UAE-based telecom group Etisalat plans to invest more than Dh3 billion ($816 million) in 2017 to develop and modernise infrastructure and expand mobile and fibre optic networks, Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and robotics across the UAE, said the company CEO.

Investment pumped into networks were estimated at Dh 31 billion, Saleh Al Abdooli was quoted as saying by Wam ahead of Gitex Technology Week 2017 opening in Dubai, UAE today (October 10).

''Due to these investments, 3G network coverage has reached 99.58 per cent while 4G LTE is at 97.78 per cent. Fibre-to-the-home, FTTH, penetration has grown to reach 93.28 per cent. This helped position the UAE as a market with the highest FTTH coverage in the world last year among all its global counterparts,” Al Abdooli said.

''We are now working to complete the 5G network infrastructure to align it with the international standards for the launch in 2020. Etisalat is also preparing the infrastructure for the Expo Dubai 2020 network to become one of the fastest, smartest and most advanced networks in the world to ensure that visitors enjoy an exciting digitally enhanced experience," he added.

The 37th annual Gitex Technology Week will be held from 8th to 12 October at the Dubai World Trade Centre.