du

du is the commercial brand of Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company PJSC, one of the two principal licensed telecommunications operators in the United Arab Emirates. The company was incorporated as a public joint-stock company in Dubai on December 28, 2005, received a telecommunications licence in February 2006, and introduced the du operating brand during 2006. Its mobile services and broader consumer proposition were launched commercially in February 2007. The business was established as the UAE’s second domestic telecommunications provider alongside the incumbent operator now known as e&. The brand provides mobile communications, fixed-line telephony, broadband, home wireless connectivity, digital television, enterprise connectivity, information and communications technology services, data-centre and colocation services, carrier services, internet exchange facilities, and satellite uplink and downlink services for broadcasters. Its customer base spans individual consumers, households, small and medium-sized businesses, large enterprises, carriers, government entities, and media organizations. Consumer offers include prepaid and postpaid mobile plans, home internet, fixed voice, television, device bundles, and digital self-service tools. Business propositions include managed connectivity, cloud, cybersecurity, Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, blockchain, data centres, private networks, unified communications, and sector-specific digital transformation services. du’s development has closely followed the UAE’s economic diversification and smart-government agenda. The company initially expanded through fixed services in free zones and related areas formerly served by Tecom, then built a national mobile network and progressively enlarged its fixed and enterprise footprint. It introduced LTE services in 2012, pursued Voice over LTE and carrier aggregation technologies, and began commercial 5G deployment in 2019. Its network strategy has subsequently moved toward 5G standalone capabilities, fixed wireless access, private 5G, network virtualization, low-latency enterprise connectivity, and expanded fibre and data-centre infrastructure. The company has also sought to move beyond the traditional role of a connectivity provider. Its business portfolio has been organized around du Business for core enterprise connectivity, du Tech for ICT and digital transformation offerings, and du Infra for network infrastructure and related services. In 2024, EITC entered regulated digital financial services through du Pay, a Central Bank of the UAE-licensed platform supporting money transfers, peer-to-peer payments, bill payments, mobile top-ups, card services, and salary deposits through customer IBANs. In 2026, du launched du Ventures, a corporate venture fund managed with Shorooq and focused on technologies such as fintech, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, loyalty, gaming, customer experience, and enterprise software. du operates in a highly concentrated domestic market in which the principal licensed operators have substantial government-linked ownership and network access can historically depend on geography or development type. The brand has typically been particularly visible in free zones and new Dubai developments, while regulatory arrangements and infrastructure-sharing initiatives have gradually supported broader retail choice. The company remains UAE-focused rather than a multinational consumer telecom brand, although it maintains international carrier, satellite, wholesale, technology-partner, and digital-services relationships. As of 2026, Fahad Al Hassawi is chief executive officer and the brand is positioned as an integrated telecom, ICT, infrastructure, and digital-services provider supporting the UAE’s digital economy.

Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company PJSC was incorporated in Dubai on December 28, 2005, as part of the UAE’s effort to introduce a second licensed domestic telecommunications operator. The company received its telecommunications licence from the national regulator in February 2006. It initially acquired the telecommunications business previously operated by Tecom in the Tecom Free Zone and related areas, giving it an operating base in fixed-line and broadband services. The company created the du operating brand in February 2006 and subsequently developed a consumer-facing identity that could compete with the incumbent operator. The company completed an initial public offering in April 2006 and listed its shares on the Dubai Financial Market. Commercial mobile and home services were launched in 2007, following the implementation of an interconnection framework governing traffic and service relationships between du and the incumbent operator. du reached its first million mobile customers during 2007 and three million by the end of 2008. By 2009, it reported a 32 percent mobile-market share, establishing the brand as a significant national operator rather than a free-zone-only provider. During the early 2010s, du expanded its customer-support, wholesale, data, and network capabilities. It opened a customer-care centre in Fujairah, launched datamena as a regional data hub, and invested in network modernization. LTE service began in 2012 using the 1800 MHz band. The company later demonstrated and tested Voice over LTE and introduced LTE-Advanced capabilities using carrier aggregation and multiple-input, multiple-output technology. These developments supported faster mobile broadband and helped prepare the network for increased smartphone and data usage. The company broadened its media and infrastructure activities as well. du Teleport became the first broadcasting teleport in the Middle East to receive certification under the World Teleport Association’s Teleport Certification programme in 2016. In 2017, EITC launched Virgin Mobile in the UAE under a trademark licence, creating a separate digital-first mobile brand alongside du. In 2018, the company consolidated its enterprise connectivity and ICT activities within an Enterprise Solutions Division, reflecting the growing importance of business technology services in its portfolio. 5G became the next major stage of du’s network development. The company began infrastructure work in 2015, announced 5G readiness in 2018, and launched commercial 5G services in 2019. It used demonstrations, flagship stores, Global Village, industrial trials, and high-throughput testing to establish the network as a platform for consumer broadband, smart-city applications, industrial connectivity, augmented and virtual reality, and Internet of Things services. In 2020, du announced a millimetre-wave deployment at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi and continued to strengthen fibre, Voice over LTE, backbone, data-centre, and network-function-virtualization capabilities. In 2021, it announced a 5G leased-line deployment with ultra-low latency, while its enterprise programme moved toward private networks and OpenRAN-based solutions. In 2022, it expanded fixed wireless access through 5G Home Wireless products. By 2023, 5G carried more than half of the company’s mobile-network traffic. In 2024, the business entered regulated digital financial services through du Pay after receiving Central Bank of the UAE licences. It also reorganized its B2B portfolio around du Business, du Tech, and du Infra, emphasizing connectivity, ICT, cloud, cybersecurity, AI, IoT, blockchain, data centres, and infrastructure services. The company announced a strategic partnership with Telefónica and joined the Orange Alliance programme as part of its wider international technology and innovation agenda. In 2025, du announced a new hyperscale data centre in the UAE with Microsoft as the main tenant and commercially launched 5G Voice over New Radio on its standalone 5G network. In 2026, it launched du Ventures with Shorooq, extending the company’s transformation agenda into corporate venture investment. The current business therefore combines traditional mobile and fixed telecommunications with enterprise technology, digital infrastructure, data centres, fintech, broadcasting support, wholesale connectivity, and innovation partnerships. Its operations remain concentrated in the UAE, where its competitive position is shaped by a two-operator market, government-linked ownership, national digital-development policies, and continued investment in 5G, fibre, cloud, AI, and smart infrastructure.

1. 2026du Ventures launched

   du establishes a corporate venture fund with Shorooq to invest in digital technologies and startups aligned with its transformation priorities.

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2. 2025Hyperscale data centre announced

   du announces a new UAE hyperscale data centre project with Microsoft as the main tenant.

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3. 2025Commercial 5G VoNR launch

   du launches Voice over New Radio commercially over its 5G standalone network.

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4. 2024du Pay launches

   du launches its Central Bank of the UAE-licensed digital financial services platform.

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5. 2024B2B operating sub-brands introduced

   The company introduces du Business, du Tech, and du Infra to organize its enterprise connectivity, ICT, and infrastructure offerings.

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6. 20235G becomes the dominant mobile traffic technology

   The company reports that 5G traffic exceeds half of total mobile-network traffic.

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7. 20225G Home Wireless launch

   du expands fixed wireless access with 5G Home Wireless plans for residential customers.

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8. 20215G leased-line deployment

   du announces a 5G leased-line deployment designed to provide ultra-low-latency enterprise connectivity in the UAE.

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9. 2020Millimetre-wave and network virtualization expansion

   The company expands its 5G and core-network capabilities, including millimetre-wave deployment, fibre expansion, VoLTE, backbone modernization, and network-function virtualization.

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10. 2019Commercial 5G launch

    du launches commercial 5G services and begins applying the technology to consumer, enterprise, government, entertainment, and smart-city use cases.

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11. 2018Enterprise Solutions Division established

    The company combines enterprise connectivity and ICT activities in a dedicated Enterprise Solutions Division.

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12. 2017Virgin Mobile UAE launches

    EITC launches Virgin Mobile in the UAE under a trademark licence as a separate digital-first mobile brand.

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13. 2016du Teleport receives regional certification

    du Teleport becomes the first broadcasting teleport in the Middle East certified under the World Teleport Association’s Teleport Certification programme.

