By: Mahmoud Gamal

Abu Dhabi– Mubasher: Capital spending in e&, formerly known as Etisalat Group, amounted to AED 3.50 billion during the first half (H1) of 2022. 

The group's international subscriber base stands at about 160 million subscribers, Group CEO e&, Hatem Dowidar, told Mubasher.

The CEO's remarks came in line with the launch of the GITEX GLOBAL in the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). The world’s largest tech show, taking place from 10 to 14 October 2022, features every major technology player, trend, and vertical, and it covers sectors, including smart cities, cybersecurity, data economy, mobility, healthcare, and telecoms.

Dowidar added that the group provides GITEX 2022 visitors with a key metaverse platform in collaboration with SK Telecom, the largest telecom operator in South Korea. This platform aims to enhance user experiences through virtual spaces and explore possible opportunities for interacting in the metaverse world.

Moreover, Dowidar revealed that e& secures a top spot among the world’s best 10 telecom firms, in terms of capital market value. The group aims to achieve further progress with the reliance on technological solutions. 

Furthermore, he expected the group to identify opportunities and partnerships built on virtual world technologies as it taps into the metaverse world.

The group’s partnership with Meta enables working on digitising subscribers’ services and enhancing the experiences of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and e-commerce.

The group, listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), adheres to promoting the country’s social and economic growth trajectory, pushing forward the digital transformation wheel to further elevate the country’s global positioning.

Over the coming five years, the telecom sector in the UAE is expected to witness a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) estimated at 3.50%. Internet users inside the Gulf country represent around 99% of its residents.

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