UAE's telecom sector registered a new record growth when mobile subscribers in the country reach over 10 million subscribers this year. The number, which doubled in the last four years, represents an unprecedented mobile penetration rate of over 200%, placing the UAE as one of the highest penetration markets in the world.

The increase in mobile subscription rates reflects the Telecommunication Regulatory Authority's to foster growth and development of the telecommunication sector in the country, Said HE Mohammed Nasser Al Ghanim said, adding that these results confirms the decision of the UAE to introduce competition in the market has been beneficial. Al Ghanim also said that this achievement was made possible through the development of a regulatory framework that aims at creating sustainable, vibrant and fair completion. He also emphasized that the framework has been instrumental in ensuring the emergence of more attractive pricing offers and the introduction of innovative new services within the market. It has also created an environment conducive to investment, as evidenced by the significant levels of infra structure investment undertaken by Etisalat and du in recent years.

Increase in mobile penetration rates is a trend that is also seen in the Middle East market recently despite the economic crisis. The region represents one of the world's fastest growing mobile subscription markets with a 47% year-over-year increase in 2008. Mobile penetration in Arab countries reached 56% at the end of 2008; figures across GCC countries remain much higher as the nature of the market is subject to maturity and introduction of new technologies. It is expected that the Middle East and North Africa telecommunications market is set to continue to grow in 2010, albeit at a slower pace while the telecom landscape is becoming more competitive.