Adult residents in the UAE, along with two other nations, each possess a personal mobile device.
In a rapidly digitalizing world, mobile phone ownership and online shopping habits are transforming the way we live, work, and play. A recent study has revealed some fascinating insights into these trends, particularly in major developing countries and across the globe.
When it comes to mobile phone ownership, the UAE leads the pack, with an impressive 95% of adults owning a mobile device. Bahrain follows closely with 98.2% mobile internet user penetration, while other countries such as Kuwait, Singapore, Canada, New Zealand, Denmark, Japan, the United Kingdom, France, South Korea, Australia, Russia, Poland, and Kazakhstan boast high rates of mobile phone ownership, exceeding 60%.
However, among major developing countries, mobile phone ownership rates are lower, with India reporting 66%, Pakistan 63%, the Philippines 78%, Egypt 85%, and the United Kingdom 92%.
The UAE's dominance extends to mobile-driven online shopping. A staggering 37% of purchases in the region are made via mobile devices, marking a 23% increase since 2022. This figure is significantly higher than that of the United Kingdom (27.6%) and other developed nations like Singapore (34.8%) and Brazil (24.4%).
The UAE's food delivery apps, such as HungerStation, Talabat, and Deliveroo, are particularly popular, with 75% of mobile orders from surveyed restaurants processed through these platforms.
Elsewhere, digital connectivity and online interaction are becoming a top priority for individuals, businesses, and governments alike. In the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), internet usage ranges between 86% and 99% over the past three months. In most other developed nations, mobile ownership typically ranges in the mid-90% range.
Notably, Sweden, Iceland, Finland, Lithuania, Italy, Denmark, and Estonia report 99% mobile phone ownership among adults, while the figure stands at 98% in the United States, Cyprus, Algeria, Hong Kong (China), Latvia, Mongolia, and Vietnam.
Salima Gutieva, vice-president and country manager for Visa UAE, commented on the UAE's approach to commerce: "The UAE's approach shows what is possible when all stakeholders work together to build the future of commerce."
As of 2024, 86% of adults worldwide own a mobile phone, according to the World Bank. The UAE, Norway, and Libya are the only three countries where every adult resident owns a mobile phone, according to a new study.
In conclusion, the rapid adoption of mobile technology and online shopping is reshaping the global landscape. The UAE, in particular, stands out as a pioneer in these areas, offering a model for what is possible when all stakeholders work together to foster digital growth.
- The increasing trend of mobile phone ownership and online shopping is revolutionizing our lifestyles, work patterns, and leisure activities.
- The UAE leads the world in mobile phone ownership with 95% of adults owning a mobile device, followed by Bahrain, Kuwait, Singapore, Canada, New Zealand, and other developed countries.
- In major developing countries, mobile phone ownership rates are lower, with India reporting 66%, Pakistan 63%, and Egypt 85%.
- In the UAE, mobile-driven online shopping has seen a 23% increase since 2022, with 37% of purchases being made via mobile devices.
- UAE's food delivery apps, such as HungerStation, Talabat, and Deliveroo, process 75% of mobile orders from surveyed restaurants.
- The global landscape is being reshaped by the rapid adoption of mobile technology and online shopping, with the UAE serving as a pioneer, demonstrating what is achievable through collaborative efforts towards digital growth.
