The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and 5G technologies offers unprecedented opportunities for businesses to innovate — and for communities to thrive in the digital economy.
However, leveraging these advancements requires a robust, future-proof infrastructure.
In this exclusive interview with Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, the visionary CEO leading e& UAE and leading the charge in building a more connected world, we will explore how e& UAE is proactively upgrading its infrastructure and seeding a fertile ground for any advanced technology to thrive.
Leading the country’s digital transformation
As businesses and communities worldwide aim to harness the vast potential of digital transformation, the convergence of AI, IoT, and 5G technology offers unparalleled opportunities. As stated, these advancements can only thrive on a foundation of robust, future-proof infrastructure.
At the helm of building this digital foundation in the UAE is Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, CEO of e& UAE.
His leadership is transforming the telecoms sector and laying the groundwork for e& UAE to become a global leader in connectivity and digital services — an ambition in line with the country’s vision of a prosperous digital economy.
Under Mahmood’s leadership, e& UAE has moved far beyond its telecommunications origins to become a leading AI-powered telco, reshaping the UAE’s economic and technological landscape.
Reflecting on the company’s evolution, Mahmood states, “We wanted to play a key role in the UAE’s transition to a knowledge-based, digital economy. This required us to expand our capabilities and invest in the future. We began focusing on areas like AI, IoT, and, most recently, 5G, not just to offer new services but to redefine what connectivity means for our customers and partners, ultimately building the infrastructure that allows the UAE to thrive in the digital economy.”
This forward-thinking approach is evident in e& UAE’s embrace of AI and IoT technologies.
Mahmood emphasizes that the key to unlocking their full potential lies in creating a network infrastructure that is both adaptable and resilient. “We are building an ecosystem where AI-driven innovations and IoT applications can seamlessly integrate and scale across industries. This is not just about speed; it’s about creating the foundation for innovation, enabling businesses to thrive and communities to flourish.”
While e& has transformed into a leading technology company, Mahmood remains acutely aware that connectivity is the bedrock of any digital transformation. Ensuring that people are digitally empowered remains a strategic priority.
The company’s recognition as the global leader in 5G, cemented by e& UAE’s top position in Ookla’s ranking as the ‘World’s Fastest 5G Network,’ is a testament to its commitment. Notably, the UAE also made history by becoming the only country to top Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index in both mobile and fixed broadband network speeds simultaneously, solidifying its role as a beacon of digital innovation.
Harnessing the power of 5G
At the heart of e& UAE’s mission is its commitment to developing the UAE’s digital infrastructure, which Masood M. Sharif Mahmood views as a fundamental pillar of the country’s national development.
“Connectivity is not just a transactional service; it’s the backbone of our vision for smart cities, future-ready public services, AI-driven economy, and a thriving digital economy,” Mahmood explains.
Central to this is the deployment of 5G technology, which Mahmood identifies as a cornerstone for the future.
This year, the company achieved a significant milestone by setting the global standard for 5G speeds, reaching a record-breaking 30.5 Gbps. But for Mahmood, this is more than just a technological achievement — it’s a demonstration of the UAE’s leadership on the global stage, underscoring its ambition to be at the forefront of the world’s digital future.
“5G is not just about faster connections,” Mahmood shares. “It’s a revolutionary technology that unlocks the true potential of AI and IoT. With 5G, we can build smart cities, establish autonomous transportation networks, and enable real-time healthcare diagnostics. This is about more than just technology; it’s about shaping the way people live and transforming how businesses operate.”
e& UAE’s contributions are already evident in the UAE’s ambitious smart city initiatives. From intelligent traffic management systems to AI-powered public services, the company is playing a vital role in reshaping urban spaces and making them more efficient, sustainable, and interconnected.
With connectivity as the bedrock upon which entire digital economies and ecosystems are built, e& UAE’s commitment to providing reliable, high-speed connectivity endures and evolves as it enables individuals, communities, and businesses to fully harness the potential of the digital age.
One of the most groundbreaking moves in this space is e& UAE’s collaboration with ADNOC to create the largest private 5G wireless network in the energy sector. Spanning an impressive 11,000 square kilometers, this network will revolutionize operations across ADNOC’s onshore and offshore facilities. It’s a testament to Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a hub for advanced technology while simultaneously fueling economic growth and creating new opportunities for innovation.
