‘SMB Awards’ 2018 to recognise the outstanding achievements of SMBs and start-ups in the UAE and celebrate the wealth of excellence and innovation in our industry At Etisalat, we are driven by our service mantra for SMBs, which is ‘Your Business Grows with Us’. We had an overwhelming response to our inaugural awards and look forward to welcoming small businesses and startups in next year’s competition.”

The SMB sector plays an important role in the UAE economy, accounting for 86 percent of the total private sector workforce and more than 60 percent of the country’s current GDP. Etisalat currently serves more than 300,000 SMB customers in the country, working closely with them in their digital transformation journey.

The SMB Awards, launched in October last year, recognises individual and group performance. Kreston Menon was Etisalat’s third-party auditor for the Awards.

Twelve month consolidated net profit after Federal Royalty amounted to AED 8.6 billion an increase of 2.4% compared to same period last year

• Aggregate subscriber base reached 141 million
• Etisalat named ‘Most Valuable Telecoms Brand’ in MENA region in 2018 by Brand Finance
• UAE is ranked number one for the highest Fiber to the Home (FTTH) penetration among all its global counterparts for a third year in a row

At Etisalat’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), held at the company’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi, shareholders have backed the board’s recommendation to pay full-year 2018 dividends of 80 fils per share and approved the proposal of lifting restrictions on foreign shareholders voting rights.

Etisalat Group consolidated revenues reached AED 52.4 billion while consolidated net profit after Federal Royalty reached AED 8.6 billion an increase of 2.4% compared to the same period last year.

At the AGM, Eissa Mohamed Al-Suwaidi, Chairman, Etisalat Group said: “Our journey in 2018, marks another successful year for Etisalat in realizing its vision towards driving the digital future to empower societies. As a group, we focused on strengthening our core business, expanding and enriching our digital portfolio, and diversifying into new growth opportunities. We have increased the effort on transforming Etisalat into an agile and more efficient company.

“With the emergence of the digital era, there have been dynamic changes and rapid developments in the global telecom sector. Etisalat maintained its leadership position as it continued to transition to a digital organization both internally and externally. Our operating companies worked in line with the overall strategy and managed to enhance synergy at group level, progressed with our digital vision and elevated competitiveness in their respective markets.

He highlighted: “Etisalat Group continued to achieve strong financial performance and maintained its high credit rating reflecting its efforts to provide value to shareholders, which was the drive behind proposing a final dividend of AED 0.4 per share, bringing the total dividends for the year to AED 0.80, in line with our policy in previous years. This represents a dividend yield of 4.7% and dividends payout ratio of around 81%. In addition, the company enhanced its corporate governance by recommending lifting of restrictions on voting rights of foreign shareholders.

“Etisalat’s infrastructure is built to enable digital transformation, to nurture innovation, and to provide superb customer experience, it is a competitive edge that will remain a strategic priority at group level. Our mobile and fixed networks in majority of operating markets are amongst the best within their local markets or surpassed their geographical boundaries and led at global scale. For UAE as an example, Etisalat have the widest LTE coverage globally and among the global leaders when it comes to fiber network penetration.

“We are honored to be the trusted partner of governments in many national and strategic projects, and we are proud that our network investments and initiatives are supporting the countrywide telecom infrastructure indexes in markets that we operate in. For UAE, we have partnered with concerned governmental entities to fulfill our leadership ICT vision through dedicated initiatives that enhance penetration and coverage of key services. Ultimately, the integration of efforts has ranked UAE as number 2 in Telecom Infrastructure Index (TII) in 2018 as opposed to 25 in 2016.

He emphasised: “As Etisalat continues its journey, it allows new opportunities with every generation of technology that it adopts. Etisalat envisions 5G as a stepping-stone to unlimited potential, a technology that will enable new use cases, widen possibilities, and enhance value creation. Hence, we were the first to launch the first commercial 5G network in UAE and the region achieving another technological milestone for the company. The fifth generation of the network will fuel digital transformation, IoT, smart cities and the fourth industrial evolution.

“Etisalat was ranked as the most valuable brand portfolio in MENA for the 3rd consecutive year, a testimonial of its power and a translation of its sincere efforts to provide customers with great service, compelling offers, and value for money. Etisalat Group was the first Middle East company to break the $10 billion barrier in terms of wider portfolio value.

He added: “Our geographic footprint today continues to present substantial opportunities and at the same time, some challenges. Etisalat has always seen beyond the obstacles and acted diligently to protect the long-term interests of its shareholders by optimizing and maintaining a healthy business portfolio and continue to seek good opportunities to grow as a company.

