The UAE has the highest mobile penetration in Gulf, at an estimated 198 subscribers per 100 people in 2013. In comparison, the mobile penetration rate in its much larger neighbour, Saudi Arabia, is 181.2 per 100 people. According to the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), there were 17m mobile subscribers in the UAE at end-June 2014.
The main reason for high penetration rates is the large number of tourists, businessmen and temporary residents who pass through the country. There is also a higher than usual usage of multiple SIM cards and a high level of local crossborder traffic. The high proportion of young people in the UAE has led to an increase in sales of smartphones, with the bulk of them owned by those below the age of 18.

Telecommunications report 2

Mobile 2

Fixed 3

Internet 4

Industry publishing schedule 6

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