Key Market Indicators
The number of mobile subscribers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is projected to hit nearly 23.9 million by 2028, up from approximately 20.7 million in 2023, according to recent forecasts. This growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.3%. Since mobile services were introduced in the UAE in 1987, the demand has seen a steady increase, averaging a 0.6% annual growth rate. In the global ranking, the UAE placed 57th in 2023, with Zambia slightly ahead, also recording around 20.7 million subscriptions. Topping the list of countries with the highest number of mobile subscriptions were India, the United States, and Indonesia, occupying the second, third, and fourth spots, respectively.