“Today, we look at the future with confidence and optimism as we are determined to progress on solid grounds and continue innovation while focusing on driving the digital transformation to take advantage of future opportunities that will enable us to add greater value to our customers and shareholders.

“I would like to thank the leadership of UAE, President HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces for their continued support to Etisalat Group and the telecom sector. In addition, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our customers for their steady confidence and our shareholders for their continued support and special thanks to Etisalat management team for their commitment and dedicated work that will drive us to move forward and continue our success.”

Eng. Saleh Abdullah Al Abdooli, GCEO, Etisalat Group said: “Etisalat Group made further progress this year in its efforts to lead in the digital space, to transform its operating model, and to enhance value and returns to customers and shareholders. 2018 was rich with accomplishments that will enhance the ability to achieve our vision as a Group, which is to drive the digital future to empower societies.

“Portfolio optimization was a main thrust in 2018, we managed to sustain positive momentum across key international operations while retaining operations that assure synergy and value creation to the group as a whole. Our portfolio is the most valuable brand in MENA and the first and only brand to surpass the USD 10 bn, a great feat that puts Etisalat head to head with global renowned brands and ahead of many key regional brands.

He underlined: “Currently, Etisalat’s portfolio spans over 15 countries while serving over 141 million customers. The technology that we provide and enable, brings individuals and societies closer at a local and global level, such firm belief was the drive behind launching our new brand direction “Together Matter” which embodies the power of technology in connecting and enriching people’s lives.

“In 2018 we have delivered a solid financial performance with consolidated revenues at AED 52.4 billion and consolidated net profit at AED 8.6 billion, representing 2.4% YoY growth. An outstanding outcome considering the stagnant global economy and some operating companies’ specific challenges pertaining to currency devaluation, geopolitical instability, and elevated competitive and regulatory pressures.

“Etisalat is keen on staying ahead when it comes to next generation technologies, our investment in the future has enabled us to achieve the first 5G commercial launch in MENA with EXPO 2020 as the first business customer. This achievement will redefine connectivity and support the full-fledged adoption of the Internet of things. As an industry leader, we have a role in driving change and expanding the telecommunication ecosystem, we are building a platform for the future, which will materialize the next generation of immersive experiences and power the digital economy.

“2018 has also witnessed the launch of e-SIM features for Apple watches, in which Etisalat UAE was the first MENA Telecom operator to offer such service. While on a parallel track, we have affirmed our position as the preferred IoT provider with key projects like “Hassantuk”, which is a landmark partnership with UAE’s Ministry of Interior to deliver the first Smart Fire Alarm solution in the region.

He highlighted: “The launch of “Future Now” was another key milestone in 2018. The program encompasses under one consolidated umbrella the innovation center, the co-creation lab, the scale-ups program, and the IoT partnerships program, all of which introduce new ways of innovating and collaborating, while aiming in essence to spur innovation in the surrounding ecosystem, hence forming a fertile setting for digital transformation. Innovation will always be a key strategic imperative for Etisalat and one of the key attributes that is associated to its brand in all markets.

“Building on our technological advanced position, delivering a superior and differentiated customer experiences is paramount. We will continue expanding mobile coverage across the footprint and investing in fixed network, cloud, and data centers. Our infrastructure is a hub for massive amounts of voice and data traffic, and is resilient enough to accommodate the upcoming surge in requirements, an adaptive and reliable network that serves customers of all types, while empowering customers through smart digital interfaces and self-care channels.

He added: “Building on our success in 2018, we will continue our digital transformation journey across the group while pursuing multiple other critical-mission objectives. Growth remains a dominant priority that is driven by a rising digital and various new revenue streams. Driving efficiency through internal digitization and by optimizing portfolio-wide pockets of potential synergy and value creation is also a priority. Etisalat Group will always be the trusted partner for governments and enterprises, the preferred telecom provider for consumers, and the transformation engine for societies where it operates.

“Lastly, I would like to extend my gratitude and appreciation to the leadership of the UAE, for their enduring support and for being a role model in ambition, dedication, and hard work, driving us to aim higher and allowing us as individuals and businesses to extend our global reach and widen our horizon. Moreover, I am thankful to our loyal customers and shareholders who inspire us to innovate and push boundaries, and to our employees who are the cornerstone of our success and the foundation of our future.”

UAE is ranked number one for the highest Fiber to the Home (FTTH) penetration among all its global counterparts for a third year in a row, according to the leading industry body FTTH Council

The council published its annual report that showcases the countries with the highest fiber optic network penetration globally. The report highlighted UAE as the number one country globally with its fiber network coverage surpassing Singapore, China, South Korea, Hongkong and Japan.

