Fahad Al Hassawi: Driving du’s Digital Evolution and Shaping the Future of Telecommunications in the UAE

In an era where connectivity powers economies, businesses, and everyday life, telecommunications companies play a critical role in shaping the future. At the center of this transformation in the United Arab Emirates is Fahad Al Hassawi, the Chief Executive Officer of du, one of the country’s leading telecommunications providers.

Since assuming the role of CEO in 2021, Al Hassawi has guided the company through a period of strong growth, technological advancement, and strategic innovation. His leadership has focused on strengthening du’s market position while embracing emerging technologies that are redefining the telecommunications industry worldwide.

Today, du stands not only as a communications provider but also as a key contributor to the UAE’s digital economy and innovation ecosystem.

Leading One of the UAE’s Largest Telecommunications Networks

Under Al Hassawi’s leadership, du continues to serve millions of customers across mobile, fixed-line, and digital services.

By the end of September 2025, the company’s customer base had reached approximately 9.2 million mobile subscribers and 718,000 fixed-line subscribers, highlighting its significant role in connecting individuals, businesses, and government entities across the country.

This extensive network reflects du’s ability to deliver reliable communication services while adapting to the rapidly changing demands of a digitally connected society.

As digital adoption accelerates across industries, maintaining and expanding connectivity infrastructure remains central to the company’s long-term strategy.

Delivering Strong Financial Performance

The company’s operational growth has been supported by strong financial results.

During the first nine months of 2025, du recorded approximately $3.2 billion in revenues, demonstrating continued demand for its services and the effectiveness of its business strategy.

The company’s performance reflects growing consumption of digital services, increasing enterprise technology adoption, and expanding opportunities in areas such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, and advanced connectivity solutions.

Under Al Hassawi’s leadership, du has continued to balance innovation investments with financial discipline, creating a foundation for sustainable growth.

A Landmark Secondary Public Offering

One of the significant milestones achieved during 2025 was the successful completion of a secondary public offering involving 7.55 percent of du’s share capital, previously held by Mamoura.

The transaction generated approximately $857.7 million in proceeds, attracting substantial market interest and reinforcing investor confidence in the company’s long-term prospects.

The successful offering highlighted the strength of du’s business model and its strategic importance within the UAE’s communications sector.

It also reflected broader confidence in the country’s digital economy and the role telecommunications companies will play in future growth.

Pioneering AI Innovation in Telecommunications

Among the most groundbreaking initiatives under Al Hassawi’s leadership is du’s commitment to artificial intelligence and advanced telecommunications research.

In August 2025, du partnered with several leading organizations, including:

• Microsoft
• Nokia
• Khalifa University 6G Research Center
• International Telecommunication Union

Together, these organizations launched an Arabic telecommunications Large Language Model (LLM), representing a significant advancement in AI-driven communication technologies.

The initiative reflects the growing importance of developing AI solutions tailored to Arabic-speaking markets and demonstrates the UAE’s ambition to become a leader in digital innovation.

By participating in projects of this scale, du is helping shape the future of telecommunications while supporting the development of region-specific artificial intelligence capabilities.

Advancing the UAE’s Digital Economy

Beyond providing telecommunications services, Al Hassawi has focused on positioning du as an enabler of broader economic transformation.

The company plays an essential role in supporting digital infrastructure that powers smart cities, enterprise innovation, government services, and emerging technologies.

As businesses increasingly rely on advanced connectivity, cloud solutions, and AI-driven systems, telecommunications providers have become strategic partners in national development.

Through investments in technology and innovation, du continues to contribute to the UAE’s vision of becoming one of the world’s most advanced digital economies.

A Leadership Approach Centered on Innovation

Fahad Al Hassawi’s leadership reflects a forward-looking philosophy that embraces both technological progress and customer-centric growth.

His approach recognizes that the future of telecommunications extends far beyond voice and data services. It encompasses artificial intelligence, digital ecosystems, smart infrastructure, and the seamless integration of technology into daily life.

By encouraging collaboration with global technology leaders and research institutions, he has positioned du to participate actively in shaping the next generation of communications technologies.

This commitment to innovation has become a defining characteristic of the company’s evolution.

Preparing for the Next Era of Connectivity

As the telecommunications industry moves toward advanced AI applications, 6G research, and increasingly intelligent digital networks, companies capable of adapting and innovating will define the future.

Under Fahad Al Hassawi’s leadership, du is actively preparing for this future by investing in technology, expanding its customer base, strengthening financial performance, and supporting groundbreaking research initiatives.

His vision combines operational excellence with technological ambition, ensuring that the company remains competitive in an increasingly complex and dynamic global landscape.

A Driving Force Behind Digital Transformation

From expanding connectivity across the UAE to supporting the development of AI-powered telecommunications solutions, Fahad Al Hassawi continues to play an influential role in the region’s digital transformation journey.

His leadership of du reflects a broader commitment to innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth.

As the boundaries between telecommunications, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure continue to converge, Al Hassawi’s work demonstrates how visionary leadership can help organizations navigate change while creating lasting value for customers, investors, and society.

Through strategic execution and a clear focus on the future, he is helping shape the next chapter of connectivity in the UAE and beyond.