Hatem Dowidar Steps Down as e& Group CEO After Record-Breaking 2025 Performance

Hatem Dowidar steps down as Group CEO of e& after a tenure defined by record-breaking 2025 profits and the group's transformation into a global tech leader.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 25, 2026, 7:47 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Arabian Business

Concluding a Global Transformation Hatem Dowidar’s exit marks the end of an era for e&. Since taking the helm, Dowidar was the primary architect of the group's rebranding and strategic pivot. Under his leadership, the company shed its traditional "telecoms only" image to become a diversified technology and investment group. His tenure was characterized by aggressive international expansion, most notably the acquisition of a controlling stake in PPF Group’s assets in Central and Eastern Europe and a significant shareholding in Vodafone Group.

Leaving on a Financial High The timing of the announcement coincides with e&’s strongest financial performance to date. The group’s 2025 results revealed record revenues and net profits, driven by strong domestic performance in the UAE and successful integration of international acquisitions. Dowidar’s focus on high-growth verticals—including e& life, e& enterprise, and e& capital—allowed the group to diversify revenue streams beyond traditional voice and data services.

Strategic Legacy and "The e& Way" Dowidar is credited with fostering a culture of innovation within the organization, pushing for the early adoption of 5G, AI-driven customer service, and fintech solutions through "e& money." By streamlining operations and focusing on digital-first services, he ensured that e& remained competitive against global tech giants. The board noted that his leadership helped navigate the complexities of the post-pandemic digital surge, positioning the group as a vital enabler of the UAE’s digital economy.

Succession and Future Outlook While a permanent successor has not yet been named, the e& board expressed gratitude for Dowidar's contributions, stating that the group is now "stronger and more resilient than ever." The transition comes at a time when e& is looking to further consolidate its European presence and expand its digital wealth management and cybersecurity offerings. Analysts suggest that the next CEO will likely focus on extracting maximum value from Dowidar's recently acquired global assets.

Impact on the Regional Tech Landscape Dowidar’s departure is significant not just for e&, but for the entire Middle Eastern business landscape. He was a vocal advocate for cross-border collaboration and the development of local talent in the STEM sectors. His "record-breaking" 2025...