TikTok Dominates UAE's App Landscape
The Favorite App of UAE Residents: TikTok Leads the Way, Some Spend 12 Hours a Day on It
One of the most striking phenomena of the digital age is the indispensability of smartphones and apps in our daily lives. According to a recently released report, residents of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are spending a significant amount of time online in 2024, with social media apps leading the pack. TikTok tops the list, but it’s not the only app captivating users. Let’s take a closer look at how online time is distributed and which apps have become the most popular in the UAE.
TikTok: The King of Social Media
According to the Sensor Tower State of Mobile 2025 report, TikTok was the most popular app in the UAE in 2024. The country's 11.2 million residents spent a total of 7.63 billion hours on the Chinese-owned platform, averaging two hours per day. This means each resident devoted approximately 700 hours to TikTok last year.
One student spends 3-4 hours a day on TikTok during weekdays and uses their smartphone for a total of six hours. “On my days off, I can spend up to 12 hours on my phone, with eight hours easily going to TikTok. I mostly watch videos about cooking, baking, Islam, computing, and work,” they shared.
TikTok has not only been in the limelight in the UAE but worldwide, most recently because of a law in the United States aimed at banning the platform to protect American citizens' data. However, former President Donald Trump ordered a 75-day postponement in executing the ban decision.
Second Place: Telegram
Besides TikTok, the Dubai-based Telegram also enjoys great popularity in the UAE. According to the report, residents spend an average of one hour a day on this messaging platform. Telegram not only facilitates simple communication but also offers excellent opportunities for information gathering and entertainment through channels.
Other Popular Apps
In addition to TikTok and Telegram, other apps made it into the list of favorites. WhatsApp Business, MX Player, Phone by Google, Google Maps, PLAYit, and Gmail are also very popular in the UAE. These apps have become integral to daily life, whether for communication, entertainment, or navigation.
TikTok Leads in Downloads Too
Among social media apps, TikTok was the most downloaded app in the UAE, followed by Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp Messenger, and Telegram. Overall, however, VPN Proxy Master was the most downloaded app, with TikTok coming in second.
Among financial apps, Tabby, a “buy now, pay later” service, topped the list. This was followed by Taptap Send, a digital wallet app, and C3Pay, Mashreq Egypt, ADCB Hayyak, ADCB, e&, ILOE insurance app, Binance, and Tamara, another BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later) app.
For Bargain Hunters: Temu
In the shopping category, the Chinese e-commerce app Temu was the most popular, not only in the UAE but also in 15 other major markets. The platform became popular due to its low-priced products, especially amid inflation, high interest rates, and economic uncertainty. Temu deals directly with manufacturers, bypassing intermediaries, enabling competitive pricing and efficient operations.
Alongside Temu, Trendyol, Shein, Noon, and Amazon also made it to the top 5 most downloaded shopping apps.
Why Spend So Much Time Online?
UAE residents spend most of their online time on social media apps, but AI chatbots, media, and entertainment platforms, as well as online shopping options, also enjoy great popularity. According to the report, users increasingly seek platforms where they can shop across multiple sectors, with efficiency and favorable prices.
Summary
Data from 2024 clearly show that social media, particularly TikTok, has deeply embedded itself in the daily lives of UAE residents. These platforms not only provide entertainment but also serve as indispensable information sources and communication tools. With the digital world evolving, online time is likely to continue growing.
If you are among TikTok’s fans or keep in touch with friends on Telegram, you surely know how much these apps have transformed everyday life. And you? How many hours do you spend online?
