From 2013 to 2023, the number of mobile cellular subscriptions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) experienced varying growth rates. In 2013, subscriptions stood at 16.064 million, reaching 20.68 million by 2023, reflecting a 3.21% year-on-year growth in the last year. Noteworthy fluctuations include significant growth between 2013 and 2016, with a peak in 2016 at 19.905 million, followed by a decline in the ensuing years until a resurgence post-2021. The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) was 0.59% over the past five years, after a mix of growth and contraction phases.
Future trends to observe include the forecasted steady growth, with a CAGR of 2.27% expected from 2023 to 2028, projecting a subscription total of 23.856 million by 2028. This indicates a moderate but consistent growth trajectory, likely driven by technological advancements, increased mobile penetration, and an expanding population base. Monitoring technological adoption rates and regulatory developments will be key to assessing future market dynamics.