Etisalat awarded Telecommunications and Digital Services Premier Partnership for Expo 2020 Dubai

The UAE’s leading international telecoms and technology service provider Etisalat has been awarded Telecommunications and Digital Services Premier Partnership for Expo 2020 Dubai.

The site of Expo 2020 Dubai will be one of the fastest, smartest, and best connected places in the world during the global mega event, through its Premier Partnership with Etisalat Group, announced today. 

The partnership between Expo 2020 Dubai and Etisalat has a key role in the delivery of the mega event. From July this year, Etisalat will be involved in creating the infrastructure for the Expo site – enabling Expo 2020 Dubai to provide visitors and participants with a cutting edge, immersive digital experience that brings the Expo themes to life for the 25 million expected visitors. Etisalat will also provide on-site Wi-Fi capable to handling up to 300,000 people onsite in a day.

HE Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General Bureau Expo Dubai 2020 welcomed the Premier Partnership with Etisalat. “Communications that took 6 weeks in 1851, when the first Expo took place, now take 6 microseconds. Ours is a hyper-connected age, and Etisalat plays a critical role in linking people and their technology so that they can connect and share, innovate and create. With its international reach, and expertise, Etisalat is well placed to support us in making Expo 2020 Dubai the best connected site on Earth during the mega event.” 

Saleh Al Abdooli, Chief Executive of Etisalat Group said, “In a world where digital technologies are redefining the way people interact, live and work, creating a borderless and inclusive global community, Etisalat is honoured to have the opportunity to contribute to the Expo 2020 Dubai. As part of the partnership, we aim to bring together our people, technologies and expertise in telecommunications and digital services and solutions for an on-time execution of complex projects. It is part of our pledge to support the UAE’s long-term strategy in becoming the most sought-after global destination for trade, business and development.”

 As part of the two-tiered partnership, Etisalat is bringing its strength in robust and resilient communications and infrastructure services to provide a unique user experience to millions of Expo visitors, participants, sponsors and staff.

Etisalat will have global rights as Expo’s Official Telecommunications and Digital Services Partner, including the 18 countries that the company currently operates in, as well as the opportunity to have its own pavilion during the Expo – putting it on the same level as the national participants in Expo 2020 Dubai. Etisalat and Expo are also exploring possibilities for a presence on the site in the post event phase, as part of a long lasting legacy centred on the stimulation of a knowledge economy and innovation hub.

 A partnership based on global connections

Expo 2020 Dubai’s theme is ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’. The modern world is connected as never before, and changing with great speed. Digital media, and new technologies such as the internet of things are reshaping the ways in which people live and work. Companies like Etisalat are at the forefront of that change, and Expo, its participants and visitors will together explore innovation, inclusion, and human and social development in the areas of Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability – Expo’s three subthemes – through exhibits and experiences enabled by the digital connections that Etisalat will provide.

Expo 2020 Dubai will be the first world Expo to be held in the Middle East, South Asia and Africa (MEASA). Etisalat Group provides innovative solutions and services to 169 million subscribers in 18 countries across this region. 

Expo 2020 Dubai’s partnerships programme 

As an integral part of preparations for the global mega event, Expo 2020 is developing a number of commercial partnerships with leading global companies in key areas including aviation, technology, finance, shipping and logistics, telecommunications and travel and tourism. Partners will play an integral role in the development of the first mega-event to take place in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region; working with Expo 2020 Dubai to create a collaborative and inclusive global platform and shape a long lasting legacy. Partner companies will benefit from global brand exposure, access to regional markets, and the chance to connect with millions of visitors. 

Expo’s partnership programme will comprise three tiers of partnerships: Premier Partners, Official Partners and Official Providers. Premier Partners will benefit from the highest level of rights and benefits and are currently being discussed. Official Partners and Official Providers will be sought in 2017 and beyond.