du joins MSCI Emerging Markets Index, opening door to wider global investor demand

Dubai-based telecommunications company du has been added to the MSCI UAE Standard Index, effective September 1. This move provides du with increased exposure to international funds that follow one of the world's major emerging-market benchmarks. MSCI's latest Equity Index Review led to the inclusion, which will take effect after the market closes on August 31.

The inclusion is expected to enhance du's visibility among global institutional investors and improve trading liquidity, as index-tracking funds adjust their portfolios. MSCI's UAE Standard Index is part of the broader MSCI Emerging Markets Index, which includes large- and mid-cap companies from 24 emerging-market countries.

du attributes its eligibility for inclusion to its growing market capitalisation, free float, and trading liquidity. The company anticipates that the move will attract passive inflows from funds tracking MSCI benchmarks, while expanding its exposure to international institutional investors. du's CEO, Fahad Al Hassawi, noted that the inclusion underscores the strength and resilience of the business model and long-term investment case, especially given the double-digit net profit growth and continued margin expansion during the first half of 2026.

The inclusion also highlights the growing depth, liquidity, and attractiveness of the UAE's capital markets, reinforcing its position as a leading destination for international investment. Du reported a 12.6% rise in profits, with revenue up 5.8% to Dh8.2 billion for the first six months of 2026, while service revenue increased by 7.7%.

EBITDA rose by 10.5% to Dh4 billion, with the EBITDA margin improving by 2.1 percentage points to 49.2%. Net profit reached Dh1.6 billion, and operating free cash flow grew by 9.7% to Dh3 billion. Du concluded the period with 9.3 million mobile subscribers and 744,000 fixed customers.