The smartphone market in the UAE has experienced significant growth up to 2021 and is expected to increase in the coming years. In any case, the growth outlook is clear for 2022, with an expected increase of 12% to around 7 million smartphones sold in the UAE. However, it should be noted that consumer preferences and sales channels are changing significantly.
In this article we aim to analyse the trends and opportunities in the UAE mobile sector. Let’s get started!
Smartphone market development in the UAE 2022
The market is clearly changing in the country. The entry of Chinese brands with more affordable prices has made it possible for many consumers who previously could not afford smartphones to now do so. Brands such as Xiaomi and Huawei have managed to position themselves among the top 5 brands in smartphone sales volume in the UAE.
However, Samsung Gulf Electronics FZE still has the largest market share in retail sales with 24%. It is worth noting that the cost of a smartphone in the UAE increased significantly in 2022. The current rise in inflation, as well as recent launches by major companies, where new launches are priced higher than previous models. Smartphones now have a high penetration rate among local citizens, spanning almost all income levels, and the applications that can be accessed with such technology play an increasingly important role in their lives.
Which brands are leading the smartphone market in the UAE in 2022?
Despite increasing competition from smaller brands, Samsung maintains its leadership in the smartphone sector in 2022. Samsung’s smartphones are characterised by innovative features and competitive pricing.
On the other hand, Apple is expected to lose retail sales volume in 2022 due to increasing profits made by smaller players. However, the launch of the iPhone 14 has boosted sales in the short term, but negative opinions of the new model may affect sales throughout the latter part of 2022.
Top 5 Companies of Smartphones in UAE – 2022
| Company | % Share |
|---|---|
| Samsung Gulf Electronics FZE | 24.2 |
| Apple Inc | 14.1 |
| Xiaomi Corp | 14.0 |
| Huawei Technologies Co Ltd | 13.1 |
| Guangdong OPPO Mobile Telecommunications Corp Ltd | 6.2 |
E-commerce is the new sales channel for smartphones in UAE
E-commerce continues to occupy a significant share this is due to online retailers offering flexible return policies and even discounts to encourage UAE residents to purchase through e-commerce.
It is worth noting that in many cases consumers visit physical shops to initially inspect smartphones before heading online to complete the purchase as they appreciate being able to comparison shop from the comfort of their homes.
Top 5 brands of Smartphones sold in UAE – 2022
| Brand | % Share |
|---|---|
| Samsung | 24.2 |
| iPhone | 14.1 |
| Xiaomi | 14.0 |
| Huawei | 13.1 |
| Oppo | 6.2 |
