etisalat plans to expand UAE international connectivity beyond 500 Tbps by 2030
etisalat launched a strategic project to expand its digital infrastructure capacity within the UAE and internationally, targeting more than 500 terabits per second of international connectivity by 2030. The launch took place in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court.
The planned capacity represents an increase of more than 25 times compared with today’s level. The project also includes diversified connectivity routes designed to improve network efficiency and reliability while delivering low-latency performance.
His Highness, in his capacity as Chairman of the Emirates Investment Authority, etisalat group’s main shareholder, was briefed on the group’s plans and future infrastructure projects intended to support growth in AI technologies and the digital economy.
His Highness emphasized the importance of investment in digital infrastructure as an enabler of emerging technologies and a knowledge- and innovation-driven economy. He also highlighted coordinated national efforts and the role of national institutions in supporting the UAE’s AI ambitions and digital economy.
His Highness said the UAE continues to invest in advanced digital infrastructure to support economic growth, accelerate innovation, and strengthen global competitiveness.
His Highness added that AI will be a central component of the UAE’s development journey and that expanding digital capabilities is intended to create the infrastructure needed for public and private organizations to build and innovate with AI at the scale expected over the coming decade.
He also said the UAE aims to contribute to the creation and development of advanced technologies rather than only keeping pace with them, adding that large digital infrastructure projects support the country’s future readiness and its ambition to strengthen its position in advanced technology and AI.
The announcement coincided with the launch of etisalat’s 50th anniversary celebrations and the unveiling of its new vision to become an AI-powered and enabling telecommunications company under the etisalat name.
The infrastructure project is the group’s first major commitment under its new strategy, which is built around four business engines: telecommunications, AI and business solutions, infrastructure, and fintech.
Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Alzaabi, Chairman of etisalat group, said the initiative reflects the group’s view that the UAE should not only adopt AI but also develop and govern it, which requires digital infrastructure capable of supporting future demand.
Alzaabi said the project will increase international connectivity from 20 Tbps to more than 500 Tbps. He described the expansion as a response to increasing data-processing and data-flow requirements associated with developments in AI.
According to Alzaabi, the infrastructure is intended to support UAE AI campuses, global cloud providers, and etisalat’s operations and customers across its markets. He said diversified routes and low-latency architecture are designed to maintain a fast, direct, and resilient link between the UAE and the global digital economy while supporting digital sovereignty.
