The United Arab Emirates has joined an exclusive club of just three countries worldwide — alongside Norway and Libya — where every adult resident owns a mobile phone, according to the latest Global Findex 2025 report released by the World Bank.
The study underscores the UAE’s position at the forefront of global digital connectivity. In the Gulf region, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman are not far behind with a 98% adult mobile phone ownership rate, while Kuwait follows at 95%.
Globally, mobile phone penetration remains strong across many developed nations. In countries like Sweden, Iceland, and Finland, ownership rates hover at 99%. The United States, Vietnam, and Algeria also report a high 98% ownership rate.
However, the gap is more evident in developing economies. In India and Pakistan, adult mobile ownership stands at 66% and 63%, respectively. The Philippines reports 78%, while Egypt comes in at 85%.
“Mobile phones and the internet have become widespread and essential to daily life in economies around the globe,” the World Bank stated in its report. It added that “as of 2024, 86% of adults worldwide own a mobile phone,” highlighting the growing importance of digital tools in everyday life — from communication and shopping to payments and business operations.
The UAE’s digital momentum is also seen in how residents shop. According to the 2025 Global Digital Shopping Index, the country leads globally in mobile-driven online purchases, with 37% of transactions completed via mobile — ahead of Singapore (34.8%), the UK (27.6%), and Brazil (24.4%).
The study, commissioned by Visa Acceptance Solutions and conducted by Pymnts Intelligence, also revealed that 67% of UAE consumers used a mobile device during their latest in-store purchase, marking a 23% jump since 2022. Moreover, 38% of shoppers opted for online checkout via mobile or computer, choosing home delivery over physical retail.
These findings reflect a larger digital shift across the Gulf, where internet usage ranges between 86% and 99% — cementing the region’s place as a leader in tech-driven lifestyles.
