- Listing introduction and decision details
- Qualification criteria and market liquidity
- Du CEO statements
- Record financial performance in 2026
- Market impact of the listing
- Frequently asked questions
Listing introduction and decision details
Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company, commercially known as du and listed on the Dubai Financial Market, has confirmed its official inclusion in the MSCI UAE Standard Index, which is a key component of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. This announcement follows the latest semi-annual review of global equity indexes by international institution MSCI, with the decision taking effect at the close of financial markets on August 31, 2026, marking September 1, 2026, as the official start of a new phase of international trading for the company’s shares.
The MSCI Emerging Markets Index is considered the primary investment benchmark and major reference for institutional investors and sovereign wealth funds worldwide, comprising elite and high-growth companies across 24 emerging market countries. This announcement has generated widespread interest in financial circles, given expectations that the stock’s inclusion will bring massive passive investment inflows driven by index-tracking funds, which will boost liquidity levels and elevate long-term institutional demand for the company’s shares on the Dubai Financial Market.
Qualification criteria and market liquidity
Du’s eligibility for this prestigious listing is the result of fully meeting a set of strict conditions and precise requirements established by international institution MSCI. Chief among these factors were continuous growth in the company’s total market capitalization, an increase in the proportion of free-float shares available for public trading among various investor categories, and a noticeable improvement in daily liquidity rates and regular transaction volumes.
These developments reflect significant expansion in the international institutional shareholder base and growing global confidence in the sustainability of the company’s business and its ability to generate rewarding cash returns. This qualification also confirms that du’s institutional structure and operational capabilities align with the highest global standards applied in developed markets, giving it an additional competitive advantage in attracting major investment capital and channeling it toward the national telecommunications and digital services sector.
Du CEO statements
Commenting on this pivotal step, Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO of du, stated that joining the MSCI Standard Index represents a milestone and exceptional achievement in the company’s institutional journey, clearly reflecting its growing presence and strategic importance to the international investment community. Al Hassawi explained that this development complements the record financial results recorded by the company during the first half of 2026, which saw net profit growth exceeding 10%, demonstrating the robustness of its business model and its superior flexibility in keeping pace with rapid digital transformations.
Al Hassawi added: “This listing not only confirms du’s long-term investment appeal, but also highlights the growing maturity, institutional depth, and high liquidity enjoyed by the capital markets in the United Arab Emirates. Our advanced economic environment continues to cement the country’s position as a preferred global destination for foreign direct investment and global portfolio flows.”
Record financial performance in 2026
The decision to include du in the emerging markets index was based on a solid financial foundation represented by its H1 2026 results announced on July 22. The company achieved total revenues of AED 8.2 billion, registering a 5.8% year-on-year growth. The main driver of this performance was a strong 7.7% increase in service revenues, fueled by unprecedented demand for advanced connectivity services, cloud solutions, and data technologies.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) also jumped by 10.5% to reach AED 4 billion, with the operating profit margin expanding by 2.1 percentage points to 49.2%. These figures were capped by a 12.6% increase in net profit to AED 1.6 billion, and a 9.7% growth in operating free cash flow to record AED 3 billion. This was accompanied by steady growth in the subscriber base, reaching 9.3 million mobile subscribers and 744,000 fixed-line and broadband subscribers.
Market impact of the listing
Du’s inclusion helps enhance the qualitative presence of UAE-listed companies in global investment indexes, elevating the local financial market’s weight in composite indexes for the Middle East and emerging markets. These listings stimulate trading activity, improve fair pricing efficiency for shares, and encourage more national companies to develop governance, disclosure, and transparency practices to meet the expectations of global investors.
Frequently asked questions
Question: When does du’s MSCI index inclusion take effect?
Answer: The listing officially takes effect at the close of financial markets on August 31, 2026, with trading on the index starting on September 1, 2026.
Question: What factors qualified du to join the global index?
Answer: The company qualified thanks to a tangible increase in its market capitalization, an increase in the proportion of free-float shares for trading, and the achievement of high daily liquidity and trading rates meeting MSCI criteria.
Question: What are the company’s most prominent financial indicators during the first half of 2026?
Answer: The company achieved revenues of AED 8.2 billion, a net profit of AED 1.6 billion up by 12.6%, and mobile subscribers reached 9.3 million.
