Etisalat Partners with Al Barari to ensure Total Connectivity

Etisalat Partners with Al Barari to ensure Total Connectivity

Enables creation of a Self-sufficient Sanctuary with 21st Century Technology

Dubai, May 18th, 2010: As part of its ongoing commitment to providing a world-class communication network across the emirate, Etisalat has signed an agreement with the Al Barari residential project, to supply fast, reliable mobile phone, landline and data communications to each of its exquisite 275 palatial villa residences.

As per the agreement, Etisalat will create a dedicated communications hub, within the Al Barari development, which will be at the core of the telco’s local infrastructure, and will provide data-ready fibre optic cabling to all homes and businesses, as well as relay towers for Etisalat’s 2G and 3G services.

“One of the core principles of Al Barari was always to be as self-sufficient and sustainable,” explained Mr Mohammed bin Zaal, Chief Executive Officer of Al Barari. “Our alliance with Etisalat to provide dedicated on-site infrastructure works hand-in-hand with that principle, and it means we can deliver on the promise to provide every resident with active purpose-ready utilities as soon as they move in.”

For Etisalat, it has also provided an opportunity to develop a close relationship with Dubai’s most successful real estate story. “Our association with Al Barari provides us an opportunity to provide modern, future-ready infrastructure as part of our overall development strategy to bring the fastest, most reliable and technically advanced telecommunications system in the region,” said Abdulla Almana General Manager of Etisalat Dubai region.

Maintaining the integrity of Al Barari, which prides itself on its celebration of nature, has been a key consideration for the partnership. One of the most coveted addresses in Dubai, the secluded Al Barari development is located in the royal enclave and protected wildlife reserve of Nad Al Sheba and is built on 14.2 million square feet of natural and landscaped gardens. Etisalat has commissioned two specially designed palm-shaped communication towers to enhance the local mobile telephone signal, without compromising the aesthetic beauty of the project.

For both Etisalat and Al Barari, the partnership agreement offers a mutual benefit for both companies and, importantly, the residents and businesses who will enjoy the tranquil, sanctuary environment of Al Barari, while still remaining connected – at high-speed – to the world.

About Al Barari:
Founded in 2005 by Emirati entrepreneur and investor Zaal Mohamed Zaal, Al Barari was created to appeal to discerning clientele through innovative and exquisitely designed villas and apartments, matched only by the stunning landscaped surroundings of exotic gardens and waterways. Al Barari’s mission is to continuously raise the benchmark of property development in the U.A.E. through the creation of eco-friendly, sustainable communities and the implementation of superior standards in estate planning, environmental controls, and ongoing quality-driven management.

About Etisalat:
Etisalat is one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world and the largest operator in the Arab world headquartered in the UAE.

Etisalat operates in 18 countries across Asia, the Middle East and Africa, servicing over 100m customers out of a total population that exceeds 1.9bn people.

In 2009, Etisalat reported annual Net Revenues of AED 30.831billion and Net Profits of AED 8.836 billion marking a 5% and 16% increase respectively, compared to 2008. Etisalat is rated by Moody's: Aa2, Standard & Poor's: A + and Fitch Ratings: A+.