Hatem Dowidar will step down as Group Chief Executive Officer of e& at the end of March 2026, concluding a six-year tenure that oversaw the company’s transformation into a diversified digital technology group.
The leadership transition has been confirmed following the company’s announcement of record full-year 2025 financial results. Dowidar’s final day in the role will be March 31, with Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, currently CEO of e& UAE, set to assume the Group CEO position effective April 1, 2026.
Record Financial Performance
The change comes as e& reported consolidated revenue of AED 72.9 billion for 2025 and consolidated net profit of AED 14.4 billion, marking the company’s strongest financial performance to date.
During Dowidar’s tenure, the group expanded beyond traditional telecommunications into digital services, fintech, enterprise solutions, and international markets. The company also rebranded from Etisalat Group to e&, reflecting a broader strategic shift toward technology-led services.
Dowidar stated that while the 2025 results represent a record year, the focus has been on building integrated digital and financial ecosystems serving more than 244 million subscribers across the group’s footprint.
Strategic Transition
Masood M. Sharif Mahmood will take over leadership as the company enters its next growth phase. The transition is expected to be completed by the end of March, with Dowidar remaining involved to ensure continuity.
The leadership change comes at a time when regional telecom operators are accelerating diversification amid evolving regulatory environments, digital services competition, and growing demand for integrated technology platforms.
Market Context
e& remains one of the largest listed companies on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, with operations spanning the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The company has been positioning itself as a digital investment and technology platform, pursuing acquisitions and partnerships across fintech, cloud, cybersecurity, and enterprise services.
With the handover scheduled for the end of March, investors will be watching for strategic guidance from the incoming chief executive, particularly on capital allocation, digital expansion, and regional market growth.
