The UK claims that Emirates's Vodafone investment presents a risk to national security

Due to the British company's government contracts, Emirates Telecommunications' share in Vodafone poses a risk to national security, according to Britain, who also suggested that Vodafone take precautions to mitigate the risk.

Britain stated in an online statement on January 24 that Vodafone should set up a national security committee to supervise sensitive activities that can affect national security and that the company should adhere to board member criteria.

Regarding the government declaration, Vodafone refrained from commenting right away.

With a stake of about 14%, the Emirates group, popularly known as e&, is Vodafone's largest stakeholder.

Vodafone said in May that Hatem Dowidar, the CEO of e&, will be joining its board as the two firms decided to strengthen their strategic partnership.

Since making its first investment in Vodafone in May 2022, E&—which operates in 16 countries around the Middle East, Asia, and Africa—has increased its ownership in the company.

(Sources: investing.com, reuters.com)