Mobile apps usage in UAE - statistics & facts

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the top digitally connected countries in the world. It had the world's second-fastest average mobile internet speed, ranking after Qatar. With almost the entire population owning a smartphone, the mobile internet usage penetration rate is forecasted to reach 96.3 percent by 2025.

Mobile internet market in UAE

Mobile phones are the most popular way to access the internet in the UAE. In 2019, the UAE was the first Arab country to deploy a 5G network. Today, the UAE has the second fastest average 5G download speed in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and eighth worldwide. Along with Saudi Arabia, the UAE had the highest share of 5G service adoption in the MENA region. The increasing use of devices per user, high rates of replacement, and smartphone penetration rates with the drop in prices were the significant factors that contributed to the growth of the mobile network segment. The telecom market in the country is dominated by two Emirati-based telecom operators, Du and Etisalat, which are mainly government-owned.

Mobile apps future in the UAE

As businesses in the UAE invest in mobile apps to increase customer engagement and spending, they are seeing positive results as the overall number of mobile app installs in the country continues to grow. While this presents convenience for consumers, it has also increased the competitiveness of the market. For UAE businesses, increasing the download and utilization of their mobile apps could be a determining factor for their profits, as consumer spending on mobile apps is on the rise. Finance-related apps showed a significant increase in demand. With the UAE ranking eighth worldwide when it comes to mobile POS payment, it’s no surprise that there is a growing preference for mobile apps as the primary engagement channel.
This text provides general information. Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text.
Published by Salma Saleh, Jan 9, 2025

Key insights

Number of smartphone users in the United Arab Emirates by 2025
9.19m
Number of mobile internet users in the United Arab Emirates by 2025
9.19m
Mobile internet usage penetration in the United Arab Emirates by 2025
96.3%
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