Middle East

Samsung and Apple make merry in Middle East smartphone Q2 sales in 2022

Published

3 years ago

August 10, 2022

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Samsung and Apple have consolidated market share in sales for the second quarter of the year in the Middle East and Africa region even as smartphone shipments dipped 10 percent for the same Q2 period overall.

Macro headwinds have turned the tide with a 7.8% dip year on year and reflecting brands’ enthusiasm, according to a latest research report from Counterpoint’s Market Monitor Service.

The research report by Yang Wang says: “The biggest drag on the market was, unsurprisingly, macro issues. Inflation induced by food and fuel shortages dampened consumer demand while declining domestic currencies against the US dollar reduced the purchasing power of consumers.”

There were also secondary macro factors that impacted the market. For example, some governments imposed food export bans or “non-essential” goods import bans to stem the outflow of foreign currency reserves. Taxes on electronics products were also increased, adding more hurdles to the market’s smooth operation.

The market leader, Samsung, grew YoY from a relatively low base in Q2 2021 when it faced COVID-19 disruptions at its Vietnam production facilities.

The new and revamped Galaxy A-series devices have performed well and were among the best-selling devices during Q2. Samsung’s shipments are expected to grow in H2 with the upcoming launch of its new generation of foldables and as end-of-year sales approach.

Apple’s shipments also grew 2% YoY, largely due to better distribution and product availability in GCC countries. The iPhone 13 series has the best-selling premium devices in the region since its launch.

However, other brands apart from these two took a hit in the numbers. Given the pessimistic global macro sentiment, some brands have restrained activities in the region, according to the report. Brands were under pressure to streamline budgets and activities, which were redirected to more strategic markets and regions.

Apple-Samsung-sales

This meant that incentives to push brand penetration in MEA were scaled back, which in turn forced distributors and resellers to raise prices to defend their margins. These headwinds led to declining shipments for many OEMs.
OPPO, Realme, Vivo and Xiaomi saw steep YoY declines in their Q2 shipments. The OEMs continue to struggle in establishing a foothold in the region, as weak distributor incentives and supply issues have plagued the brands throughout H1 2022.

Furthermore, stiff competition from regional stalwarts Samsung and Transsion Group’s TECNO and Infinix has curtailed market share for the challenger brands. However, the ramping up of local production in Pakistan, specifically for OPPO, vivo and Xiaomi, could help ease supply issues in the region. But it is unlikely to have any substantial effect in 2022.

Despite the underwhelming market performance in the first half of the year, there are some reasons to be cautiously optimistic about the rest of the year.

Though inflation has reached double digits in many countries across MEA, it is not a new phenomenon and most customers have experienced these episodes in the recent past. This has brought them the ability to adapt quickly to the new economic realities. Also, the average selling prices of smartphones are continuing to trend up in the region, suggesting increasing digitization and customers’ need for more sophisticated handsets.

The easing of the global semiconductor shortage, which led to severe product availability issues for MEA in 2021, is also expected to help the market find a stronger footing once the economic issues subside.

Related Topics:apple best Featured Huawei Oppo Realme sales Samsung Smartphone Tech Vivo Xiaomi

Staff Reporter

Middle East

DP World ILT20 strikes deal with Kuwait Cricket Board to develop T20 game in region

Published

2 days ago

June 19, 2025

Michael Gomes

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In a major boost for regional cricket, the DP World International League T20 (ILT20) has signed a strategic partnership with the Kuwait Cricket Board to develop the sport in Kuwait and beyond.

The collaboration, formalised at a high-profile ceremony at Dubai International Stadium, will see Kuwait host ILT20 development tournaments, offer exposure to local players, and eventually aim to stage official ILT20 matches on Kuwaiti soil.

This marks the first official partnership of its kind between the Emirates Cricket Board and any other national board under the ILT20 framework, placing Kuwait on the global cricket map.