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14. 2012LTE service begins

    du launches LTE services using the 1800 MHz band, beginning the transition toward higher-speed mobile broadband.

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15. 2008Three million mobile subscribers

    The company reports three million mobile subscribers by the end of 2008.

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16. 2007Mobile and home services launch

    du launches mobile and home services and reaches its first million mobile subscribers during the year.

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17. 2006du operating brand is created

    The company establishes du as its official operating brand and receives a licence to become the UAE’s second domestic telecommunications provider.

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18. 2006Initial public offering and DFM listing

    EITC completes its initial public offering and lists its shares on the Dubai Financial Market.

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19. 2005EITC is incorporated

    Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company PJSC is incorporated in Dubai on December 28, 2005, as a public joint-stock company.

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A UAE-focused integrated telecommunications and digital-services provider that combines consumer connectivity with enterprise ICT, infrastructure, data-centre, fintech, and smart-economy capabilities.

• Mobile telecommunicationsConsumer telecommunications2007

  du’s mobile business provides voice, messaging, mobile broadband, roaming, device connectivity, and related digital services across the UAE. Its consumer portfolio includes prepaid and postpaid plans, handset bundles, data allowances, and self-service tools. The network has evolved from GSM and 3G through LTE and LTE-Advanced to commercial 5G and 5G standalone capabilities. Mobile services remain one of the brand’s core consumer offerings and a major platform for newer applications such as IoT, immersive media, smart-city services, and enhanced voice communications.

• Home broadband and fixed servicesFixed telecommunications2006

  du provides fixed voice, broadband internet, fibre connectivity, home internet plans, and television services to households and property developments. Its home proposition has expanded beyond fixed-line access through 4G and 5G Home Wireless products, giving customers an alternative access method where fixed infrastructure or installation requirements differ. The company also participates in fixed-network infrastructure projects for major developments and provides residential digital services through online account management and payment channels.

• Digital television and IPTVBroadcasting and pay television

  du’s home entertainment portfolio includes digital television and IPTV services delivered alongside connectivity products. The offering forms part of the brand’s integrated household proposition, combining broadband, fixed voice, television content, devices, and customer support. The wider EITC group also operates satellite and teleport-related capabilities that support broadcasters and media customers through uplink, downlink, and related transmission services.

• du BusinessEnterprise connectivity2024

  du Business is the enterprise-facing connectivity brand within du’s reorganized B2B portfolio. It provides business mobile, fixed connectivity, broadband, managed communications, cloud-linked connectivity, and related solutions supported by the company’s 5G and fibre networks. The proposition serves SMEs, large enterprises, government organizations, and other institutional customers that need dependable connectivity and communications services as the foundation for digital operations.

• du TechICT and digital transformation2024

  du Tech focuses on information and communications technology solutions for government, large enterprises, and SMEs. Its portfolio includes data centres, hybrid cloud, cybersecurity, IoT, artificial intelligence, blockchain, managed services, and other digital transformation capabilities. The sub-brand represents du’s attempt to broaden its role from network operator to technology partner supporting modernization, automation, sovereign-cloud requirements, and data-driven operations.

• du InfraDigital infrastructure2024

  du Infra is the infrastructure-focused B2B sub-brand responsible for secure data flows, network operations, infrastructure services, and connectivity foundations for organizations and government agencies. It is intended to support customers that require resilient and managed digital infrastructure rather than only retail telecommunications plans. The proposition complements du Business’s connectivity role and du Tech’s ICT and transformation role.

• du PayDigital financial services2024

  du Pay is a Central Bank of the UAE-licensed digital financial services platform launched in 2024. It supports international money transfers, local peer-to-peer transfers, bill payments, mobile top-ups, card payments, and salary deposits through a customer-specific IBAN. The application was designed for the UAE’s multilingual population and initially supported six languages. du Pay extends the du ecosystem into payments and remittances while aligning the company with the UAE’s cashless-economy and financial-inclusion agenda.

• datamenaData and carrier services

  datamena is a regional data hub associated with du’s wholesale and infrastructure activities. It supports interconnection, carrier services, content and cloud connectivity, and access to digital infrastructure in the UAE. The platform reflects du’s role beyond retail telecommunications, connecting international operators, technology companies, content providers, and enterprise customers to regional networks and data-centre capabilities.