Etisalat’s network is a backbone to its long-term strategy to enable and drive digital transformation across its network. Today’s announcement signifies that it has maintained consistent leadership globally in FTTH penetration setting a benchmark in the global telecom industry. This achievement was only possible due to the continuous support and vision of the leadership of UAE in the development and modernisation of the infrastructure..

Etisalat plans to invest AED 4 billion during 2019 in digital transformation, the mobile and fiber network. This has led to the launch of innovative services meeting the growing demand and changing requirements of Etisalat’s customers across the country

With Etisalat’s strategy focused on ‘Driving the Digital Future to Empower Societies’ the network forms a significant component of this digital transformation journey. Etisalat has continuously focused on investing in innovation and on next generation technologies and services to expand and enhance the network.

In today’s connected world, with the greater need for computing and connectivity capabilities such an advanced network also enables the implementation of futuristic technologies like augmented reality, robotics and artificial intelligence. Consumers are able to experience high performance and capabilities required in advanced gaming, streaming, applications and entertainment with a high-speed network.

For enterprises, digital transformation will play a pivotal role in enabling the support of advanced use cases, applications and technologies. This will be key to bring success and next level of development leading Etisalat to play a greater role in digital lives of consumers and enterprises. This forms the backbone of a robust and one of the most advanced and fastest network in the region.

Transit passengers to enjoy 1GB and 10 flexi minutes valid for 48 Hours

Etisalat today announced the launch of the Visitor Line ‘Transit Pack’, offering transit passengers 1GB data and 10 flexi minutes valid for 48 hours for AED50.

The launch follows the UAE government’s decision to grant free transit visas for 48 hours to passengers transiting throughout the UAE’s airports.

Khaled Elkhouly, Chief Consumer Officer, Etisalat, said: “At Etisalat, we understand the value of staying connected with family and friends while travelling abroad. We are delighted to offer transit passengers an affordable and tailored package that caters to their needs for their 48-hour stay. This special package is part of our ongoing efforts to provide top-notch benefits to all our customer segments.”

Transit passengers can avail of the ‘Transit Pack’ at Etisalat’s authorised partners located in UAE airports and borders after fulfilling regulatory and the mobile registration requirements.

Emirates Data Clearing House (EDCH), a subsidiary of Etisalat Services Holding, showcased its latest Application-to-Person (A2P) offerings at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

The two messaging products – Smart-Protect and E-Message - offer network security and revenue assurance to mobile network operators and diverse business messaging solutions to the enterprises spanning across various scales and verticals.

Ahmed Al Yateem, Vice President Sales & Business Development, EDCH, said: “Our continuous efforts and commitment to innovation have enabled us to provide our Mobile Network Operator (MNO) partners with a complete and fully managed A2P messaging end-to-end solution to serve their needs. By incorporating our Smart Protect solution, MNOs are assured of full visibility and control over the A2P SMS traffic being terminated into their networks due to near real-time updates and security rules.

“Our business messaging solution E-Message will help MNOs capitalise on the enormous market potential by reaching out to targeted market segments with focused marketing campaigns. With our bespoke messaging solutions, corporates can monetise latent market opportunities and convert them into enduring sources of revenue.”

Smart-Protect filters and monitors A2P traffic for network security and checks revenue leakage and enhances revenue. EDCH’s state-of-the-art end-to-end managed messaging service supported by the constant monitoring and vigilance of a team of experts give it a competitive edge over others. Other benefits include bespoke solutions, zero risk, zero CAPEX and zero OPEX, flexible commercial models to suit clients’ needs, and an easy end-to-end integration with zero network disruption.”

Our Business Messaging Solution E-Message helps enterprises capitalise on the enormous market potential by reaching out to a targeted market segment with focused marketing campaigns. It also empowers all types of enterprises to automate their workflow with our unique messaging capabilities. With EDCH’s bespoke messaging solutions, corporates can monetise latent market opportunities and convert them into enduring sources of revenue without spending on CAPEX, OPEX or management/maintenance of the solution.

Established in 1994, EDCH is a trusted Value-Added Services (VAS) solutions provider of telecom operators and enterprises globally. It is the only data clearing house in the Middle East with clients spanning across the globe, empowering mobile operators and enterprises to enhance their revenues while reducing operational cost. It also offers comprehensive solutions such as data and financial clearing, revenue assurance, messaging, value added services, SIM and eSIM, among others.

