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Mobile internet usage in MENA - statistics & facts

There has been a stable growth in the number of people with access to mobile internet. With almost half the population worldwide connected to the internet, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) was forecasted to follow the same global trend. The mobile industry in the MENA region has essentially risen to the challenge of sustaining social and economic activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite significant growth in data traffic. The number of mobile internet users in the region was forecasted to exceed 350 million by 2025, with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries having the highest mobile internet penetration rates in MENA.

5G connections in MENA

  Investments in technological innovation, notably in 5G technology, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, have risen dramatically in GCC countries. Since the introduction of 5G solutions in the region in 2019, there has been a high public willingness to adopt the new technology in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). While COVID-19 seemed to have slowed down the use of 5G networks in non-GCC markets, the 5G leaders in the GCC states have continued to invest in the technology, and 5G activities in non-GCC countries were expected to pick up again. 5G connections are expected to account for around 17 percent of connections in MENA by 2025.

Smartphones market in MENA

  The GCC region was expected to have the highest smartphone penetration rate within the Middle East at more than 90 percent by 2025. Supply chain disruptions caused by COVID-19 and store closures led to weak smartphone sales in 2020. However, the smartphone market recovered strongly with the lifting of lockdown measures. The number of smartphone subscriptions in MENA was expected to increase continuously in the upcoming years. Due to the access of lower-end smartphone devices at more affordable prices, even lower-income households can easily access the internet.
This text provides general information. Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text.
Published by Salma Saleh, Feb 27, 2024

Key insights

Number of mobile internet subscribers in MENA
760mn users
Mobile data traffic in MENA by 2027
22.47 exabytes per month
Mobile internet penetration rate MENA 2023
39%
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