United Arab Emirates telecom network operator du acquired a five-year license to operate Virgin Mobile-branded services in the country from Virgin Group, Reuters reported Jan. 31.

Du's holding company, Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Co., or EITC, plans to launch the Virgin Mobile-branded services "within weeks," with Virgin Mobile operating using EITC's network and infrastructure, the report said, citing EITC CEO Osman Sultan.

In line with the new service, former Virgin Mobile Saudi Arabia CEO Karim Benkirane will serve as managing director of the UAE brand and will report to Sultan.