News

MENA eSIM Use Soared 20% In 2024, Boosted By Tourism Sector

The report, published by eSIM provider Yesim, also backs up recent projections that 68% of all MENA smartphones will use eSIMs by 2030.

Published

22 hours ago

January 21, 2025

Nour Nasir

mena esim use soared 20% in 2024 boosted by tourism sector

Yesim, a global eSIM provider, recently published its Dubai Tourism & Connectivity Report 2024. The report highlights a sharp rise in eSIM adoption across the MENA region, closely tied to a booming tourism sector, increased IoT usage, and the expanding reach of 5G. The report builds on existing projections showing that by 2030, 68% of all smartphones in the region will use eSIMs.

Dubai: A Key Player In MENA’s Tourism Sector

Dubai remains a tourism hotspot, attracting 9.31 million overnight international visitors in the first half of 2024 — a 9% increase on 2023. The average tourist visit has also extended to 13.8 days — a remarkable 73% jump compared to 2019 — fueled largely by European tourists spending more time in the city.

“Dubai draws most of its tourists from the UK, Saudi Arabia, the US, Germany, and Australia, with peak travel season running from October to April,” explained Dmitri Verbovski, Yesim’s Founder and CEO.

Attractions That Keep Tourists Coming

Although Dubai continues to innovate with its many tourist attractions, shopping remains a major draw. During the Dubai Shopping Festival (December 6, 2024, to January 12, 2025) Yesim reported a notable uptick in eSIM purchases as tourists flocked to the city. Younger travelers (ages 18-35) are often drawn to luxury brands and the entertainment options found in shopping malls, while older visitors gravitate toward traditional markets.

eSIM Usage Peaks During Major Holidays

Yesim’s data reveals that demand for eSIMs rises significantly during religious holidays like Ramadan and the Islamic New Year. Ramadan orders surged 6.2%, from 19,453 pre-holiday orders to 20,665 during the month, reflecting increased travel and family connections. Post-Ramadan, orders jumped to 27,942, before stabilizing to regular levels.

A similar trend was observed during Eid. Pre-Eid orders were steady at 8,648, rising to 10,830 after the holiday — a 20% increase driven by extended trips and promotional offers. Islamic New Year saw an 11.7% spike in demand, with orders climbing from 10,334 to 11,592 during the celebrations.

Also Read: iFLYTEK Smart Translator 4.0 Review: A Traveler’s Companion

The Rise Of eSIMs In MENA

In 2024, the MENA region recorded 197 million eSIM smartphone connections, compared to 394 million using traditional SIM cards. Digital nomads and tech-savvy travelers are among the primary adopters, drawn to the technology’s seamless connectivity across borders, ease of use, and eco-friendly benefits.

News

“AI Seal” Certification Now Required For Dubai Gov Partnerships

The new mandatory certification is designed to build trust in AI companies and create a reliable network of providers for government and public collaboration.

Published

16 hours ago

January 21, 2025

Nour Nasir

ai seal certification now required for dubai gov partnerships

Dubai Media Office

Dubai has introduced the Dubai AI Seal, a certification designed to establish trust in artificial intelligence (AI) companies and solutions. This initiative, directed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister, aims to create a reliable network of AI providers which government entities and businesses can collaborate confidently.

Companies must now obtain the AI Seal to qualify for UAE or Dubai government contracts. The Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI), which developed the certification, sees it as a competitive edge for companies looking to participate in key national projects. Once certified, businesses will be permitted to showcase the seal across their websites and marketing materials, signaling their credibility and dependability.

The evaluation process will consider six main criteria: the company’s services and operations, the number of employees specializing in AI, ongoing and future projects, as well as existing partnerships with public and private sector entities.

dubai ai seal certification

Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, which oversees the DCAI, commented on the initiative’s potential: “This initiative will help create powerful partnerships between the public and private sectors, locally, regionally, and globally. It will help drive new economic opportunities by leveraging AI to serve better the economy, society, and the future we aspire to”.

Also Read: Top Free AI Chatbots Available In The Middle East

The Dubai AI Seal’s goals include providing a clear framework for verifying AI providers, fostering business opportunities for AI companies, and acknowledging the industry’s strategic importance to Dubai’s economy. The initiative emphasizes AI’s role in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and strengthening collaboration between government bodies and technology firms.

All technology companies operating in Dubai and offering AI-related services or products are eligible to apply for the certification at no cost through the official website.