Etisalat Chairman receives Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister

Abu Dhabi, Nov 27, 2008 (WAM) - Etisalat's Chairman H.E. Mohammad Hassan Omran yesterday received H.E. Mary Coughlan, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment of Ireland at Etisalat's headquarters in Abu Dhabi.

H.E. Mary Coughlan was leading an Irish delegation including Frank Ryan, CEO of Enterprise Ireland and representatives from several leading Irish technology firms.

Welcoming the Irish delegation, Omran said: "We are delighted to welcome Her Excellency Mary Coughlan and Enterprise Ireland to Etisalat," . "This meeting has provided an excellent opportunity for us to share our vision for the telecommunications industry and the innovations that are helping to expand the realm of what is possible for our customers today and in the future." The Irish minister said: "I and Enterprise Ireland are very pleased to have this opportunity to discuss technological developments and capabilities of the Irish telecommunication companies.

''We welcome this unique opportunity for our companies on this trade mission to showcase their solutions before such a major operator. This meeting has enabled us to discuss the methods that will support Etisalat's plans to develop its infrastructure, services provided to the UAE society and its international development plans" The Etisalat and the Irish delegation discussed areas of mutual cooperation in the field of Information Communications Technology (ICT) including ways to promote knowledge transfer between the UAE and Ireland. They also shared their thoughts on the future of the telecommunications industry and their vision on the technologies that will shape the sector in years to come.

Enterprise Ireland is the Irish Government's organization responsible for the development of Ireland's international business.

Omran demonstrated Etisalat's experience in becoming one of the largest telecom providers worldwide, through providing all telecommunication services. He also highlighted the company's experience in international investment. Etisalat has subsidiaries in seventeen markets across Africa, Asia and the Middle East. It services over 74mn customers out of a total population that exceeds 1.6bn people.

Earlier this year the Financial Times recorded that Etisalat had achieved a market valuation that placed it amongst the largest 14 operators in the world. In a separate study, Etisalat was also named the fastest growing operator in the world. It has been named best operator in the Middle East four times in the last three years at different award ceremonies, including in 2008.

Irish technology firms showcased their latest services and devices before Khalifa Al Shamsi, Vice President Marketing - Etisalat, and other technology solutions executives from Etisalat to discuss opportunities of mutual cooperation.