The UAE is ranked 1st in the Arab World in Networked Readiness Index (NRI), according to the Global Information Technology Report produced by the World Economic Forum. This index measures the propensity of countries to leverage the opportunities offered by ICT for development and increased competitiveness.

Among the Arab States, the UAE has the highest fixed line penetration, the highest mobile penetration and the highest internet penetration.

Fixed line subscription reached 1.38 million subscribers, with 48% of the lines being residential.

 

Mobile subscription grew by 38% to reach 7.6 million subscribers, with 91% being prepaid.

Internet subscription grew by 32% to reach 904 thousand subscribers. Broadband subscription, which is dominated by residential, is growing far faster than dial-up. Last year broadband represented only 35% of internet subscription while today it is 42%.

* Estimated number of users per Internet subscription =2.5