The Internet is the modern-day encyclopedia for any query that a human can have. It has changed how businesses work, transformed the educational system, simplified many day-to-day tasks, and also offered the convenience of safety in times of danger. It now has become a part of everyone’s daily life routine. The usage of the internet has been skyrocketing over the past decade due to the affordability of electronics and the introduction of 3G, 4G and 5G.
People today use the internet to shop for groceries, clothes, furniture, food, and literally anything. Now as a tech geek or any company that’s looking forward to establishing an online business, you might be intrigued to find out the statistics of internet usage. In this blog post, we will explore the latest statistics on internet usage, including the number of users and the most commonly used platforms. Additionally, we will discuss the various ways in which people use the Internet and the benefits businesses can gain from having a website.
Internet Usage in the UAE (2024 Statistics)
Internet Users
- At the start of 2024, there were 9.46 million internet users in the UAE.
- The internet penetration rate stood at an impressive 99.0% of the total population.
- The population of the UAE increased by 76,000 (0.8%) between early 2023 and the start of 2024.
Social Media Users
- The UAE became home to 10.73 million social media users in January 2024.
- Among social media users:
- 39.6% are female.
- 60.4% are male
- This figure equates to an astounding 112% of the total population, this highlights the widespread adoption of social platforms.
Mobile Connectivity
- A total of 20.96 million cellular mobile connections were active in the UAE in early 2024.
- Remarkably, this figure corresponds to 219.4% of the total population, this demonstrates the increasing usage of mobile devices.
Average Internet Speeds
The UAE stands out with remarkable average internet speeds:
- Broadband: 235.72 Mbps.
- Mobile: 269.41 Mbps.
Web Traffic Across Devices
- Mobile phones dominate web traffic, accounting for 75.30%.
- Laptops & desktops follow at 23.67%, while tablets contribute 1.02%.
Preferred Browser
Google Chrome is the most preferred browser, constituting 74.80% of web traffic in 2024.
Social media statistics
Let’s explore some social media statistics for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2024. Here are the key points:
- 3.049 billion monthly active users globally.
- Widely used across various demographics, including UAE residents.
- A powerful platform for businesses to connect with audiences.
- 7.70 million Instagrammers in the UAE.
- Particularly popular among young people and teens.
- Owned by Meta (formerly Facebook), Instagram enables visual storytelling opportunities.
YouTube
2.491 billion potential advertising reach worldwide.
YouTube ads reached an impressive 93.2% of the UAE’s total internet user base (regardless of age) in January 2024. Video content is dominating the internet, making it an excellent channel for brand visibility and engagement.
YouTube ads reached an impressive 93.2% of the UAE’s total internet user base (regardless of age) in January 2024. Video content is dominating the internet, making it an excellent channel for brand visibility and engagement.
- Among YouTube’s ad audience in the UAE:
- 28.2% were female.
- 71.8% were male.
- Among YouTube’s ad audience in the UAE:
- 28.2% were female.
- 71.8% were male.
- A professional networking platform.
- While global figures are not specified, LinkedIn is widely used for B2B networking, job searches, and industry insights.
Age Group Statistics
Users Behaviour
Online Activities
- UAE citizens spend an average of 8 hours and 11 minutes using the internet daily across all devices.
- Social media accounts for approximately 2 hours and 58 minutes of their online time.
- These figures highlight the integration of online activities into the lives of Dubai residents.
Digital Transformation
- Dubai’s commitment to digital excellence aligns with initiatives like the digital government strategy.
- By 2025, the UAE aims to provide fast internet connectivity and secure digital infrastructure to all citizens.
Insights and Implications
- Diverse Audiences: Each platform serves different user demographics. Businesses should tailor their content accordingly to resonate with the audience.
- Visual Content: Instagram and YouTube solely rely on visuals. Brands can use these platforms for storytelling and product showcases.
- Messaging and Networking: WhatsApp and LinkedIn offer direct communication channels. Businesses can engage with customers and professionals.
Conclusion
Overall, high internet speeds, network coverage, and advancements in Dubai are a testament to the nation’s rapid technological advancements. It’s clear now that the digital realm is an integral part of life with an internet penetration rate almost reaching total saturation. For businesses, these advancements in the internet offer a chance to establish a powerful online presence among the tech-savvy demographic with the help of digital marketing agencies. Businesses can also use widespread platforms such as Facebook and LinkedIn to promote and attract many potential customers.