e& Q1 2026 results: Group posts AED 19.4bn revenue, AED 2.9bn net profit and 248 million subscribers
e& Q1 2026 results show AED 19.4bn revenue, AED 2.9bn net profit (ex-sale proceeds), and 248 million subscribers as AI and next‑gen networks drive growth.
e& reported robust first-quarter results for 2026, with consolidated revenue reaching AED 19.4 billion and consolidated net profit of AED 2.9 billion, excluding proceeds from the sale of Khazna. The e& Q1 2026 results reflect double‑digit revenue growth and continued expansion in subscriber base, with management attributing momentum to next‑generation networks and increased adoption of AI services.
Group posts 15.1% revenue growth to AED 19.4 billion
Consolidated revenue rose 15.1 percent year‑on‑year to AED 19.4 billion in Q1 2026, the company reported. Management said the rise was broad‑based across markets and services, reflecting both core telecom demand and growing revenues from digital and cloud offerings.
The revenue uplift underlines e&’s strategy to diversify beyond traditional voice and connectivity into cloud, AI applications and digital services. Executives noted that this mix is improving average revenue per user and strengthening long‑term margins.
Profitability and EBITDA performance
Consolidated net profit for the quarter came in at AED 2.9 billion after excluding one‑off proceeds from the sale of Khazna, marking a year‑on‑year increase. EBITDA climbed to AED 8.6 billion, a 16.5 percent increase compared with the same period last year, indicating stronger operational leverage.
Company statements highlighted disciplined cost management and improved efficiencies across operations as contributors to margin expansion. The results demonstrate that the group’s investments in network upgrades and automation are beginning to generate higher returns.
Subscriber growth accelerates to 248 million globally
Total subscribers reached 248.0 million at the end of the quarter, representing a 30.8 percent year‑on‑year increase driven by international market expansion and bundled digital offerings. e&’s domestic arm, e& UAE, maintained robust performance with subscribers rising to 16.6 million, supported by next‑generation services and consumer uptake of AI‑enabled products.
The company emphasized that integrated service packages and digital platforms are helping to convert users into higher‑value customers. Executives also pointed to partnerships and targeted customer acquisition campaigns as key drivers of the accelerated subscriber count.
CEO underlines resilience and strategic diversification
Masood M. Sherif Mahmoud, Group Chief Executive, said the Q1 results validate e&’s flexible business model and proactive risk management. He stressed that diversification of the investment portfolio across international markets and a readiness to respond to regional challenges allowed the group to sustain a steady growth trajectory.
The CEO also highlighted that the company’s operational strategy focuses on creating sustainable shareholder value and enabling digital economies across its markets. Management reiterated the commitment to continued investment in next‑generation networks and AI capabilities to support future revenue streams.
Operational continuity during regional volatility
e& said it prioritized business continuity and network reliability amid regional economic and geopolitical headwinds, ensuring uninterrupted services for customers. The company described efforts to support critical services, including remote work and distance learning, by enhancing network performance and capacity.
Executives noted that maintaining service quality during periods of volatility strengthens customer trust and preserves long‑term revenue prospects. Investments in redundancy, automated monitoring and rapid response teams were cited as instrumental in keeping networks resilient.
Government support and outlook for the rest of 2026
The group acknowledged the role of a stable business environment and supportive government policies in the UAE in enabling growth and investment. Management expressed confidence that a continued conducive regulatory and economic landscape will help sustain momentum through the remainder of 2026.
Looking ahead, e& expects to leverage its strengthened balance sheet and technological assets to pursue selective growth opportunities while maintaining capital discipline. The company signalled focus on scaling AI, cloud and digital services to capture new revenue pools and enhance customer experience.
The quarter’s results underscore e&’s positioning as a major regional player in the digital economy, combining connectivity scale with expanding digital capabilities to drive growth across markets.
