Much of this progress was fueled by a strong performance in the fourth quarter of 2024, which saw a year-on-year increase of 12.95%.
Amid the UAE’s ongoing efforts to position itself as a global leader in digital transformation and smart infrastructure, the telecommunications sector continues to show strong growth. Aligned with the country’s long-term goals under the UAE Centennial Plan 2071, recent data highlights the sector’s growing contribution to economic development and technological advancement.
According to figures from the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC), the UAE’s trade in telecommunication services increased by 4.3% in 2024, reaching $2.78 billion, up from $2.67 billion in 2023. This growth reflects the expansion of the nation’s digital economy and the rising demand for connectivity and communication services.
Much of this momentum was driven by a strong performance in the fourth quarter of 2024, which recorded a year-on-year increase of 12.95%. Telecom trade during the quarter reached $735 million, marking the highest quarterly value of the year.
The report also revealed that exports of telecommunication services rose by 6.49% in 2024 to $1.334 billion, while imports grew by 2.38% to $1.44 billion.
In terms of quarterly contributions, the fourth quarter accounted for the largest share of the annual trade volume at 26.45%. It was followed by the third quarter with 25.34% (AED 2.59 billion), the second quarter with 25.05% ($698 million), and the first quarter with 23.17% ($646 million).
This strong performance highlights the strategic role of the telecommunications sector in supporting the UAE’s digital economy, driving the growth of e-commerce, and advancing technological infrastructure.
The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC), affiliated with the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, plays a central role in strengthening national competitiveness, enhancing data capabilities, and supporting the UAE’s long-term development goals.
Source: UAE Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC), Fast Company link here.
