Etisalat Information Services, a subsidiary of Etisalat Services Holding, today announced the next generation application of the aggregator’s model through its enhanced Connect.ae mobile app, taking its hyper-local search engine to the next level by bringing together businesses and consumers in the UAE through exclusive deals and special discounts. 

The launch of the UAE’s first aggregator app is part of Etisalat’s key activities to mark the UAE Innovation Month, in line with UAE’s Innovation Strategy that sets out the country’s ambition to become the most innovative nation in the world. 

Rashid Al Naqbi, General Manager, Etisalat Information Services, said: “Etisalat Information Services is continuously investing across its multi-channel to enable digital transformation. The launch of the connect.ae app supported by innovative technology will give customers and businesses a unique and seamless experience of the wide array of services, discounts, and deals. 

“Connect.ae has collaborated with the world’s leading aggregators such as Booking.com for hotels bookings; ride-hailing app Careem; food delivery app Zomato; and Shopinc.com for grocery shopping, among others. Customers can easily book a cab, make hotel or restaurant reservations, and get exclusive discounts with the enhanced app. With its innovative features and services, this digital platform is seen to further boost customer loyalty as well as promote brand exposure.” 

Connect.ae, which first launched in March 2015, is a hyper-local search engine to find companies, products, services within one’s city in the UAE. The tool collects, filters, classifieds, and presents local business information to the market, offers routing guidance, booking services and posts enquiries with companies. 

The app, available for free from Apple’s App Store and the Google Play store, offers users with discount vouchers and deals at 1,000 partners, ranging from restaurants to clinics, spas, cinemas, car rentals, travel and tours, and other services. Customers can also redeem the vouchers and avail of discounts on the Connect.ae website.