#Digital Transformation #Abu Dhabi #UAE #AI Connectivity #Etisalat

Etisalat's Record Performance in 2026: Profit Soars

Etisalat has recently unveiled its financial results for Q3 of 2026, showcasing an impressive consolidated net profit of AED 11.2 billion, which marks a staggering increase of 276.2% year over year. For the first nine months of the year, the company reported a total net profit of AED 17.2 billion, reflecting a 45.9% surge compared to the previous year. This significant growth is attributed to the company's relentless focus on enhancing its capabilities across connectivity, digital infrastructure, and artificial intelligence (AI).

The consolidated revenue for Q3 reached AED 19.5 billion, an increase of 6.9% over Q3 of the previous year, contributing to a cumulative total of AED 57.6 billion for the first nine months, up 10% from the prior year. Such achievements underline the firm’s robust position in the highly competitive telecommunications landscape, driven by a strategic commitment to innovation and disciplined portfolio management.

In terms of user engagement, Etisalat’s total subscriber base soared to 254.8 million by Q3 2026, reflecting a notable growth rate of 29.4%. The UAE market alone saw an uptick of 5.2%, translating into 16.5 million subscribers. This demand surge can largely be attributed to the increasing reliance on advanced digital services and AI-powered connectivity solutions.

Noteworthy Financial Indicators

• - EBITDA Growth: In addition to impressive profit figures, EBITDA for Q3 2026 came in at AED 9 billion, showing a rise of 5.1%. Over the first nine months, EBITDA reached AED 26.7 billion, marking a 10.3% increase.
• - Earnings Per Share: Earnings per share also reflected strong performance, climbing up to AED 1.29 in Q3, a 276.2% increase, and AED 1.98 for the nine-month period, a 45.9% jump.

The company's growth was further bolstered by its recent capital move where it divested its entire stake in Vodafone Group for AED 21.9 billion. This sale not only provided a substantial immediate financial windfall but also enhanced the firm’s overall financial flexibility.

A Vision for the Future

As Etisalat approaches its 50th anniversary, it is moving towards becoming a leading AI-powered telecommunications company. This vision emphasizes the critical role of connectivity in a landscape increasingly defined by digital transformation and innovation. By continuing to develop high-capacity digital infrastructure, the company aims to enhance its international connectivity capability to more than 500 terabits per second (Tbps) by 2030—representing a more than twentyfold increase from its current capacity.

Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, Group CEO of Etisalat, highlighted, “Our Q3 2026 outcomes illustrate the resilience of our business model as we convert growth opportunities into tangible results.” He reinforced that the company’s future would be centered around integrating AI into core operations and delivering secure digital infrastructure that empowers transformation at the enterprise and governmental levels.

Moving forward, Etisalat is committed to supporting the UAE's ambition of becoming a global technology hub, establishing strategic partnerships while focusing on innovation-driven economic frameworks. The progression of these initiatives is essential for fostering a knowledge-based economy in the region, enhancing operational efficiency, and ensuring maximum readiness and reliability.

As Etisalat celebrates its past achievements, it is poised to invest in the next 50 years with a vision of leveraging advancements in technology to facilitate economic growth and connectivity across the globe—reinforcing its mission to not just communicate but to transform the digital landscape.