Company Accelerates Progress with a 60.7% Profit Increase and Major Achievements in International Growth During the First Half of 2025
e&, the major Emirati state-owned telecommunications and technology group, has reported impressive financial and operational results for the first half of 2025. The company, formerly known as Etisalat, established in 1976, is ranked as the 16th largest telecom operator worldwide by number of subscribers and is a significant contributor to the UAE’s economic development outside the oil sector.
Under the leadership of H.E. Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Alzaabi, Chairman of e&, and Hatem Dowidar, Group CEO, e& has undergone substantial transformation from a traditional telecom operator into a diversified digital services and technology provider. This strategic shift has been driven by the growing demand for AI-powered services, tailored digital solutions, and next-generation connectivity.
The company's financial performance in the first half of 2025 is a testament to this successful diversification and transformation strategy. e& recorded a consolidated revenue of AED 34.9 billion, marking a year-on-year increase of 23.3 percent. The consolidated net profit surged by 60.7 percent to AED 8.8 billion. EBITDA also increased substantially by 18.8 percent to AED 15.4 billion.
In terms of AI-powered services and digital solutions, e& has made significant strides. The company launched the UAE Sovereign Cloud Launchpad in partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and the UAE Cyber Security Council, providing secure and sovereign cloud and AI solutions tailored for government and local enterprises. e& also became one of the first companies to receive the prestigious ‘S Class’ rating under the Dubai AI Seal, recognizing its leadership in responsible and ethical AI development.
The group has formed strategic partnerships with global tech leaders such as Qualcomm to accelerate 5G evolution and integrate edge AI technologies across industries, enhancing connectivity and enabling localized AI processing on devices. Collaboration with IBM led to the creation of an AI governance framework ensuring safe and ethical AI use, and e& invested in training 284 UAE nationals in AI skills since 2021 to build local expertise and talent.
On connectivity growth, e& continues to expand its footprint. The acquisition of Serbia Broadband grew its presence in Europe and gained new customers. The company is also rapidly advancing 5G networks and edge AI integration with Qualcomm, positioning itself at the forefront of next-generation telecom technologies.
To sharpen focus on advancing digital transformation initiatives and increase financial flexibility, e& strategically divested from assets like Khazna Data Centers. Key milestones during the reporting period included the divestments of Khazna and a partial stake in Airalo.
In summary, e& leverages its deep telecom heritage in the UAE to lead regional digital transformation, with strong financial results driven by innovation in AI-powered services, digital cloud solutions, and connectivity expansion both locally and internationally. The company was named the world's Fastest Growing Brand by Brand Finance, reaffirming its role as a global digital transformation leader, committed to enabling future technologies and delivering long-term impact across the regions it serves.
- In its pursuit of diversification, e& partnered with the UAE Cyber Security Council to launch a secure and sovereign cloud and AI solution, recognized as a leader in responsible and ethical AI development with the prestigious ‘S Class’ rating under the Dubai AI Seal.
- Recognizing the growing demand for edge AI technologies, e& formed a strategic partnership with Qualcomm, accelerating 5G evolution and integrating AI technologies across various industries, enhancing connectivity and enabling localized AI processing on devices.
- To reinforce its financial flexibility and focus on digital transformation initiatives, e& strategically divested from assets like Khazna Data Centers, which included the divestment of Khazna and a partial stake in Airalo during the reporting period.
