UAE telecom trade grows to AED10.2 billion in 2024

The UAE’s trade in telecommunication services rose by 4.3 percent in 2024, reaching AED10.2 billion, up from AED9.8 billion in 2023, according to data released by the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre (FCSC).

The growth was driven largely by a strong fourth-quarter performance, which saw a 12.95 percent year-on-year increase, with telecom trade reaching AED2.70 billion for the quarter - the highest among the four quarters.

Telecom service exports increased by 6.49 percent to AED4.9 billion in 2024, while imports rose by 2.38 percent to AED5.3 billion.

Quarterly trade distribution showed the fourth quarter accounted for 26.45 percent of the annual total, followed by Q3 at 25.34 percent (AED2.59 billion), Q2 at 25.05 percent (AED2.56 billion) and Q1 at 23.17 percent (AED2.37 billion).

This performance highlights the telecom sector’s vital role in supporting the UAE’s digital economy, the growth of e-commerce and the ongoing development of technological infrastructure.

FCSC, affiliated with the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, is tasked with enhancing the UAE’s global competitiveness, statistical systems and data-driven development in line with the UAE Centennial Plan 2071.