Etisalat and Telserv announced a strategic partnership to further enhance portfolios of both parties to serve customers around the world.

The agreement was signed by Ali Amiri, Group Chief Carrier & Wholesale Officer, Etisalat Group, and Marco Dunhof, Chief Strategy Officer of Telserv, on the sidelines of the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

Through the partnership, Etisalat will be able to provide its enterprise customers with a full global coverage of direct inward dialing, two way voice (unified communications), toll-free and mobile numbers. Telserv, for its part, will enhance its portfolio in the Middle East and African region.

This agreement provides customers of both organisations with a broader solution portfolio, based on connectivity between Etisalat’s Tier-1 global network and the Telserv Global Voice Network (GVN) and all available number solutions. Through this strategic agreement, both organisations are able to address new markets, create and optimise business. Customers will benefit from this solution immediately and address challenges they were not able to do before.

Commenting on the partnership, Ali Amiri, Group Chief Carrier & Wholesale Officer, Etisalat Group, said: “As one of the world’s fastest-growing telecom groups, Etisalat is focused on showing its commitment to excellence and innovation. We are committed to deliver a comprehensive portfolio of high quality wholesale services, extending the reach of mobile operators, carriers and ISPs globally. In partnership with Telserv, Etisalat will be able to service its enterprise customers even more with cost effective solutions.”

Marco Dunhof, Chief Strategy Officer of Telserv, said: “We are very pleased with Etisalat as a strategic partner showing commitment for operational excellence and translating opportunities for customers. Etisalat has been a valuable organisation for years and have proved to add value to the market in general, but also to its partners.”

British comedy icon makes a second comeback with the new eLife Unlimited commercial

British actor Rowan Atkinson, famous for his portrayals of Mr Bean and Johnny English, is the current star in Etisalat’s new eLife Unlimited commercial.

It would be the first time after a gap of two years that Atkinson is reprising his slapstick comedy character Mr Bean.

In the 1.12-minute video, Mr Bean, in his trademark tweed jacket, flips through the channels as action leaps off the screen and onto his couch.

The entire commercial captures the comedy icon in action. Mr Bean takes on multiple characters: a Scottish warrior, a gentleman and a lady from the Victorian era, a football player, a jungle man, a man revving up a chainsaw, a racing car driver, and a masked sword-wielding Spanish vigilante.

In a comical fashion, he takes viewers through eLife Unlimited’s features such as the widest range of HD and 4K channels, thousands of OnDemand movies, TV shows and latest nature shows; best live coverage and up-to-the-minute results for one’s favourite sports; unlimited home phone calls; blazing home internet speeds of upto 1Gbps; and a no commitment option.

Atkinson previously played as a secret agent in an Etisalat commercial ‘The Network’ last year.

The comedic Johnny English-inspired campaign was a big hit, garnering more than 3 million views since being uploaded on YouTube. Agent One’s mission is to find a spot across the UAE where he cannot get an Etisalat signal.

To test Etisalat’s nationwide network coverage, his character sees him visiting hard to reach places such as the Abu Dhabi desert, Burj Khalifa, the mangroves in Sharjah, underwater in Fujairah, and speed across the UAE in his pursuit.

Etisalat- one of the world’s leading telecom groups in emerging markets-and Huawei, a leading global provider of ICT infrastructure and smart devices—today announced during Mobile World Congress a strategic partnership to deploy end-to-end 5G network in UAE in 2019.

This partnership is in line with Etisalat’s continuous efforts to enhance its digital experience and provide innovative solutions and services to its customers with the utilisation of its 5G network. Etisalat will be able to deliver innovative solutions and services targeting various sectors including education, healthcare, and transport among others. This will enable the use of advanced technologies, high-speed services, cutting-edge and innovative applications.

As part of the agreement, Huawei will offer its latest state of the art network solutions including 5G wireless, 5G service oriented core and 5G ready transport network to facilitate smooth 5G technology adaption.

Saeed Al Zarouni, Senior Vice President, Mobile Networks, said: “Etisalat continues to focus on digital innovation to ‘Drive the digital future to empower societies’ leading to investments in superior and state-of-the-art technology solutions on the network. 5G is considered a major enabler for the next generation of broadband service and the Internet of Things, which is growing exponentially due to the global adoption of connected devices.

“5G service availability will provide high data rates with ultra-low latency, providing unlimited access to all kinds of innovative applications and services and will drive efficiency and productivity to a wide range of business across industrial sectors of the UAE. With its implementation, there will be immense potential for future technologies like AI, robotics, advanced 4K gaming, AR and VR enhancing the overall digital experience for all consumers.”

