Recent data from Sensor Tower’s State of Mobile 2025 report reveals fascinating insights into UAE residents’ digital preferences, with TikTok emerging as the clear frontrunner in mobile app usage.
Record-Breaking Engagement
The numbers paint a striking picture: UAE’s 11.2 million residents dedicated 7.63 billion hours to TikTok in 2024, averaging approximately 2 hours daily per user. This translates to roughly 700 hours per resident throughout the year.
Youth Perspective
The platform’s grip on younger users is particularly notable. Take Haleema Saud, a student who represents the platform’s core demographic. Her usage patterns show:
- Weekdays: 3-4 hours on TikTok (6 hours total smartphone usage)
- Weekend “chill days”: Up to 8 hours on TikTok (12 hours total smartphone usage)
Her content preferences span cooking, baking, Islamic content, computer engineering, and career-related materials.
Beyond TikTok: UAE’s Digital Ecosystem
Dubai-based Telegram secured the second position, with users spending approximately one hour daily on the platform. Other significant players include:
- WhatsApp Business
- MX Player
- Phone by Google
- Google Maps
- PLAYit
- Gmail
Financial Technology Landscape
In the financial technology sector, several apps have gained significant traction:
- Tabby (Buy-now-pay-later service)
- Taptap Send (Digital wallet)
- C3Pay
- Mashreq Egypt
- ADCB Hayyak
E-commerce Evolution
The e-commerce sector witnessed notable developments, with Chinese platform Temu leading the shopping category. The platform’s success stems from its direct-from-factory model, offering competitive pricing during challenging economic conditions.
The top 5 shopping apps in UAE:
- Temu
- Trendyol
- Shein
- Noon
- Amazon
Digital Consumption Patterns
UAE residents’ online time predominantly focuses on:
- Social media applications
- AI chatbots
- Software and utilities
- Media and entertainment
- Shopping platforms
This comprehensive overview of UAE’s digital landscape demonstrates the significant role mobile applications play in shaping daily life and consumer behavior in 2025.





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