Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company, known as du, will join the MSCI UAE Standard Index from September 1, 2026. The move could increase the telecom operator's visibility among global institutional investors and support trading liquidity.
The index is part of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, which tracks large and mid-cap companies across 24 emerging market economies. Global investment funds widely use it as a benchmark for emerging-market exposure.
du’s entry is expected to attract passive investment from funds that track MSCI benchmarks. Such flows can increase demand for the company's shares and improve daily trading activity.
The company said its market capitalization, free-float level and trading liquidity supported its eligibility for the index. The inclusion also points to a larger institutional shareholder base and growing market relevance.
For UAE markets, the development offers another sign of stronger participation from international investors. More UAE-listed companies appearing in major global indices can also improve the country's visibility among overseas funds.
The index inclusion follows a solid financial performance from du in the first half of 2026.
Revenue rose 5.8% year-on-year to AED 8.2 billion, and service revenue increased 7.7% during the period. EBITDA climbed 10.5% to AED 4 billion, while the margin expanded by 2.1 percentage points to 49.2%.
Net profit increased 12.6% to AED 1.6 billion, and operating free cash flow also rose 9.7% to AED 3 billion. The company had 9.3 million mobile customers and 744,000 fixed-line customers at the end of the period.
The MSCI inclusion gives du greater exposure to international funds that use benchmark indices to allocate capital. It could also support broader investor interest as the company builds on its recent financial performance.
For the UAE market, the change carries significance beyond one telecom stock. Greater representation in global benchmarks can help deepen liquidity and strengthen the connection between local listed companies and international capital.
Chief executive officer of du, Fahad Al Hassawi, said, “Combined with our strong H1 2026 financial performance, including double-digit net profit growth and continued margin expansion, it underscores the strength and resilience of our business model and long-term investment case. Beyond du, this inclusion highlights the increasing depth, liquidity, and attractiveness of the UAE's capital markets, supporting the country's position as a leading destination for international investment."
The index change will take effect on September 1, giving investors a clear date for when du enters the MSCI UAE Standard Index.
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