Peng Xiongji, President of Huawei Etisalat Global Key Account, said: "Etisalat and Huawei have been collaborating for over a decade to launch innovative technologies and services.
Building on our long-term relationship, Huawei is committed to supporting Etisalat’s 5G digital transformation. 5G offers great potential for Etisalat to offer enriched broadband experiences, new services and explore new B2B markets.”

Etisalat's major achievement in deployment of 5G was the launch of the first commercial 5G network on C-band in the MENA region in early May 2018. The implementation of the 5G network will help transform an open cloud platform to allow much faster time to install new services to provide superior experience and reliability.

Etisalat today announced the launch of its Robotic Centre of Excellence that delivers a wide variety of automated solutions to boost efficiency and improve productivity leading to greater customer satisfaction.

The initiative is part of Etisalat’s key activities to mark UAE Innovation Month. The centre, which soft launched with six robots in February last year, currently has 76 robots performing 745,000 autonomous transactions in Etisalat’s Business Care and Order Management back office functions.

The introduction of robotic process automation is part of Etisalat’s endeavour to drive the digital future and empower society which is in line with the UAE Vision 2021, where the national innovation strategy has identified digital technology as one of the top seven primary national sectors.

Salvador Anglada, Group Chief Business Officer at Etisalat, said: “As we move further into the digital age, there is a growing need to turn towards emerging technologies to streamline operations and inject greater efficiency into business processes. The opening of Etisalat’s Robotic Centre of Excellence addresses the evolving needs of our customers, with robotic process automation services improving overall efficiency, speed and accuracy of our back office team, with the aim of further enhancing customer satisfaction.”

Robotic process automation releases back office agents from repetitive mundane tasks to concentrate on high value activities that cannot be robotised. Robots perform monotonous tasks much more accurately, securely, and reliably. Software robots are supporting back office agents to complete repetitive tasks about 70% faster. Therefore, the staff along with the robots work much more efficiently together.

Etisalat Information Services, a subsidiary of Etisalat Services Holding, today announced the next generation application of the aggregator’s model through its enhanced Connect.ae mobile app, taking its hyper-local search engine to the next level by bringing together businesses and consumers in the UAE through exclusive deals and special discounts.

The launch of the UAE’s first aggregator app is part of Etisalat’s key activities to mark the UAE Innovation Month, in line with UAE’s Innovation Strategy that sets out the country’s ambition to become the most innovative nation in the world.

Rashid Al Naqbi, General Manager, Etisalat Information Services, said: “Etisalat Information Services is continuously investing across its multi-channel to enable digital transformation. The launch of the connect.ae app supported by innovative technology will give customers and businesses a unique and seamless experience of the wide array of services, discounts, and deals.

“Connect.ae has collaborated with the world’s leading aggregators such as Booking.com for hotels bookings; ride-hailing app Careem; food delivery app Zomato; and Shopinc.com for grocery shopping, among others. Customers can easily book a cab, make hotel or restaurant reservations, and get exclusive discounts with the enhanced app. With its innovative features and services, this digital platform is seen to further boost customer loyalty as well as promote brand exposure.”

Connect.ae, which first launched in March 2015, is a hyper-local search engine to find companies, products, services within one’s city in the UAE. The tool collects, filters, classifieds, and presents local business information to the market, offers routing guidance, booking services and posts enquiries with companies.

The app, available for free from Apple’s App Store and the Google Play store, offers users with discount vouchers and deals at 1,000 partners, ranging from restaurants to clinics, spas, cinemas, car rentals, travel and tours, and other services. Customers can also redeem the vouchers and avail of discounts on the Connect.ae website.

Millennial mobile digital platform swyp today announced its sponsorship of the Beach Canteen at Sunset Beach during this year’s Dubai Food Festival.

swyp Beach Canteen (previously called Etisalat Beach Canteen) located behind Sunset Mall, will run from 21 February to 9 March 2019. Considered a signature event of Dubai Food Festival since its inception in 2014, the Beach Canteen will feature food trucks and restaurants from around Dubai; serving up selections of some of their most delectable dishes.

This year’s swyp Beach Canteen opens from 10am to 10pm on Saturdays to Wednesdays, and 10am to 12am on Thursdays and Fridays.

Organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the sixth edition of DFF promises everyone a packed 17-day programme of much-awaited signature events, including Dubai Restaurant Week, Beach Canteen and Hidden Gems. Stay tuned for exciting new activations, appearances by celebrity chefs, food-related activities and promotions at malls, restaurants and hypermarkets.

