• Etisalat’s fastest network on the planet has helped respond to the new normal and digital transformation
• Etisalat Group: setting global benchmarks in digital innovation and transformation
• Etisalat is an integrated ICT solutions provider driving the digital future to empower societies
‘Connectivity’ has gained significant relevance last year with the entire mobile ecosystem showcasing how it can transform lives. During Mobile World Congress this year, Etisalat’s focus will also be about highlighting the achievements and the resilience its network displayed in providing value to the society and deliver the ‘new normal’.
COVID-19 became a key protagonist for change in this hybrid world, the pandemic has demonstrated the critical importance that telecommunications infrastructure plays in keeping businesses, governments, and societies connected and running. With the new normal created by the pandemic, the digital maturity in the sector has evolved in every aspect of the business while in products and services tailored value propositions take precedence for hyper connected consumers and digitally fueled governments/businesses
Etisalat Group is one such operator across its operations in Asia, Middle East and Africa pressed the fast forward button to becoming a complete integrated ICT solutions provider. The company’s vision to ‘Drive the Digital Future to Empower Societies’ has geared it to support and serve the entire community making it possible for businesses to work remotely, millions of students to enjoy distance learning and all citizens have access to vital services. Its network joined one of the most robust and digitally equipped showcasing infrastructure preparedness and ability to adapt and implement during today’s extraordinary times.
With a robust financial performance and becoming the fastest network on the planet, has helped the brand respond immediately to the ‘new normal’ of the pandemic, providing solutions and flexibility in a way that connected emotionally with consumers.
Milestone results in 2020
The positive growth and results are a reflection of our years of preparation on the infrastructure front as well as business continuity. Etisalat has been preparing for different kinds of calamities that might happen showing resilience and remaining committed towards the communities we serve minimising impact on our operations and uninterrupted services to our customers.
Eng. Hatem Dowidar, CEO, Etisalat Group said: “Etisalat Group’s first quarter results are a continuation of the strong performance the company has achieved over the past year due to the resilience and agility shown across our business operations. The company generated record results in the new hybrid scenario helping consumers adapt to a new work-and-learn-from-anywhere reality while continuing to deliver innovative services subscribers require and demand.
“Our teams rallied to support our customers with technology playing a central role in keeping our society, economy and lives connected. Digital evolution is the future where telecom operators are the key players to enable the transition and be the exemplary adopters of digital transformation. Stemming from this conviction, Etisalat will continue its efforts to align its business with the digital mandate it has undertaken, by shifting the operating model, investing in future technologies, generating new revenue streams and by acquiring and disseminating digital capabilities across its markets.”
New telecom bond issuance completed
The successful completion of a bond issuance from Etisalat was another strong point this year which highlighted the growing confidence of international investors in the UAE economy.
Etisalat successfully completed the bond issuance of one billion euros to refinance the maturing bond tranche it had issued in 2014 for the acquisition of a controlling stake in Maroc Telecom worth one billion euros to refinance the maturing bond tranche it had issued in 2014 for the acquisition of a controlling stake in Maroc Telecom.
Etisalat Group issued bonds in two tranches, the first is a 7 years tranche amounting to 500 million euros with an annual yield of 0.4%. The second tranche for a period of 12 years amounts to 500 million euros with an annual yield of 1%.
The refinancing decision aims to diversify the company’s sources of funds and extending the repayment schedule of existing debt while taking benefit of improved cost of funding thereby maximizing shareholders value. The bond issuance was very successful as it witnessed a remarkable demand from local and international investors with being 6 times oversubscribed.
This high demand reflects investors’ confidence in Etisalat Group’s performance, strong financial profile and credit ratings; Aa3 stable (Moody’s) and AA- Stable (S&P Global), one of the highest rating in the industry.
Hailed as the strongest brand in the MEA region for 2021
Thanks to Etisalat’s strategy over the last few years and recent achievement of becoming the fastest network on the planet, the brand was in a position to respond immediately to the ‘new normal’ of the pandemic, providing solutions and flexibility in a way that connected emotionally with consumers.
“This is a historic achievement for Etisalat to be recognised on such a global platform among the best in the world and the region. Our efforts to bring innovation and digital transformation for all our customers have also led to Etisalat being ranked as the strongest brand on a global scale. The previous year has demonstrated our strength and commitment in delivering uninterrupted high quality services to all our customers adding value to our brand while focusing on our vision to ‘Drive the digital future to empower societies’ realising our digital ambitions to reality,” Dowidar added.
When COVID struck in 2020, Etisalat led from the front ensuring business continuity, robust e-governance, enablement of smart cities and remote learning, to help drive the digital future. Staying relevant and enabling the fastest network on the planet, Etisalat has earned its place as the region’s strongest brand, ready to deliver on its ethos of ‘Together Matters’.
With the most valuable telecom portfolio in the region, Etisalat also broke the $11 billion mark, turning its sights on transforming into a truly global player.
The Group scored a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 87.4 out of 100 and a corresponding AAA brand strength rating – the only brand in the region to achieve this rating. It put Etisalat among the top 25 brands globally in the strongest brands index. Etisalat achieved this global brand strength through its continuous efforts and investments in accelerating value to its consumers across markets with the launch of many successful innovative global branding initiatives.
This recognition put Etisalat up 17 spots in the global 500 brand value ranking from 225th to 208th and is ranked among the top five strongest telecom brands across global markets and the strongest telecom brand in the MEA region.
For the fifth year in a row, Etisalat has retained its title of the most valuable telecom portfolio of brands, touching over AED 40 billion, including Etisalat Misr, Mobily, Ufone, Maroc Telecom and PTCL, and is also the only telecom brand to retain AAA brand rating.
Provide an experience of a lifetime at Expo 2020 Dubai
As the official telecom and digital services partner, Etisalat aims to provide an experience of a lifetime with the fastest, smartest and most connected sites on earth. This will be the first expo to witness the 5G revolution and is the first major 5G commercial site in the MEASA region offering advanced digital and telecom services to millions of visitors experiencing memories of a lifetime.
“Etisalat has become a key regional and international player in 5G especially with one of the biggest world expo powered by 5G to be held this year”, added Dowidar.
The upcoming Expo 2020 Dubai is being seen as an event that will foster global trade and bring countries together to come up with real-life solutions to business challenges worldwide. The UAE has been lauded by the participating countries for its technological infrastructure to host such massive world events. As the country’s leading telecommunication company, Etisalat is the preferred premier digital services and telecommunications partner of Expo 2020 Dubai and it is prepared to deliver the 5G connectivity for the millions of delegates and visitors participating in the event.
Etisalat’s services in the 5G network will play an important role ensuring that the massive security and logistical readiness is in place for the mega world expo.
Commenting on Etisalat’s participation, Dr. Ahmed Bin Ali, Group Senior Vice President, Corporate Communication, Etisalat, commented saying, “As the Official Telecommunications and Digital Services Premier Partner of Expo 2020 Dubai, Etisalat is proud to have supported Pavilions Premiere and the debut of Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion. We delivered state-of-art telecommunications and digital services, providing a superior visitor experience thanks to the fastest network on earth.”
Innovative customer service strategy and adoption of the digital-first marketplace has been the key driver for Etisalat’s success and growth in leading the 5G revolution and the successful launch of global brand-building initiatives. Etisalat has tirelessly led digital innovation in the country by working on several digital initiatives in infrastructure, entertainment, and smart cities.
