Social Media Usage Booms in Saudi Arabia and UAE
The global stage is increasingly defined by social media, with over 4.6 billion users worldwide shaping international events, sharing experiences, consuming information, and forging cross-border connections. Social media has become a lucrative source of income for millions of individuals and companies, and its influence shows no signs of slowing down.
A recent research paper by the Abu Dhabi-based Interregional Center for Strategic Analyzes highlights the profound impact of these platforms but predicts significant changes in their structure and function. The report emphasizes that while it’s difficult to imagine the world without social media, "the structural composition of these platforms and their importance could see significant changes and different conditions during this period."
This prediction rings especially true in the Middle East, where social media usage is exploding.
The Kingdoms of Saudi Arabia and the UAE are projected to have over 45 million social media users by 2024. In Saudi Arabia, nearly the entire internet-using population (95.3%) is on social media, with a staggering 35.1 million users. The UAE has even higher penetration, with 10.73 million users, exceeding its population size due to many users maintaining multiple accounts.
"TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat" are the dominant platforms in Saudi Arabia, while "TikTok and Facebook" are leading the way in the UAE. Popular platforms in both countries such as "WhatsApp" (used by 79.6% of users in UAE), "Instagram" with 7 million users in the UAE and 16.3 million in Saudi Arabia, and "X" (formerly Twitter), with 3.05 million users in the UAE, reflect the global popularity of these platforms.
"Interregional" pointed out interesting differences in user motivations. While Saudi users primarily utilize social media for personal connection and entertainment, particularly on visually focused platforms like TikTok and YouTube, UAE users are more focused on news, information, and community discussions, suggesting a greater emphasis on staying informed.
These trends are fueled by the substantial amount of time users spend on social media. UAE residents average almost 3 hours daily on these platforms, ranking them 11th globally and first in the Arab world. A similar trend is seen in Saudi Arabia, with users averaging over 3 hours per day, placing them among the top 10 globally. This data highlights the central role social media plays in daily life for both populations.
Unsurprisingly, these trends have spurred significant growth in the digital advertising market. The UAE’s digital advertising market, including social media spending, is expected to reach AED 1.198 billion in 2024. In Saudi Arabia, the value is estimated between 7.5 and 11 billion riyals, making it a regional advertising powerhouse.
The Interregional report concludes:
“ ‘the structural composition of these platforms and their importance could see significant changes and different conditions during this period. . . social media platforms are also expected to see significant development and change in their structural and functional nature currently, to remain an important part of the global economic and media landscape."
This burgeoning market illustrates the evolving nature of media consumption and the growing importance of social media platforms for businesses and communication. As these platforms continue to evolve, their impact on society and the global economy is likely to become even more pronounced.
2024-11-30 14:36:00
#million #users #social #media #platforms #UAE #Saudi #Arabia
## Navigating the Shifting Sands: Social Media’s Rise in the Gulf
**World Today News Exclusive Interview**
**By: [Your Name], Senior Editor**
The digital landscape is evolving at breakneck speed, with social media platforms becoming the new town squares of the 21st century. As user numbers surge globally, the impact of these platforms on our lives grows increasingly profound. In the Gulf region, this phenomenon is especially evident, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE witnessing a remarkable boom in social media usage.
To shed light on this trend and its potential implications, we sat down with **Dr.[Expert Name],** a leading researcher at the Abu Dhabi-based Interregional Center for Strategic Analyzes and author of a recent report on the future of social media.
**WTN:** Dr. [Expert name], your recent paper highlights the exponential growth of social media usage in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. What are the key drivers behind this surge?
**Dr. [Expert Name]:** Several factors are contributing to this trend. firstly, the Gulf region boasts a young and tech-savvy population, with high smartphone penetration rates. Secondly, governments in both countries have actively promoted digital literacy and investment in technology infrastructure, making internet access more widespread and affordable. social media platforms are increasingly localized, offering content and features tailored to regional preferences and languages, making them more appealing to local users.
**WTN:** Your report also predicts meaningful changes in the structure and function of social media platforms in the coming years. Can you elaborate on these potential shifts?
**Dr. [Expert Name]: ** We are likely to see a move towards more decentralized and user-controlled platforms, driven by concerns about data privacy and the dominance of tech giants. blockchain technology and Web 3.0 principles may play a crucial role in this evolution, empowering users to own their data and participate more actively in platform governance.
**WTN:** What are the potential implications of these changes for individuals and businesses in the Gulf region?
**Dr. [Expert Name]:** For individuals, the shift towards decentralized platforms coudl offer increased privacy and control over their online identity.Businesses, on the other hand, will need to adapt to a more competitive and fragmented digital landscape. Building trust with users through transparency and ethical data practices will become even more critical for success.
**WTN:** How do you foresee the evolving role of social media in shaping political discourse and social change in the Gulf region?
**Dr. [Expert Name]:** Social media will continue to be a potent force for political mobilization and social activism,providing platforms for marginalized voices and facilitating online communities around shared causes. However, we also need to be mindful of the potential for misinformation and echo chambers, which can fuel polarization and hinder constructive dialog.
**WTN:** Looking ahead, what key trends should we be watching in the Gulf’s social media landscape?
**Dr. [Expert Name]:** The rise of Arabic-language content creators, the emergence of niche platforms catering to specific interests, and the growing importance of e-commerce and digital payments integrated into social media platforms will be key trends to watch.
**WTN:** Thank you for sharing your insights, dr. [Expert Name]. your analysis provides valuable outlook on this rapidly evolving landscape and its potential impact on the Gulf region.
**End of Interview**
