The UAE has reached a new global milestone in fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) network coverage, achieving 99.5% coverage, and marking its position as the world’s leader since 2016. This achievement, based on data from the 2024 FTTH Council Europe report, determines the UAE’s commitment to digital excellence and connectivity.
UAE Outperforms Global Competitors
According to the FTTH Council Europe’s annual report, the UAE leads the global rankings, surpassing South Korea, which ranked second at 96.6%, and China, which secured third place with 93.6%. Hong Kong follows in fifth place with 89.9%. The UAE’s outstanding performance highlights the nation’s continuous progress in enhancing its telecommunications infrastructure.
e& UAE’s Pioneering Role in Telecommunications
e& UAE has played a pivotal role in this achievement, driving the country’s telecommunications sector forward. With the highest fixed broadband penetration nationwide, e& UAE boasts an extensive fibre-optic network that spans over 14.5 million kilometers—more than 360 times the Earth’s circumference. This infrastructure provides high-speed connectivity to over 2.88 million homes across the UAE, reflecting the company’s “Fiber-First” strategy, which positions fibre-optic technology at the core of its mission to deliver top-tier connectivity.
A Legacy of Innovation and Digital Transformation
This milestone represents the culmination of years of strategic investment and innovation by e& UAE. Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, CEO of e& UAE, emphasized that the achievement reflects decades of effort. The company introduced fibre-optic technology to the UAE’s transport network in 1986, and by 2011, Abu Dhabi became the first capital in the world to be fully covered by a fibre-optic network.
“This is not just a number, but a reflection of consistent efforts to build an advanced digital ecosystem,” Mahmood said, reports WAM. The UAE’s leadership in connectivity reinforces its position as a global hub for technology and digital transformation.
Expanding the Future of Connectivity
e& UAE continues to innovate and expand its fibre-optic services, introducing solutions such as Fibre-to-the-Yacht (FTTY), offering high-speed connectivity to yachts in marinas, and Fibre-to-the-Room (FTTR), which enhances wireless network coverage within homes. These innovations cater to the growing demand for smart homes and tech-savvy users, further solidifying the UAE’s position at the forefront of digital transformation.
The UAE’s ongoing advancements in fibre-optic coverage support the goals of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority, which aims to make the country a global leader in connectivity, driving smart transformation and improving the quality of life for residents.
