The UAE has achieved a new global record in the percentage of fiber-optic networks connected to homes.
According to FTTH (Fiber to the Home) 2024 report, fiber optic networks reached 99.5%, maintaining its number one global ranking since 2016.
As per the report’s data, the UAE outperformed South Korea, which came in second at 96.6%.
Followed by China in third at 93.6%, while Hong Kong ranked fifth with 89.9%.
2.88 Million Homes with Fiber-Optic Networks
“e&” (formerly Etisalat) plays the leading role in advancing the telecommunications sector in the country.
It is boasting the highest fixed broadband penetration rate across the UAE.
Its extensive fiber-optic infrastructure spans over 14.5 million kilometers, equivalent to more than 360 times the Earth’s circumference.
It provides high-speed connectivity to over 2.88 million homes nationwide.
This reflects e& commitment to its “Fiber-First” strategy.
Placing fiber-optic networks at the core of its vision for delivering a superior connectivity experience.
Due to this approach, e& continues to strengthen its position as a leading internet service provider, combining speed, efficiency, and reliability.
Thereby enhancing the country’s capacity to keep pace with digital advancements and accelerating the digital transformation of the UAE.
The First Globally
Masood M. Sharif Mahmoud, CEO of e&, stated that this achievement is not just a number.
But the result of relentless efforts that began in 1986.
Particularly when the company first introduced fiber-optic technology in the UAE for the transportation network.
Since then it paved the way for a sophisticated developed digital ecosystem.
In 2011, Abu Dhabi became the first capital city in the world to be fully covered with fiber-optic networks.
This global achievement highlights e& strong commitment to being a partner in the digital transformation.
It also solidifies the UAE’s leadership in technology.
By providing advanced digital infrastructure that supports smart transformation and improves quality of life—aligning with the efforts of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) to establish the UAE as a global hub for connectivity.
Eight OPEC+ countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman, affirmed their commitment to oil market stability, given the continued improvement in market fundamentals and positive outlook. pic.twitter.com/mJ0op6CfOt
— UAE Voice (@uae_voiceeng) April 4, 2025
Expanding Reach
e& continues its efforts to expand fiber-optic networks reach in the UAE through various innovative solutions, including:
- FTTY (Fiber-to-the-Yacht) service that delivers ultra-high-speed connectivity for yachts in marinas
- FTTR (Fiber-to-the-Room) service, which provides high-speed internet and enhanced wireless network coverage throughout homes.
