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    United Arab Emirates Telecom Market

    ID: MRFR/ICT/19172-HCR
    128 Pages
    Kinjoll Dey
    October 2025

    United Arab Emirates Telecom Market Research Report: Information By Service Type (Fixed-Line Services, Mobile Services, and Broadband Services), By Network Type (2G, 3G, 4G/LTE, and 5G), By End User (Residential, Commercial, and Industrial), - United Arab Emirates Market Forecast Till 2035.

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    United Arab Emirates Telecom Market Infographic
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    United Arab Emirates Telecom Market Summary

    As per Market Research Future Analysis, the United Arab Emirates Telecom Market is projected to grow from USD 10.90 billion in 2025 to USD 15.38 billion by 2035, with a CAGR of 3.50% during the forecast period. The market was valued at USD 10.53 billion in 2024, driven by factors such as population growth, smartphone penetration, and government initiatives for digital transformation. The mobile services segment dominates the market, supported by increasing demand for high-speed broadband. The 5G network is a significant revenue generator, enhancing corporate applications and reducing latency. Major players like Etisalat and Du are leading the market, focusing on R&D and strategic partnerships to expand their offerings.

    Key Market Trends & Highlights

    Key trends driving the UAE Telecom Market include rising internet penetration and the rollout of 5G technology.

    • Internet penetration in the UAE is at 99%, the highest globally, boosting telecom growth.
    • 5G adoption is increasing, with 90% of the population having access by the end of 2021.
    • The mobile services segment is expected to grow due to rising demand for high-speed broadband.
    • Residential end users are driving demand for high-speed internet, fueled by remote work and online entertainment.

    Market Size & Forecast

    2024 Market Size USD 10.53 Billion
    2035 Market Size USD 15.38 Billion

    Major Players

    Etisalat Group, du (Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company), Thuraya Telecommunications Company, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., Inmarsat plc, Virgin Mobile UAE, Nokia Corporation, Yahsat, Ericsson, Cisco Systems, Inc.

    United Arab Emirates Telecom Market Trends

    Rising Internet Penetration to Boost the Market Growth

    The United Arab Emirates telecom market CAGR is anticipated to grow faster in the future due to rising internet penetration. Internet penetration, also known as internet adoption rate or internet penetration rate, is a metric that indicates the proportion of the overall population within a given region, demographic, or organization that has access to and makes use of the internet. As more people use the internet, telecom companies have more and more options to grow their businesses, enhance their infrastructure, provide new services, and boost revenue, all while promoting social and economic advancement.

    For instance, a research states that the United Arab Emirates has the greatest percentage of active internet users worldwide—99% of the population.

    Significant factors contributing to the market growth included rising replacement rates, rising average device usage per user, and consumers switching from feature phones to smartphones as a result of price reductions. The rollout of 5G has already occurred, and the faster mobile internet it offers is anticipated to further propel the expansion of the nation's mobile network market. Major operators, mostly government-owned Etisalat and Du, dominate the thriving mobile market in the United Arab Emirates. The mobile network is always evolving, and companies that operate in these countries are growing. Thus, driving the telecom market revenue.

    The United Arab Emirates telecom market is poised for transformative growth, driven by advancements in digital infrastructure and an increasing demand for high-speed connectivity, which collectively enhance the nation's position as a regional technology hub.

    Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, UAE

    United Arab Emirates Telecom Market Drivers

    Market Growth Projections

    Adoption of Advanced Technologies

    The adoption of advanced technologies is a key driver of growth in the Global United Arab Emirates Telecom Market Industry. Technologies such as artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), and big data analytics are being integrated into telecom operations to enhance service delivery and customer experience. This integration is expected to streamline processes and improve operational efficiency, thereby attracting more consumers. As the market evolves, the implementation of these technologies could lead to innovative service offerings, which may further bolster the market's growth trajectory, particularly as the sector aims to achieve a CAGR of 3.18% from 2025 to 2035.

    Government Initiatives and Investments

    Government initiatives in the UAE are significantly influencing the Global United Arab Emirates Telecom Market Industry. The UAE government has been actively investing in digital transformation projects, which include enhancing telecom infrastructure and promoting innovation in the sector. These efforts are expected to contribute to the market's growth, with projections indicating a rise to 15.4 USD Billion by 2035. The government's commitment to fostering a knowledge-based economy and its Vision 2021 strategy are likely to further stimulate investments in telecommunications, thereby creating a conducive environment for market expansion and technological advancements.

    Growing Demand for Mobile Data Services

    The Global United Arab Emirates Telecom Market Industry is experiencing a surge in demand for mobile data services, driven by the increasing penetration of smartphones and the rising consumption of data-intensive applications. As of 2024, the market is projected to reach 10.9 USD Billion, reflecting the growing reliance on mobile connectivity for both personal and professional use. This trend is further supported by the UAE's strategic initiatives to enhance digital infrastructure, which aim to facilitate seamless connectivity and improve user experience. The expansion of 5G networks is also anticipated to play a crucial role in meeting this demand, potentially leading to a more dynamic telecom landscape.

