UAE Mobile Subscriptions Surge, Driven by 5G Innovation and Targeted Services
Abu Dhabi, UAE - Mobile subscriptions in the United Arab Emirates have experienced important growth, increasing by 8.5% year-over-year to reach 22.9 million by the end of june 2025, up from 21.1 million in June 2024, according to recent data from the nation’s telecommunications sector.
The subscription base is comprised of 5.3 million postpaid and 17.6 million prepaid users. Leading the growth is Etisalat & Emirates, which saw a 6.97% increase in total subscriptions, reaching 13.8 million,compared to 12.9 million the previous year. Postpaid subscriptions for Etisalat & Emirates grew by 9% to 3.4 million, while prepaid subscriptions rose 7.14% to 10.5 million, giving the company a 60.26% market share of active mobile lines in the UAE.
UAE Leads in Mobile Data Speeds & 5G Advancement
The UAE continues to solidify its position as a global leader in mobile data speeds, topping the “Ookla” index.Recent testing of 6 GHz and 600 MHz bands – allocated by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority and Digital Government – demonstrated peak download speeds of up to 10 Gbps with the 6 GHz range and expanded 5G network coverage by over 6 km using the 600 MHz range. These advancements promise significant benefits for consumers,businesses,and the overall digital economy.
Etisalat & Emirates has also pioneered a virtual 5G network with Emstil, incorporating advanced slicing capabilities to support automated operations, proactive maintenance, and enhanced worker safety - a significant step towards boosting productivity and efficiency in the industrial sector.
du Experiences Strong Subscriber & Revenue Growth
Emirates Integrated Communications Company (du) also reported strong performance, with a 10.8% annual increase in subscribers, reaching 9.1 million by the end of June, compared to 8.2 million the year prior.Postpaid subscriptions at du grew by 9.8% to 1.9 million, fueled by demand from the business sector. prepaid subscriptions saw an even more considerable increase of 11.1% to 7.3 million, driven by the success of the “ALO” brand among blue-collar workers, expansion of retail stores in underserved areas, and increased tourism.
This growth translated into a 7.7% increase in mobile service revenue for du, reaching 1.7 billion dirhams.This success is attributed to a growing customer base, effective service offerings, targeted services for specific customer segments, and impactful marketing campaigns.