February 23, 2026
Methodology About Newsletter
WE THE UAE 2031
The Vanderbilt Terminal for the UAE's National Transformation
INDEPENDENT GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE FOR THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% | UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% |

Definition

du, officially the Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company, is the UAE’s second telecommunications operator, providing mobile, fixed-line, broadband, IPTV, and enterprise digital services. Launched in 2007 to introduce competition into the UAE’s previously monopolistic telecom market, du is a publicly listed company on the Dubai Financial Market. The company is majority-owned by Emirates Investment Authority and has built a comprehensive network infrastructure including 5G coverage across major urban areas. du serves millions of mobile and fixed-line subscribers across the UAE.

UAE Context

The introduction of du in 2007 transformed the UAE telecommunications landscape by ending Etisalat’s decades-long monopoly and driving improvements in service quality, pricing, and innovation. du has established a strong presence in Dubai particularly, serving as the exclusive telecom provider in several major developments and free zones. The company operates the UAE’s second 5G network and provides IPTV and home entertainment services alongside traditional telecom offerings. du has expanded into enterprise services including cloud computing, managed IT services, cybersecurity solutions, and IoT connectivity, positioning itself as a technology partner for businesses undergoing digital transformation. The company plays an active role in the UAE’s smart city initiatives.

Key Data

  • Founded: 2005 (launched commercial services 2007)
  • Listed: Dubai Financial Market (DFM)
  • Services: Mobile, fixed-line, broadband, IPTV, enterprise digital services
  • Network: 5G coverage across major UAE urban areas
  • Market role: Challenger operator providing competition to e& (Etisalat)
  • Headquarters: Dubai

Significance for Vision 2031

du’s existence as a competitive alternative to e& ensures that the UAE’s digital infrastructure develops under market pressure to innovate and improve. Telecommunications competition drives down costs for businesses and consumers while accelerating the deployment of advanced technologies like 5G and fiber broadband. These connectivity improvements are essential to Vision 2031’s goals of building a globally competitive digital economy, attracting technology companies, and enabling smart government services across all seven emirates.

  • e& (Etisalat) - UAE’s incumbent and largest telecommunications operator
  • Smart Government - Digital governance dependent on telecom infrastructure
  • Free Zone - Business environments where du provides connectivity services