    Increasing Competition Among Telecom Operators

    The Global United Arab Emirates Telecom Market Industry is characterized by increasing competition among telecom operators, which is driving innovation and improving service quality. With multiple players vying for market share, companies are compelled to enhance their offerings and reduce prices, benefiting consumers. This competitive landscape is likely to lead to the introduction of new services and packages tailored to diverse customer needs. As operators invest in expanding their networks and enhancing customer service, the overall market is expected to grow, reflecting the dynamic nature of the telecommunications sector in the UAE.

    Rising Internet Penetration and Digital Literacy

    Rising internet penetration and digital literacy are pivotal factors propelling the Global United Arab Emirates Telecom Market Industry. The UAE has made significant strides in increasing internet accessibility, with a high percentage of the population now online. This trend is fostering a culture of digital engagement, where individuals and businesses increasingly rely on internet-based services. As digital literacy improves, the demand for high-speed internet and reliable telecom services is likely to escalate, further driving market growth. The ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide are expected to enhance connectivity and support the overall development of the telecom sector.

    Market Segment Insights

    Telecom Service Type Insights

    Telecom Service Type Insights

    The United Arab Emirates Telecom market segmentation, based on service type, includes Fixed-Line Services, Mobile Services and Broadband Services. The mobile services segment dominated the market mostly. This is explained by the fact that consumers' use of cell phones is steadily increasing. Throughout the course of the projection period, the segment growth is anticipated to be further supported by the rapidly increasing demand for high-speed broadband mobile services for both business and household applications. 

    Telecom Network Type Insights

    Telecom Network Type Insights

    The United Arab Emirates Telecom market segmentation, based on network type, includes 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE and 5G. The 5G category generated the most income. With the introduction of next-generation high-speed networks, there is an increasing need for telecom services in corporate applications. In order to get faster data bandwidth and reduce network latency, businesses are deploying 5G small cell networks and private 5G networks.

    Figure 1: United Arab Emirates Telecom Market, by Network Type, 2023 & 2032 (USD Billion)

    Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review

    Telecom End User Insights

    Telecom End User Insights

    The United Arab Emirates Telecom market segmentation, based on end user, includes Residential, Commercial and Industrial. The residential category generated the most income. The growing popularity of watching ultra-high-definition movies and playing online games is expected to propel the segment's growth. The need for high-speed Internet services has been rising quickly due to the rise in the number of persons working remotely. To efficiently do their everyday responsibilities, a large number of residential end users need access to fast, dependable, and reasonably priced Internet services. 

    Telecom Country Insights

    Telecom Country Insights

    The government's numerous initiatives to improve the nation's internet infrastructure and broadband connection, the rise in data consumption by individuals and businesses, the expansion of 5G deployments throughout the nation, and various innovations by the major telecom market vendors operating in the United Arab Emirates have all contributed to the significant transformation of the United Arab Emirates telecom market over the past few years. The World Bank reports that every person in the nation has access to the internet.

    The number of people utilizing the internet is predicted to rise due to factors such as the increasing percentage of people using smartphones, the improved service quality provided by operators, and advancements in infrastructure and technology. Moreover, the introduction of 6G and the growing use of 5G are also anticipated to propel market expansion. The region is seeing a steady increase in 5G adoption as 5G network coverage grows. The GSMA reports that there are signs of growing 5G coverage. 90% of the population in the United Arab Emirates have access to 5G by the end of 2021.

    Another important aspect driving the market's expansion is the rising cost of communication. The market has profited mostly from the rising number of people using smartphones and the increased demand for telecom services from both consumers and companies in recent years.

    Get more detailed insights about United Arab Emirates Telecom Market

    Key Players and Competitive Insights

    Leading market players are investing heavily in research and development in order to expand their product lines, which will help the telecom market, grow even more. Market participants are also undertaking a variety of strategic activities to expand their footprint, with important market developments including new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, higher investments, and collaboration with other organizations. To expand and survive in a more competitive and rising market climate, telecom industry must offer cost-effective items.

    Major players in the telecom market are attempting to increase market demand by investing in research and development operations, including Etisalat Group, Thuraya Telecommunications Company, du (Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company), Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., Inmarsat plc, Virgin Mobile United Arab Emirates, Yahsat (Al Yah Satellite Communications Company), Ericsson, Nokia Corporation, and Cisco Systems, Inc.

    Key Companies in the United Arab Emirates Telecom Market market include

    Industry Developments

    In April 2023, Etisalat by E& introduced enhanced business mobile plans – with higher data and other features with no extra charges – to support the changing needs of their clients in the competitive business landscape. Business First Plus and Business Xtreme will seek to offer more data allowances to clients to meet the increased data service needs of businesses.

