Digital market in the United Arab Emirates - statistics & facts
The fourth industrial revolution has resulted in unprecedented technological progress around the globe. On its digital transformation path, a country's success will be determined by its ability to utilize new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Spending on technologies and services enabling such transformation worldwide was expected to exceed three trillion U.S. dollars by 2026. These technologies have enabled industries to increase economic productivity and improve the quality of life. The Gulf Cooperation Council, particularly the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has made significant progress towards digital transformation. The penetration rate of AR and VR technologies were expected to surpass 50 percent in Qatar and UAE by 2027.
With one of the highest internet penetration rates worldwide, the UAE’s demand for digital ads, services, gaming, e-commerce, and smartphone apps is continuously on the rise. The government’s early-on adoption and recognition of the importance of achieving a digitally transformed economy has shifted the ways of doing business in the country. Through programs such as Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai Internet City, the UAE government has also been proactively supporting the growth of the digital market, attracting digital companies and investors.
The state of digitalization of the UAE market
UAE’s substantial customer base, high rates of digital adoption, and government initiatives supporting digital innovation are all contributing factors to the country’s expanding digital market. The UAE’s young, tech-savvy population, who are more likely to adopt new emerging technologies, accounts for a sizable portion of the population. This resulted in the rise of new digital businesses and startups tailored to the demographic and the rapid development of the country’s digital world.With one of the highest internet penetration rates worldwide, the UAE’s demand for digital ads, services, gaming, e-commerce, and smartphone apps is continuously on the rise. The government’s early-on adoption and recognition of the importance of achieving a digitally transformed economy has shifted the ways of doing business in the country. Through programs such as Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai Internet City, the UAE government has also been proactively supporting the growth of the digital market, attracting digital companies and investors.
