United Arab Emirates (UAE) is located in the Middle East, with a diverse geography that includes sandy desert, coastal plains and rugged mountains. Its population of over 9.6 million is largely concentrated in urban areas such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but there are also remote regions like the vast Rub' al Khali desert. The UAE has a robust telecommunications sector; it is known for its high-speed internet and extensive digital infrastructure, making it a hub for technology and innovation. The country boasts one of the highest mobile penetration rates in the world with the equivalent of over 2 services per person. It also has significant investments in Smart City initiatives, particularly in Dubai. In terms of energy, UAE is an established oil and gas producer but also a leader in renewable energy, with ambitious goals for clean energy production, including the development of the world's largest solar power plant. However, the extreme temperatures and sandstorms present challenges to the maintenance and efficiency of such technologies. Despite these obstacles, the UAE continues to strive towards technological advancements, indicating a mature and thriving technology sector.

ITU Region
Region-1
Geographic Region
Regulatory Body
UAE Telecommunications Regulatory Authority
UAE world map

Mobile Network Operators

The are 2 companies operating mobile networks in this region.

du UAE logo

du

Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC) (شركة الإمارات للاتصالات المتكاملة) is a public joint stock company established in Dubai in 2005, commercially rebranded as du in February 2007. It is one of the two main telecom operators in the United Arab Emirates, offering fixed line, mobile telephony, internet, and digital television services. The company also provides carrier services, a data hub, internet exchange facilities and satellite service for broadcasters, contributing to the economic and social transformation of the UAE. Du started its operations under EITC, incorporated...

Etisalat e& logo
Etisalat UAE, officially known as Emirates Telecommunications Group Company PJSC, is a leading telecommunications services provider based in the United Arab Emirates. The company was established in 1976 as a joint venture between International Aeradio Limited, a British company, and local partners. In 1983, the ownership structure underwent a change with the UAE government taking a 60% share in the company, while the remaining 40% became publicly traded. In 1991, the UAE central government issued Federal Law No. 1, granting Etisalat the right to provide both wired and wireless...