    In April 2023, the Internet of Things ("IoT") came up with an investment arrangement with Astrocast, a leading Low Earth Orbit network operator company, in collaboration with Thuraya Telecommunications Company. In order to assist with Thuraya's market expansion in the telecommunication industry, this deal hopes to extend the four-year technical partnership agreement that the two companies originally agreed to four years ago.

    In the year 2023, the United Arab Emirates adopted the fifth-generation technology. Its implementation in the country was thought to provide better mobile broadband as well as better Internet of Things systems interconnectivity while also enabling new and creative applications and services to be developed and supported.

    In  2023, Nokia announced that Du, from Emirates Integrated Telecommunication Company, has deployed Nokia's MAG to furnish broadband services for business and residential purposes over 4G/5G FWA in addition to mobile services. The telecom company is using the Nokia FastMile 5G gateways, MAG, and Nokia professional services.

    In October 2023, Nedaa, which is a professional communication corporation based in the Middle East, collaborated with Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (du) and announced that they signed an MoU intended to improve collaboration in the telecommunication sector. This collaboration aimed to implement several of Du's IoT project initiatives within the alliance's network, enhancing national roaming coverage across the UAE.

    In April 2023, for instance, in April 2023, Etisalat by E& stated that it would be restructuring its mobile plans, offering wider data and other features than ever at no additional cost to meet client's expectations in the evolving business arena. Depending on the growth of data usage among companies, Business First Plus and Business Xtreme plan to offer subscribers even larger volumes of data.Telecom Market Segmentation

    Telecom Service Type Outlook

      • Fixed-Line Services

      • Mobile Services

      • Broadband Services

    Telecom Network Type Outlook
      • 2G

      • 3G

      • 4G/LTE

      • 5G

    Telecom End User Outlook
      • Residential

      • Commercial

      • Industrial

    Future Outlook

    United Arab Emirates Telecom Market Future Outlook

    The United Arab Emirates Telecom Market is poised for growth at 3.50% CAGR from 2025 to 2035, driven by technological advancements, increasing demand for connectivity, and regulatory support.

    New opportunities lie in:

    • Invest in 5G infrastructure to enhance service delivery and customer experience.
    • Develop IoT solutions for smart city initiatives to capture emerging market segments.
    • Leverage AI-driven analytics for personalized customer engagement and operational efficiency.

    By 2035, the market is expected to exhibit robust growth, reflecting a dynamic and competitive landscape.

    Market Segmentation

    Telecom End User Outlook

    • Residential
    • Commercial
    • Industrial

    Telecom Network Type Outlook

    • 2G
    • 3G
    • 4G/LTE
    • 5G

    Telecom Service Type Outlook

    • Fixed-Line Services
    • Mobile Services
    • Broadband Services

    Report Scope

    Report Attribute/Metric Details
    Market Size 2024 10.53 (USD Billion)
    Market Size 2025 10.90 (USD Billion)
    Market Size 2035 15.38 (USD Billion)
    Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) 3.50% (2025 - 2035)
    Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends
    Base Year 2024
    Market Forecast Period 2025 - 2035
    Historical Data 2019 - 2023
    Market Forecast Units USD Billion
    Segments Covered Service Type, Network Type, End User, and Region
    Countries Covered United Arab Emirates
    Key Companies Profiled Etisalat Group, Thuraya Telecommunications Company, du (Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company), Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., Inmarsat plc, Virgin Mobile United Arab Emirates, Yahsat (Al Yah Satellite Communications Company), Ericsson, Nokia Corporation, and Cisco Systems, Inc.
    Key Market Opportunities Growing Industry Digital Transformation
    Key Market Dynamics Increased Smartphone Penetration  Rising Policies of the Government and PPP Projects

    Market Highlights

    Author
    Kinjoll Dey
    Research Analyst Level I

    He is an extremely curious individual currently working in Healthcare and Medical Devices Domain. Kinjoll is comfortably versed in data centric research backed by healthcare educational background. He leverages extensive data mining and analytics tools such as Primary and Secondary Research, Statistical Analysis, Machine Learning, Data Modelling. His key role also involves Technical Sales Support, Client Interaction and Project management within the Healthcare team. Lastly, he showcases extensive affinity towards learning new skills and remain fascinated in implementing them.

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    FAQs

    How much is the telecom market?

    The United Arab Emirates Telecom market size was valued at USD 10.53Billion in 2024.

    What is the growth rate of the telecom market?

    The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.50% during the forecast period, 2025-2034.

    Who are the key players in the telecom market?

    The key players in the market are Etisalat Group, Thuraya Telecommunications Company, du (Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company), Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., Inmarsat plc, Virgin Mobile United Arab Emirates, Yahsat (Al Yah Satellite Communications Company), Ericsson, Nokia Corporation, and Cisco Systems, Inc.

    Which service type led the telecom market?

    The mobile services category dominated the market in 2023.

    Which network type had the largest market share in the telecom market?

    The 5G category had the largest share of the market.

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