Etisalat Group announced today its consolidated financial statements for the 12 months ending December 31 2017. Financial Highlights and Key Developments for 2017.  Etisalat UAE subscriber base reached 12.6 million, representing a year on year growth of 3%.  Etisalat UAE revenues amounted to AED 31.2 billion and increased year over year by 3%.  Etisalat UAE net profit after federal royalty amounted to AED 8.2 billion and increased year over year by 5%.  

Etisalat UAE Full year EBITDA in 2017 increased by 2% to AED 16.7 billion resulting in EBITDA margin of 53%. Proposed dividend payout of 40 fils per share for the second half of 2017, representing a total dividend payout of 80 fils for the full year and a dividend payout ratio of 82%. 

Credit Ratings by agencies S & P Global and Moodys affirmed Etisalat Group’s high credit rating at AA-/Aa3.  UAE ranked as global leader in Fiber Optic Network by FTTH Council.  As part of its strategic partnership with Dubai Future Accelerators, etisalat has launched two challenges in the areas of health and digital security risks. 

 Etisalat launched ‘Open Innovation Center’ to showcase Smart Solutions to Governments and Businesses hence, driving the Digital Transformation.  Etisalat announced the successful deployment of pre-commercial 5G network in certain locations in UAE and successfully completed the fastest 5G live trial reaching 71Gbps  Etisalat Receives Tier III Gold Certification for Operational Sustainability  Etisalat enhances International Connectivity to UAE with AAE-1 Submarine Cable System .

Etisalat UAE revamped loyalty program ‘Smiles’, focusing on digital channels and bringing larger value to customers.  Etisalat launched ““swyp” the new digital brand targeting the youth and digital millennials in the UAE  

Etisalat launches first IPX Exchange platform in MEA, which will augment its already existing SmartHub data center services.  Etisalat launched 4G service in Egypt.  Etisalat selected as the digital transformation partner for Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC)’s FinTech accelerator program.  Etisalat launched M2M in-vehicle WiFi enabling connected fleets businesses as part of its next generation IoT solutions.  E-Vision Partners with MBC GROUP in Exclusive IPTV/OTT Channel Distribution Rights deal in the UAE  Etisalat introduced ‘Create Your Number’ service for all post-paid subscribers first time in the UAE. Industry Recognition .

 Etisalat named ‘Most Valuable Brand’ in the Middle East & Africa 2017, with a brand value that stands at 7.7 bn USD.  Etisalat named ‘Best Telecom Brand’ and ‘Best Middle East Operator’ at TR Excellence 2017  Etisalat named ‘Best Operator’ by ‘Telecoms World Middle East 2017’  Etisalat named ‘Best Middle East Wholesale Operator’ at TR Excellence 2017  Etisalat’s Maroc Telecom Named ‘Best African Operator’ at TR Excellence 2017.

Etisalat won ‘Telecom Group of the year’ from Comms MEA  Etisalat won ‘Best Telecom Strategy of the year’ from Broadcast Pro ME  Etisalat’s Smart Hub has Won the DCD Award in “Excellence in Regional & Global Datacenter Connectivity” (DCD – Data Centers Dynamic)  Etisalat won the prestigious “Innovation Idea in Program Management” Award for the successful management & completion of Dubai Parks and Resorts project.  Etisalat Group, Accenture and DXB Entertainments won at GLOMO Awards for Best Use of Mobile for Travel, Leisure & Hospitality for the Dubai Parks and Resorts Mobile App.

Chairman’s Statement: Etisalat Chairman, Eissa Mohamed Al-Suwaidi, said: “2017 proved to be yet another year of good achievement for Etisalat as we affirm our position as the leading operator in the markets where we operate. Maintaining good performance, despite the global challenges facing the telecom industry, is an evidence that we continue to provide value to our customers and shareholders. We remain in a strong position to realise the opportunities that will come with the digital transformation the group is undergoing.

Thanks to our experience and our strategic focus on innovation, Etisalat Group is well placed to harness growth opportunities as we continue to move forward. “I want to praise the wise leadership of the United Arab Emirates for supporting the telecommunications sector. Etisalat is fully aligned with the Government’s drive to position the UAE among the most advanced countries in the world. “With the unwavering support of the UAE leadership and our shareholders, along with the commitment of our world-class management team and the loyalty of our millions of customers across our footprint, I am confident that 2018 will continue the pattern of long-term, sustainable success that is the hallmark of Etisalat Group.