What This Means for Cricket in the Gulf

Annual ILT20 Development Tournaments in Kuwait to identify and nurture local talent
Opportunity for Kuwaiti players to be scouted by ILT20 franchises
Future possibility of ILT20 matches hosted in Kuwait, expanding the league’s GCC footprint
Greater involvement of local sponsors and Kuwaiti brands in regional cricket
Enhanced pathway for Kuwaiti nationals to pursue full-time cricket careers

Voices from the Partnership

Khalid Al Zarooni, Chairman of ILT20 and Vice-Chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board, said: “We are proud to announce this strategic collaboration with the Kuwait Cricket Board as they officially join the DP World ILT20 family. This partnership underscores our commitment to expanding the game’s footprint across the Gulf region. Kuwait is a valued partner, an ambitious country with a clear vision for promoting and developing cricket.

“With strong cricket-playing communities across the region, the DP World ILT20 aims to create opportunities for players and fans alike. Our goal is to elevate the sport and make the league a truly regional platform for cricket excellence.”

Haider Farman, President of Kuwait Cricket, stated: “It is an honour to formalise this landmark agreement between Kuwait Cricket and the Emirates Cricket Board to promote the DP World ILT20, both in our two countries and across the wider region. This partnership is a cornerstone in our shared vision to grow and globalise the sport of cricket.

“We take great pride in Kuwait being recognised as the first strategic partner of the DP World ILT20. Cricket is rapidly gaining momentum in Kuwait, and this collaboration will play a pivotal role in integrating more Kuwaiti nationals into the sport as players, officials, and professionals.

“With the upcoming Asian Games in Qatar (2030) and Saudi Arabia (2034), the timing is ideal. We believe this partnership will inspire the next generation across the GCC and lay the foundation for long-term cricketing success.”

David White, CEO of DP World ILT20, commented: “We congratulate Kuwait Cricket for their strategic foresight and leadership, which have made this exciting partnership possible. The DP World ILT20’s long-term vision extends beyond the UAE; it is to serve as a catalyst for cricket development across the Gulf.

“This agreement opens up incredible opportunities for young talent in Kuwait to grow, compete, and ultimately be scouted for the main league. We’ve already seen how UAE players have benefitted from exposure to high-level competition and coaching, with recent wins like the T20I series against Bangladesh highlighting that impact. We are confident Kuwait will see similar progress.”

Sajid Ashraf, Director General of Kuwait Cricket, added: “This collaboration marks a historic moment for Kuwait Cricket and the broader sporting community. Partnering with the Emirates Cricket Board and the world-class DP World ILT20 opens new doors for our players to pursue full-time careers in professional cricket.

“Beyond the field, this alliance provides a powerful platform for Kuwaiti corporations to connect with the region’s vibrant cricket-loving population. With more than two million expatriates in Kuwait and a population of five million, the potential for commercial engagement is significant.

“We look forward to the launch of the ILT20 Development Tournament in Kuwait and the many opportunities it will bring for players, fans, and businesses. This is a defining step towards building a stronger cricket ecosystem and ensuring lasting impact for generations to come.”

What’s Next?

The first DP World ILT20 Development Tournament in Kuwait is set to be announced soon. Meanwhile, ILT20 Season 4 kicks off in the UAE on December 2, 2025 (UAE National Day), with six teams competing across 34 matches, culminating in the final on January 4, 2026.

As cricket cements its popularity across the GCC, this collaboration signals a shared ambition: to create an inclusive cricket ecosystem, from Dubai to Kuwait and beyond.

Middle East

UAE steps up airport emergency plan amid regional airspace closures

Published

4 days ago

June 17, 2025

Michael Gomes

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As regional airspace disruptions affect flight paths across the Middle East, the UAE has swiftly activated an emergency operations plan to keep airport services running smoothly and ensure traveller safety.

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) confirmed it has increased staffing across all UAE airports, deploying qualified teams around the clock. These efforts are part of a coordinated response to recent airspace closures in neighbouring countries that have forced airlines to reroute flights.

