Dubai, UAE, 27^th April 2003

Comtrust, the e-solutions business unit of Etisalat, continues to expand its market reach, with the announcement of its latest UAE-based partner, Reliantnet. In joining the Comtrust Solutions Partner (CSP) program, Reliantnet brings to eleven, the number of Comtrust strategic partners in the Middle East.

Reliantnet is an Internet and multimedia services company based in Abu Dhabi, focused mainly on developing, marketing, selling and supporting of Multimedia, Internet and web-based solutions. Specializing in the design and development of multimedia CD presentations web database applications like portal websites, intranet and extranet sites, and e-commerce, Reliantnet brings an impressive client and project based portfolio. Under the agreement signed today, Reliantnet will market and sell Comtrust’s comprehensive portfolio of e-solutions, throughout the Emirates.

Speaking after signing the deal, Ahmad Abdul Karim Julfar, General Manager, Comtrust said, “As the influence of the Internet touches every aspect of business in the UAE, we need to be aware of all the demands of the market. In order to remain as the premier provider of e-solutions in the region, it is imperative Comtrust continues to expand its market reach and partner with innovative and experienced organizations. Over the past 12 months, our CSP program has provided us with the ability to target many more markets, and continues to support our efforts in reaching our business goals.”

He continued, “Additionally, Reliantnet’s skills set complement our own in many areas. Reliantnet’s experience in e-business solutions enabling organizations to effectively interact and perform business transactions with customers, suppliers, the distribution channel and employees, provides synergies with our own e-solutions offerings.”

Comtrust’s CSP program continues to gather pace through 2003, with eleven members reaching out across the region. Comtrust partners have allowed for a significant increase in market reach, emphasizing Comtrust’s strength as the leading provider of e-solutions in the region. In signing Reliantnet to the program, Comtrust has significantly strengthened its commitment to the multimedia and web based industries, and highlighted its commitment to providing locally based solutions for regional organizations.

Mr. Benjamin Samuel, Managing Director of Reliantnet, commented, “The announcement is great news for us and Comtrust. Like our partner, we are committed to enhancing the e-business offering to businesses throughout the region, by continually providing innovative, workable, and cost-effective solutions to the market. Reliantnet have had much experience in the Internet and multimedia space, implementing end-to-end solutions for such clients as Wildlife Development Agency, Ministry of Health and International Financial Services.”

He continued, “With that, we demonstrate a sound knowledge of our market, and in turn represent a solid resource for Comtrust’s expanding market reach. With the deal in place, we can work together to ensure companies can benefit from end-to-end integrated web and multimedia solutions, capable of servicing the e-business and digital advertising needs of forward looking organizations in the digital economy.”