For more information and a full update on DFF activities, visit www.dubaifoodfestival.com/ or @DubaiFoodFest and #DubaiFoodFest.

Etisalat today announced that it has renamed Smile Lifestyle to Unlimited Buy 1 Get 1 on the ‘Smiles’ app, offering a wider range of amazing deals and rewards every day for AED20 a month.

On the ‘Smiles’ app, users can subscribe to Unlimited Buy 1 Get 1 which enables them to download numerous vouchers and discount coupons at no extra cost, ranging from cinema to shopping, dining, wellness and travel with thousands of partners’ outlets across the UAE.

Khaled Elkhouly, Chief Consumer Officer, Etisalat, said: “The Smiles programme is intended to have a deeper engagement with our customers and to increase our customers’ happiness. With the enhanced Unlimited Buy 1 Get 1 subscription model, our valued customers can benefit from a wide-range of deals, discounts and rewards that are seamlessly accessible through the Smiles app and website.”

Through the Smiles app, customers can get e-vouchers for instantaneous redemption. Over the past one year, the number of offers available on Smiles Unlimited Buy 1 Get 1 has more than doubled, expanding the portfolio from 180 to 400 offers, providing benefits at more than 1500 partner locations. Starting 1st March 2019, the subscription charge for the Unlimited Buy 1 Get 1 Free will be AED 20 from AED 10 per month.

Once subscribed, the service is auto renewed on a monthly basis and customers can continue to enjoy all the benefits. One can unsubscribe at any point of time through the ‘Smiles’ app or the website by clicking the ‘Unsubscribe’ tab within the Unlimited Buy 1 Get 1 subscription section.

Introduced in March 2017, the ‘Smiles’ app can be downloaded from iOS App store or Android Play store. Users could instantly start enjoying through a welcome gift on successful on boarding as well as start availing all the rewards ranging from Etisalat service bundles to 50 percent discount off on cinema tickets and special discounts from thousands of partner outlets.

• Complimentary double speed upgrade for both businesses and home subscribers
• Upgrade boosts UAE’s competitiveness standing in global fixed broadband speed index

Etisalat business and home subscribers will experience double broadband speed enabling them to implement and use advanced digital technologies in their homes and offices.

The new speed upgrade is in line with Etisalat’s overall strategy of ‘Driving the digital future to empower societies’ by actively initiating and implementing initiatives that will enable a digital economy and contribute towards ICT development.

With both businesses and consumers gaining benefit from the doubling of the speed, it will enhance UAE’s competitiveness standing in the global fixed broadband speed index increasing broadband penetration and business productivity in the country. The move follows the doubling of broadband speed across the entire ‘eLife Unlimited’ plan line-up for consumers last month.

All new and existing business customers subscribed to broadband services such as ‘Business in a Box’ and ‘Business Quick Start’ will now get access to double the speed for free starting from 100Mbps going up to 600Mbps.

Salvador Anglada, Group Chief Business Officer, Etisalat, said: “We are delighted to offer this complimentary upgrade to our business customers, giving them the professional edge with much higher speeds and making their businesses future ready. The double speed upgrade is Etisalat’s commitment to make our technology work for businesses and individuals, enabling them to grow their business and stand out from the competition. As for home customers, Etisalat has already doubled the speed of ‘eLife Unlimited’, which also introduced a ‘Commitment Free’ option, which does away with the minimum commitment period for subscribers.”

The entry-level business broadband plans for new customers now offer speeds starting from 100Mbps with no change in price. Etisalat’s flagship all-in-one bundle ‘Business in a Box’ provides one-stop solution to businesses that include high speed internet, advanced IP telephony, business-grade office devices, applications, 24/7 support and more.

For home customers on ‘eLife Unlimited’, the entry-level plan ‘eLife Starter’ now offers speeds up to 100Mbps. The ‘eLife Unlimited Sports and Entertainment’ plans offer speeds up to 250Mbps while the ‘eLIfe Premium’ plans offer speeds up to 500Mbps and 1Gbps. This change represents the first time 100Mbps has been offered as an entry-level speed for consumers in the UAE.

• Most valuable portfolio brand in the MENA region for the 3rd year in a row
• Remains the most valuable consumer brand in MEA for 2nd consecutive year

Etisalat today received ‘ The Most Valuable Portfolio Brand’ in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) by Brand Finance as a recognition for the company’s impressive portfolio of brands becoming the first Middle East group to break the $10 billion barrier in terms of wider portfolio value.

