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

e&, formerly known as Etisalat, is the UAE’s largest telecommunications company and one of the leading telecom groups in the emerging markets. Rebranded in 2022 to reflect its transformation from a traditional telecom operator into a global technology and investment conglomerate, e& provides mobile and fixed-line telecommunications, broadband internet, enterprise digital services, and fintech solutions. The group operates in 16 countries across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, serving over 160 million subscribers globally. e& is listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and is majority-owned by the Emirates Investment Authority.

UAE Context

Within the UAE, e& operates under the Etisalat by e& brand and is the country’s incumbent telecommunications provider, having been the sole operator until du entered the market in 2007. The company built the UAE’s first 5G network and consistently ranks among the fastest mobile networks globally. e& provides the telecommunications infrastructure that underpins the UAE’s smart city initiatives, digital government services, and cloud computing capabilities. The company has diversified aggressively into digital verticals including fintech, cybersecurity, cloud services, and AI-driven enterprise solutions. Its international operations span major markets including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan, and Morocco.

Key Data

  • Founded: 1976
  • Rebranded: 2022 (from Etisalat to e&)
  • Global subscribers: Over 160 million across 16 countries
  • UAE market position: Incumbent operator, largest by subscriber base
  • Listed: Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX)
  • Headquarters: Abu Dhabi

Significance for Vision 2031

e& provides the digital infrastructure backbone essential to Vision 2031’s knowledge economy ambitions. The company’s 5G network, fiber-optic coverage, and cloud services enable the smart city, telemedicine, remote education, and fintech applications that define the UAE’s future economy. As the UAE competes globally for technology talent and digital investment, the quality and ubiquity of e&’s telecommunications infrastructure is a fundamental competitive differentiator.

  • du - UAE’s second telecommunications operator
  • Smart Government - Digital governance enabled by e&’s infrastructure
  • Free Zone - Business zones dependent on reliable telecom connectivity