“We are not just providing connectivity; we are pushing boundaries. Whether delivering high-bandwidth services to the most remote parts of ADNOC’s operations or offering our Fiber-to-the-Yacht (FTTY) service at Yas Marina, we’re bringing cutting-edge solutions to even the most unique locations,” Mahmood says.
These efforts are mirrored in e& UAE’s Fiber-to-the-Room (FTTR) solutions, revolutionizing home connectivity with high-speed internet across large residential spaces. Mahmood believes these initiatives are critical for supporting smart homes of the future, ensuring that the UAE remains a global leader in digital infrastructure.
Further strengthening this leadership, e& UAE became the first operator to join Yahsat’s Direct-to-Device (D2D) ecosystem, bringing satellite coverage to standard smartphones — another bold move to enhance connectivity across the nation.
The company also continues to play an integral strategic part in the UAE’s global leadership in Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) penetration, cementing the country’s top position with a penetration rate of 99.3 percent.
e& UAE remains squarely focused on future-proofing the nation’s digital infrastructure and realizing its connectivity ambitions by enabling homes and businesses to access the latest high-speed internet services, ultimately driving productivity and enhancing the customer experience.
AI and IoT: The next frontier
While 5G provides the connectivity, AI and IoT introduce the intelligence and interactivity that transform industries. Mahmood sees these technologies as key drivers of innovation and is excited by how they will reshape sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics.
“AI and IoT are game-changers,” Mahmood notes. “In healthcare, for instance, AI can predict patient outcomes, while IoT devices enable remote monitoring, reducing the strain on hospitals and improving patient care.”
The industrial sector, too, is poised to benefit from these innovations. With IoT-enabled devices connected through 5G, factories can operate more efficiently, reducing downtime and optimizing production. AI-powered analytics will offer businesses real-time insights, helping them make data-driven decisions and increase productivity.
Mahmood also describes how e& UAE’s AI-driven customer service initiatives have resulted in a 40 percent reduction in technician visits and a 30 percent decrease in technical calls, driven by predictive maintenance and automated troubleshooting. “Our goal is to use AI to make our customers’ lives easier,” he adds.
Yet, Mahmood emphasizes that technology alone isn’t enough.
“It’s essential that we create the right environment for businesses to adopt and integrate these technologies. That’s why our focus is on building a robust infrastructure that supports AI, IoT, and 5G, with the flexibility to adapt to future needs.”
Seeding innovation for a thriving digital economy
“We can’t do it alone,” Masood acknowledges. “The success of AI, IoT, and 5G depends on building an ecosystem of innovation. That means working closely with tech giants, startups, and government entities to ensure we’re building the right solutions for the future.”
Masood’s ambitions for e& UAE go beyond just technological upgrades. His vision encompasses fostering a vibrant digital ecosystem that supports innovation and growth. Through strategic partnerships with global tech leaders and local innovators, e& UAE is building an ecosystem where startups and established companies alike can thrive.
“Collaboration is key,” Masood emphasizes. “We want to create opportunities for all stakeholders in the digital economy to contribute to the future of connectivity. Whether it’s through smart city initiatives or supporting entrepreneurs in tech, our goal is to make sure that the UAE remains a leader in digital transformation.”
By partnering with Nokia, Oracle, and Microsoft, e& UAE is staying ahead of the curve, deploying advanced solutions like Azure Operator 5G Core and integrating Generative AI (GenAI) technologies with AWS. These collaborations are pivotal in keeping the UAE competitive in the global digital economy and solidifying its position as a technological leader.
Mahmood believes that by working with the best in the world, e& UAE can bring cutting-edge solutions to the region, further building the UAE’s competitive edge in the global digital economy and cementing its position as a global leader in technology.
For Masood, the country’s future is digital, sustainable, and connected
As the UAE continues its journey toward becoming a fully digital society, Mahmood envisions e& UAE playing a central role in that transformation. The company’s ongoing investment in AI, IoT, and 5G, coupled with its commitment to innovation and developing local talent, will ensure that the UAE remains a global leader in digital trends.
“We are building something much bigger than a premium telecom network,” Mahmood concludes.
“We are building the foundation for a smarter, more connected future — one where technology enhances lives and transforms industries with intentional purpose to create a customer experience that is inclusive in its reach yet hyper-personalized in its delivery. That’s the vision driving e& UAE forward.”
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