Etisalat boasts of a portfolio of brands such as Etisalat Misr, Mobily, Ufone, Maroc Telecom, PTCL and Etisalat Afghanistan. The company has also seen an 8 percent growth since last year, resulting in becoming the first Middle Eastern brand to hold such a wide portfolio. For the second consecutive year, Etisalat also retained its position as the most valuable consumer brand in the Middle East and Africa.

“We are proud to achieve the recognition as the most valuable portfolio brand and the first Middle Eastern brand to break the $10 billion barrier in terms of wider portfolio value in the MENA region. Thanks to the UAE leadership’s support, vision and encouragement that helped Etisalat achieve this significant milestone surpassing some of the top renowned regional brands. This achievement is also due to our continuous efforts in digital transformation whereby we have amplified our reach and presence in a highly competitive marketplace by investing in new digital platforms and global brand building initiatives. Etisalat’s success as a brand was also reinforced by the synergy of operating companies across our footprint, creating brand loyalty and enhanced engagement with our customers,” said Saleh Abdullah Al Abdooli, CEO, Etisalat Group.

David Haigh, CEO, Brand Finance said: “It is a real testament to the leadership of the UAE that Emirati brands are leading the charge for the Middle East, amongst the world’s most valuable brands. As celebrations for the ‘Year of Zayed’ wrap up, we recognise the achievements, will and determination of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.”

Operating in 15 countries across Asia, Middle East and Africa, Etisalat’s success can also be attributed to its continued efforts in developing its customer loyalty programmes, sports sponsorship commitments and in driving the digital future to empower societies.

Etisalat pioneering 5G efforts in the region and delivering one of the fastest, smartest and best-connected places on earth during the global mega Expo 2020 Dubai has attributed to its success as a brand in the region. As the premier digital and telecommunications partner of Expo 2020 Dubai, Etisalat is prepared to deliver the event’s visitors and delegates 5G connectivity that brings the Expo themes to life for the 25 million expected visitors.

Several factors have attributed to the success and growth of Etisalat’s brand value mainly driven by an innovative customer service driven strategy, adapting well to a digital savvy marketplace, leading the 5G revolution and the successful launch of global brand building initiatives. Etisalat has also led digital innovation in the country with its overall strategy focused on ‘Driving the Digital Future to empower societies’ by working on several digital initiatives in digital infrastructure, entertainment and smart cities.

Etisalat has reached out and engaged with its consumers across markets with global branding initiatives by sponsoring global football teams and clubs aligning with the brand’s priorities of being at the forefront of major sporting events. Etisalat also launched the new positioning campaign ‘Together Matters’ to highlight togetherness among its subscribers in today’s world of connectivity.

As part of its digitization efforts for consumers, Etisalat provided an efficient personalised retail experience by amplifying the roll out of smart stores in UAE and transforming a brick and mortar retail environment to a digital experience for customers.

Brand Finance, is the world’s leading independent branded business valuation and strategy consultancy, and is the organization behind the Global 500 Brands and Telecom 300 league table of the world’s biggest brands ranked by their brand value, assesses the dollar value of the reputation, image and intellectual property of the brand.

Etisalat Digital has entered into a strategic partnership with the Federal Electricity and Water Authority (FEWA) to provide them with ‘Etisalat Direct’. This bespoke solution is hosted and powered by Etisalat’s UAE based OneCloud and is a fully managed application that enables FEWA to connect with their customers more effectively.

Etisalat Direct allows the application to send messages (typically an SMS) directly to customers and staff. This important tool is an enabler for FEWA’s digital transformation, allowing FEWA to communicate with their customers in a reliable, fast and secure manner. As part of FEWA’s digital transformation, customer happiness and environment conservation efforts, the platform will allow FEWA to send customers links to their ebills, payment reminders, notifications, and conservation tips and guidelines.

The platform also allows FEWA to communicate with their staff for internal communication.

Mohammad Saleh, Director General of FEWA, said: “This agreement is part of FEWA’s strategic objective to upgrade its services and enhance the happiness level of customers across the Northern Emirates. The selected business messaging solution will provide FEWA with a bespoke platform which has the flexibility to reach a wider audience base.”

Sultan Mohamed Al Dhaheri, General Manager, Etisalat Abu Dhabi, said: “Etisalat is proud to be the strategic enabler for FEWA’s digital transformation journey allowing them to communicate with the customers in a much efficient manner. Our business messaging solution, powered by Etisalat OneCloud, will provide a tailored experience for FEWA customers. This is in line with Etisalat’s long term strategy of driving the digital future by enabling our government partners with advanced digital solutions and services.”