• du TeleportSatellite and broadcast services

  du Teleport provides satellite uplink, downlink, and related transmission services for broadcasters and media organizations. It forms part of the company’s wholesale, carrier, and media-infrastructure activities rather than its mainstream consumer telecommunications portfolio. The teleport’s regional certification in 2016 was an important milestone in du’s positioning as a provider of specialized broadcast infrastructure in addition to mobile and fixed connectivity.

• 2025du Pay Send Money, Win Big

  United Arab Emirates

  du Pay used promotional campaigns connected to international and local money transfers, including prize-led customer engagement initiatives.

  Outcome. The campaigns were reported as part of du Pay’s first-year customer-acquisition and usage programme.

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• 2024du Pay launch and digital-finance adoption

  United Arab Emirates

  The du Pay launch presented the platform as a multilingual and inclusive digital-finance service supporting transfers, payments, top-ups, cards, and salary deposits.

  Outcome. The service later reported more than half a million app downloads and over AED 500 million in transactions during its first year.

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• 2019du 5G Experience

  United Arab Emirates

  du used Al Majlis at Madinat Jumeirah, flagship stores, and live demonstrations to explain the differences between 4G and 5G and present possible consumer, enterprise, government, IoT, and smart-city applications.

  Outcome. The campaign supported du’s commercial 5G launch and positioned the network as a platform for future digital experiences rather than only a faster mobile connection.

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• 2019Global Village 5G entertainment destination

  United Arab Emirates

  du partnered with Global Village to provide 5G connectivity across the entertainment destination during its 24th season, turning a major public venue into a prominent demonstration of next-generation connectivity.

  Outcome. The activation gave consumers a high-visibility opportunity to experience 5G in a live entertainment setting and linked du’s network brand to destination technology and connected experiences.

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• 2026Launch corporate venture fund du VenturesStrategy

  du sought structured access to emerging technologies and startups that could strengthen its telecom, fintech, cloud, AI, cybersecurity, enterprise, and customer-experience businesses.

  What changed. The company launched du Ventures with Shorooq as fund manager and announced a focus on early-stage and growth opportunities in the UAE and wider Middle East.

  Aftermath. The initiative extended du’s digital-transformation strategy from internal product development into external technology investment and ecosystem building.

  Fund size. USD 50 million (Announced June 3, 2026)

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• 2025Invest in hyperscale data-centre infrastructureStrategy

  Demand for cloud computing, AI workloads, sovereign infrastructure, and locally hosted digital services increased the strategic importance of large-scale data centres.

  What changed. du announced a new hyperscale data centre in the UAE, with Microsoft as the main tenant and capacity to be delivered in stages.

  Aftermath. The project strengthened du’s positioning as a national hyperscaler and expanded its enterprise infrastructure ambitions beyond connectivity.

  Project value. Approximately AED 2 billion (Announced April 22, 2025)

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• 2024Expand into regulated digital financial servicesStrategy

  The company aimed to diversify beyond connectivity and participate in the UAE’s cashless-economy and financial-inclusion initiatives.

  What changed. EITC obtained Central Bank of the UAE licences and launched du Pay with money transfers, payments, top-ups, cards, and IBAN-enabled salary services.

  Aftermath. du gained a new digital-services growth platform and extended its customer relationship into everyday financial transactions.

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• 2024Reorganize the B2B portfolio around three operating sub-brandsStrategy

  Enterprise customers increasingly required integrated connectivity, cloud, cybersecurity, AI, data-centre, and infrastructure solutions rather than standalone telecom products.

  What changed. du organized its B2B proposition around du Business for connectivity, du Tech for ICT and digital transformation, and du Infra for network infrastructure.

  Aftermath. The restructuring clarified the company’s ambition to become an integrated digital-services enabler for government, enterprise, and SME customers.

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• 2019Move from LTE to commercial 5GGeneration change

  Rising data usage and the UAE’s smart-city and digital-transformation priorities created demand for higher-capacity, lower-latency mobile infrastructure.

  What changed. du launched commercial 5G services and developed associated consumer, enterprise, venue, and industrial use cases.

