Abu Dhabi:Etisalat has announced a strong financial performance for the third quarter of 2026, with consolidated revenue reaching AED 19.5 billion, marking a 6.9% increase year-over-year. The company's consolidated net profit for the same period was AED 11.2 billion, contributing to a nine-month net profit of AED 17.2 billion, which is a 45.9% rise compared to the previous year.
According to Wam, Etisalat's growth was driven by the expansion of higher-value capabilities in connectivity, sovereign digital infrastructure, and artificial intelligence, alongside disciplined portfolio management. The company’s EBITDA for Q3 rose by 5.1% to AED 9.0 billion, with a margin of 46.1%. Over the first nine months, EBITDA reached AED 26.7 billion, growing by 10.3% with a margin of 46.4%.
Etisalat's subscriber base saw significant growth, reaching 254.8 million in Q3 2026, reflecting a 29.4% year-over-year increase. In the UAE alone, subscriber numbers grew by 5.2% to 16.5 million, fueled by the high demand for digital services and intelligent connectivity. The company also completed the sale of its entire stake in Vodafone Group, generating AED 21.9 billion, which bolstered its financial flexibility.
Marking its 50th anniversary, Etisalat is pursuing a vision to become a leading AI-powered telecommunications company. It plans to expand its international connectivity capacity to over 500 terabits per second by 2030, enhancing connectivity efficiency and reliability. This aligns with the UAE's goal to become a global hub for advanced technology and AI.
Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, Group CEO of Etisalat, highlighted the company's robust performance and strategic advancements, emphasizing the importance of connectivity and AI infrastructure in driving the modern digital economy. Mahmood reiterated Etisalat's commitment to sustaining its growth and supporting the UAE’s ambition to be at the forefront of the global digital economy.