In line with the agreement, Etisalat will manage the fully customised messaging platform powered by Etisalat OneCloud which is an end-to-end managed cloud solution including managed infrastructure-as-a-service, managed security services, managed backup, managed applications, managed disaster recovery services and managed connectivity.

Millennial mobile digital platforms swyp and Liv. today announced a strategic partnership to provide a value-added shared proposition to their millennial customers.

The partnership brings together the UAE’s leading digital bank and mobile service provider to create a unique lifestyle experience, targeting the connected generation. Liv. and swyp customers will benefit from access to both brands’ lifestyle events, welcome bonus points for new customers and additional livions and swypees for in-app usage and gamification, including swyp recharges. Further, using Liv. will be data free on the swyp network.

Commenting on the partnership, Khaled Elkhouly, Chief Consumer Officer, Etisalat, said: “Customers are accustomed to brick and mortar solutions for their telecom and banking needs. Both apps will offer customers an entire in-app management, ranging from registering, to ordering, to day-to-day account operations. This partnership will see swyp and Liv. working closely with their customers to understand their needs, lifestyle, what makes them stand out, and offer value and convenience by enabling them with these innovative digital solutions.”

Jayash Patel, Head of Liv., said: “As a millennial focused brand, we are delighted to bring shared value and access to Liv. and swyp users as we continue to enhance our platforms. The partnership will help us build on our core offering of lifestyle centered mobile based customer propositions, giving our customers the best of both brands in a single offering.”

Launched in 2017 as the new youth mobile digital platform in the UAE, swyp offers a unique proposition in a digital, hassle free approach to such a growing segment. In addition to a variety of mobile data and social media plans, SWYP membership comes with free access to the discounts across several stores and food outlets. Users can choose data plans depending on their preferences and can also view and control their usage easily on the app.

Liv. is the UAE’s first digital-only bank established in line with UAE Vision 2021’s strategic objectives of creating a smart innovation-driven economy, and the fastest growing bank in the country today. Launched in early 2017, it aims at providing a differentiated digital experience for a new generation of customers, empowering them in their daily lives, learning and adapting to their individual preferences, and providing a banking platform that is intuitive and simple to use.

• Etisalat Digital selects four disruptive companies to join Future Now scaleup programme after Dubai Future Accelerators collaboration

• Signing ceremony also marks opening of Future Now scaleup area

Future Now, the innovation programme of Etisalat, has signed agreements with four scaleups to develop Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain solutions following the successful Dubai Future Accelerators programme.

The signing ceremony also marked the opening of the Future Now scale-up collaborative space for Etisalat Digital’s partners, namely Yitu Technology (China), Com IoT Technologies (UAE), 300cubits (Hong Kong), and Tradefin (USA). They were chosen based on their capability to build and launch their core technology and be able to demonstrate traction and substantial use cases.

These selected companies will continue their journey through the ‘Future Now’ scale-up programme, where they will receive access to Etisalat Digital resources and experts, office space, and support needed to deliver joint projects to Etisalat’s client base.

As part of the fifth cohort of Dubai Future Accelerators, Etisalat Digital launched in July this year three challenges to companies across the world. Out of all the companies that applied, seven companies were selected to address these challenges. The companies had the opportunity to network with a number of key stakeholders and have access to resources and expertise.

Etisalat Digital selected two companies, Yitu Technology (China), and Com IoT Technologies (UAE), for the first challenge that sought to leverage artificial intelligence for video surveillance systems and create solutions that would reduce crime rates and road congestion. To support the UAE 2021 vision of making the UAE the safest place in the world, the challenge focused on scaleups that could deliver solutions that would analyse behavior and predict crime-related patterns, in addition to enhancing transportation issues like congestion and accidents, and take automated decisions with the use of artificial intelligence on existing video surveillance systems.

The second challenge addresses the use of Blockchain to reduce the transactional costs and complexity in business processes for banks, governments and private organisations, with the goal of reducing the costs and complexity by 40 percent over five years. 300cubits (Hong Kong) was selected for this challenge.

Tradefin (USA) was selected for the last challenge that was focused on the adoption of Blockchain to enable exchange across various loyalty currencies and to transform a loyalty currency into a crypto currency that can be used to perform online and physical transactions.

In line with the Future Now’s vision of accelerating innovation, the partnerships will fast track the deployment of latest technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain to avail them to Etisalat’s client base. The scale-up program is a key pillar of the Future Now ecosystem that aims to provide a collaborative platform for innovators, partners and customers to expedite the adoption of such cutting-edge technologies.