  Aftermath. 5G became a defining part of du’s technology positioning, later supporting standalone-network trials, private networks, fixed wireless access, and VoNR.

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• 2017Launch Virgin Mobile UAE as a separate digital brandStrategy

  EITC sought to address digitally oriented mobile customers through a proposition separate from the main du brand.

  What changed. The group launched Virgin Mobile in the UAE under a trademark licence.

  Aftermath. EITC added a digital-first mobile brand to its UAE portfolio while retaining du as its principal telecommunications brand.

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• 2005Create a second domestic telecommunications operatorStrategy

  The UAE telecommunications market was historically dominated by a single incumbent operator. The establishment of EITC created a second licensed provider intended to expand service availability and competition.

  What changed. EITC was incorporated as a public joint-stock company and received a domestic telecommunications licence in February 2006.

  Aftermath. The company launched the du brand, expanded from free-zone fixed services into national mobile and home services, and became the second major operator in the UAE.

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• 2026du launches du Ventures with Shorooq

  du launched a corporate venture fund with Shorooq to invest in early-stage companies and technologies relevant to fintech, AI, cybersecurity, cloud, loyalty, gaming, enterprise software, and customer experience.

  Other
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• 2025du launches a hyperscale data centre with Microsoft as main tenant

  du announced a new UAE hyperscale data centre project valued at approximately AED 2 billion, with Microsoft identified as the main tenant for capacity delivered in phases.

  Product launch
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• 2025du commercially launches 5G Voice over New Radio

  du announced the UAE commercial launch of VoNR over its 5G standalone network, allowing compatible calls to remain on 5G rather than falling back to 4G.

  Product launchProduct generation
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• 2025du Pay reports its first-year customer and transaction milestones

  du Pay reported more than half a million application downloads and over AED 500 million in transactions during its first year of operation.

  OtherProduct launch
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• 2024EITC receives Central Bank of the UAE licences for fintech services

  The company received regulatory licences enabling it to enter digital financial services and develop products intended to support cashless payments and financial inclusion.

  RegulationProduct launch
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• 2024du launches du Pay

  du Pay launched as a digital financial services platform offering international transfers, local peer-to-peer transfers, bill payments, mobile top-ups, card services, and IBAN-enabled salary deposits.

  Product launch
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• 2024du and etisalat by e& partner with Nakheel on fixed telecom infrastructure

  The two UAE operators agreed with Nakheel to provide fixed telecommunications services and jointly support infrastructure deployment across major Dubai developments.

  Other
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• 2024du unveils du Business, du Tech, and du Infra operating sub-brands

  The company reorganized its B2B proposition around connectivity, ICT and digital transformation, and network infrastructure sub-brands.

  Product launch
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• 2023du reaches a milestone in 5G mobile traffic

  du announced that 5G traffic had become the dominant traffic category on its mobile network, reflecting the migration of customers and usage toward newer devices and services.

  Product generationOther
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• 2019du launches its commercial 5G network in the UAE

  du introduced commercial 5G services in the UAE, making next-generation mobile connectivity a central part of its network and product strategy.

  Product launchProduct generation
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• 2019du reports more than 2Gbps peak throughput on a 5G standalone network

  The company announced a 5G standalone demonstration exceeding 2Gbps aggregate downlink and uplink throughput over a single 100MHz carrier.

  Product generationOther
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• 2019Global Village becomes a 5G-powered entertainment destination through du

  du deployed 5G connectivity at Global Village as a high-profile consumer and destination-use case for the new network.

  CampaignProduct launch
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1. Du (company)
2. EITC Prospectus
3. du Management Team
4. du Investor Relations Publications
5. du launches du Pay
6. du unveils transformative B2B portfolio
7. du announces a new hyperscale data centre in UAE
8. du launches du Ventures
9. Commercial 5G launch
10. 5G becomes the dominant mobile traffic technology
11. Commercial 5G VoNR launch
12. Global Village 5G entertainment destination
13. du Pay Send Money, Win Big
14. EITC receives Central Bank of the UAE licences for fintech services
15. du and etisalat by e& partner with Nakheel on fixed telecom infrastructure
16. du reports more than 2Gbps peak throughput on a 5G standalone network