Number of mobile subscriptions in UAE 2020, by month

In December 2020, the number of mobile subscriptions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) amounted to 186.1 subscriptions per hundred inhabitants, down from 204.1 in January of that year. The total number of active mobile subscriptions in the UAE reached around 16.82 million subscriptions in December 2020.

UAE telecommunication trends

  In the previous two decades, the UAE's digital landscape has seen a full makeover. By providing a conducive atmosphere for digital innovators, the country has become the most digital-friendly country in the Middle East. The UAE ranks first among other countries in terms of internet usage, and COVID-19 has only bolstered usage. The number of mobile cellular subscriptions in the country exceeded 19.5 million in 2019. The number of mobile broadband subscriptions in the UAE was expected to exceed 30 million by 2025.

IT industry during COVID-19 in MENA

COVID-19 resulted in the suspension or cancellation of IT projects throughout the MENA area. As the region's situation improves and businesses recognize the full benefits of a strong digital ecosystem, IT spending will likely return to pre-pandemic levels in 2021. In 2020, the MENA region's cloud management and security services markets are estimated to be worth 226 million U.S. dollars. During the COVID-19 outbreak of 2020, which resulted in lockdowns and the shutdown of shops, restaurants, and supermarkets, people were more inclined to use online options for shopping, communication, and remote working. Every country in the region, particularly Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait, has experienced a considerable increase in the use of mobile applications. Spending on communication services in the information technology sector in the region is expected to reach 120 billion U.S. dollars in 2022.