UAE: The UAE’s first telecom operator, etisalat, has marked its 50th anniversary by announcing that it will return to its founding brand name, etisalat, four years after rebranding to e&.
In a notification to the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), the company said the name reflects its heritage, strategy and ambitions for the artificial intelligence era.
Etisalat Returns to Its Roots
The company said its future strategy is built around connecting people, supporting businesses and developing the infrastructure needed for intelligent technologies.
The name “etisalat”, which means connection, has been central to the company’s identity for five decades.
The company said the meaning of connectivity has become even more significant as telecommunications, digital capabilities and infrastructure increasingly come together to create new opportunities.
50 Years of Connecting the UAE
Founded in 1976, etisalat was established as a joint venture just five years after the UAE was formed.
The company went on to achieve several major milestones:
- Launched the Middle East’s first mobile network in 1982
- Introduced GSM services in 1994
- Brought the internet to the UAE in 1995
- Rolled out 3G and MMS services in 2003
Over five decades, the company has expanded from its UAE roots into international markets.
‘We Built the Network. You Gave It Meaning’
In its anniversary message, etisalat reflected on the role its customers have played in its growth.
The company recalled how its network became part of everyday life, helping people stay connected with family, build businesses, study, work and share experiences.
Reflecting on the UAE’s digital transformation, the company said its network had helped make new possibilities achievable across the country.
The anniversary message concluded with the line: “We built the network. You gave it meaning.”
The company has also launched a range of promotional offers for customers as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations.