To minimise disruption, the ICP is working closely with strategic partners and airport operators to fast-track procedures, provide real-time updates to passengers, and ensure immigration and customs processes continue seamlessly.

Authorities have also rolled out support services for delayed travellers, including logistics assistance and access to information desks.

“The safety and service experience of passengers remain our top priority,” the ICP said in a statement, urging travellers to stay updated through official channels.

The UAE’s swift action underlines its commitment to operational readiness and reinforces its reputation as a global travel and logistics hub, even in the face of unexpected regional challenges.

Middle East

UAE flights: Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, and Air Arabia suspend services, passengers urged to check updates

Published

6 days ago

June 16, 2025

Michael Gomes

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UAE airlines continue to face major disruptions to flights across the Middle East as airspace closures in Iran, Israel, Iraq, and Syria cause widespread delays and cancellations.

Etihad, Emirates, flydubai, and Air Arabia have all announced flight suspensions and rerouting measures in response to the ongoing regional security situation, with passengers urged to check flight status and rebooking options before travelling.

Etihad Airways: Tel Aviv route suspended until June 22

Etihad Airways has confirmed that its Abu Dhabi–Tel Aviv flights remain suspended until June 22, with several other services rerouted due to restricted airspace.

Etihad will re-route several flights due to restricted airspace in parts of the Middle East,” the airline told the media.

Passengers have been advised to check real-time updates via their app or website and ensure contact details are up to date.

flydubai: Flights halted to six countries, including Iran and Iraq

flydubai has suspended flights to Iran, Iraq, Israel, and Syria until June 20, while services to Jordan and Lebanon are set to resume from June 17, subject to review. Routes to Minsk and St. Petersburg are also paused until June 17.

Some routes have been reinstated where possible, with affected services rerouted to avoid closed airspace.

Transit passengers connecting through Dubai to suspended destinations will not be allowed to board at their point of origin, the airline said, and it continues to assist affected travellers with rebooking and support.

Emirates: Flights to Tehran, Baghdad, Amman, and Beirut suspended

Emirates has suspended flights to Amman and Beirut until June 22, and Tehran, Baghdad and Basra until June 30. All flights to and from Tel Aviv remain suspended.

The airline advised customers not to proceed to the airport if connecting to a suspended destination and to check rebooking or refund options through its contact centre or travel agents.

Air Arabia: Cuts services to five countries, shuts sales offices in Iran

Air Arabia has also suspended flights to Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Russia. Passengers connecting via Sharjah or Abu Dhabi to these destinations will not be accepted for travel.

The airline has temporarily closed its sales offices in Iran, including in Tehran, Mashhad, Shiraz and Lar.

Airport advisories across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah

Airports across the UAE have also issued warnings and updates:

Dubai Airports (DXB & DWC): Confirmed delays and cancellations due to airspace closures over Iran, Iraq and Syria.
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH): Disruptions are expected to continue through Sunday and Monday (June 15–16).
Sharjah Airport: Issued a passenger advisory amid widespread route changes and delays.

Travellers are advised to stay in touch with their airlines and allow for extra time when heading to the airport.

UAE government issues travel advisory

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has urged Emirati nationals, residents, and travellers to stay connected with airlines and monitor updates closely as the regional situation unfolds.

What’s happening: Israel, Iran airspace closures continue

The disruptions follow a sharp escalation in regional tensions marked by reciprocal strikes between Israel and Iran:

Israel: Ben Gurion International Airport remains closed for the third consecutive day, with all flights suspended.
Iran: Airspace closed since Friday, with restrictions now extended until 3pm Sunday (local time).
Jordan: Briefly shut its airspace as a precaution but has since reopened after a security reassessment.

Israel is reportedly working with its national carriers to repatriate stranded citizens abroad.

Check before you fly

Passengers flying through Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah to regional destinations are strongly advised to: