According to Canalys research, smartphone shipments in the Middle East (excluding Turkey) reached 12.0 million in quarter three (Q3) of 2023, with a notable 21% annual growth surge.
The research group says this was thanks to unwavering domestic demand, with businesses noting an increase in both their consumer bases and job opportunities. Despite falling oil prices, the non-oil sector continued to make significant contributions.
“Samsung and Apple maintained their market positions,” says Manish Pravinkumar, Dubai-based senior consultant at Canalys. “Samsung’s extensive distribution network and Apple’s full-stack device services and ecosystem strategy solidified their dominance in the region. Notably, the demand for used Apple and Samsung devices remains high, viewed as lucrative investments due to high resale value.”
Apple sold 1.3 million iPhones in the Middle East (excluding Turkey) in Q3 of 2023 for 11% market share. That compares to sales of 1.2 million and 12% in Q2 of 2022. That’s annual growth of 9%. Samsung leads the smartphone market in the region with sales of 3.8 smartphones and 31% of market share in Q3 of 2023.
In Q3 2023, Saudi Arabia soared with strong 46% year-on-year growth in smartphone shipments, driven by increasing demand for entry-level models. Despite immediate hurdles, government spending is poised to uphold economic diversification.
Canalys says that shipments in the United Arab Emirates rose by a modest 2%, fueled by an expat and tourist influx, and received positive momentum from investors, consumers and the private sector. Iraq continued its strong momentum with 57% growth driven by demand for sub-US$150 phones and increased brand activities. On the other hand, Kuwait and Qatar saw shipment drops of 4% and 2%, respectively, due to strict job regulations in Kuwait and subdued consumer demand.
