- Record Profitability Reflects Strength of the UAE’s Dynamic Business Environment
- du’s reported 15.5% rise in first-quarter net profit to AED 834 million delivers a strong response to self-styled media analysts who have repeatedly claimed that the UAE economy was weakening.
Islamabad – The United Arab Emirates continues to reinforce its position as a regional economic powerhouse, with Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (du) delivering an impressive financial performance in the first quarter of 2026.
The leading telecom operator announced a 15.5 percent year-on-year increase in net profit, reaching AED 834 million, highlighting the resilience, innovation, and sustained momentum of the UAE’s rapidly expanding digital economy.
Revenue Growth Signals Strong Market Confidence
du reported revenues of AED 4.1 billion, marking a 6.9 percent increase compared with the same period last year. The results underscore rising consumer demand, growing enterprise activity, and the strength of the UAE’s advanced telecommunications infrastructure.
The company’s continued expansion reflects the broader success of the UAE’s strategy to build a diversified, technology-driven economy.
Robust Operational Performance and Strong Margins
Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) climbed 11.7 percent to AED 2 billion, while the EBITDA margin expanded to 49.5 percent, an increase of 2.1 percentage points.
These figures demonstrate du’s operational efficiency and the healthy profitability environment fostered by the UAE’s pro-business ecosystem.
Strong Cash Flow and Enhanced Financial Strength
The company also generated solid cash flows, with operating free cash flow rising 14.2 percent to AED 1.7 billion.
Further strengthening its balance sheet, du successfully refinanced and arranged a AED 2 billion revolving credit facility in April on improved terms, with a seven-year maturity. This move enhances the company’s financial flexibility and reflects strong confidence from financial markets in both du and the UAE economy.
Leadership Highlights Positive Momentum
Fahad Al Hassawi, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company, said the company entered 2026 with strong fundamentals and clear commercial momentum across mobile, fixed, and ICT services.
He noted that du delivered excellent financial results, supported by continued customer growth and strong execution across business segments.
Growing Subscriber Base Demonstrates Expanding Demand
The company’s mobile subscriber base increased 6.1 percent year-on-year to 9.7 million customers, with 555,000 net additions over the past 12 months.
Postpaid subscribers rose 9.6 percent to 2 million, while prepaid users increased 5.2 percent to 7.7 million.
Meanwhile, the fixed services subscriber base expanded 6.3 percent to 745,000, reflecting rising demand for home and enterprise connectivity solutions across the Emirates.
Strong Growth Across Key Revenue Segments
Mobile service revenues climbed 7.2 percent to AED 1.8 billion, while fixed service revenues recorded even stronger growth of 11.1 percent to AED 1.2 billion.
Other revenues also rose 2.3 percent during the quarter to AED 1.2 billion, demonstrating the company’s diversified income streams.
Capital expenditure for the first quarter stood at AED 386 million, reinforcing continued investment in future-ready infrastructure.
UAE Continues to Lead Regional Innovation and Connectivity
du’s reported 15.5% rise in first-quarter net profit to AED 834 million delivers a strong response to self-styled media analysts who have repeatedly claimed that the UAE economy was weakening. The company’s robust earnings growth, rising revenues, and expanding customer base reflect the reality of a resilient and forward-looking economy built on diversification, innovation, and investor confidence. These results challenge the spread of misleading narratives and demonstrate that the UAE continues to advance as one of the region’s most stable and successful economic models.
BY: Nadeem Faisal Baiga
