Digital life is changing the way we experience life – and it’s certainly changing the way in which we have fun. Online entertainment is on the rise in countries like the UAE, where there are a plethora of opportunities within arm’s reach. Driven by high internet and smartphone usage and integration, an average person now gets the chance to enjoy their favorite hobbies and activities without so much as leaving the comfort of their own home.
The UAE’s residents spend hours of their day immersed in online content, with three activities leading the way – streaming, browsing social media, and gaming/gambling. The last activity—gaming/gambling—has been gaining momentum in the world, and the UAE is nothing if not forward-thinking.
While online gambling is enjoyed by people of all ages, it’s the youth who are particularly keen on this form of online entertainment. They know how to choose a UAE online casino that will provide them with the best bonuses and the richest game library, stemming from their tech-saviness. They also have a good grasp of console games and show a particular interest in e-sports – an interest the country has recognized. Thus, the government is showing initiative in creating e-sports stadiums that are going to be a top attraction for domestic and foreign visitors alike.
If online gaming and gambling are among the top ways in which the UAE’s youth like to spend their time, it’s closely followed by another online activity – social media browsing. Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook are among the most-frequently visited websites, with millions of visitors flocking to them every day.
In fact, the UAE tops the world ranking for daily screen use, and it’s also one of the countries with the highest social media penetration globally. Social media platform users can spend anywhere from 3 to 5 hours of daily screen time, with much of that time being spent on communication with loved ones. Apart from using it to stay in touch in the digital era, the UAE’s residents also view social media as a primary source of news and entertainment discovery.
Of course, the digital life could not be imagined without online shopping, with social media serving as the first point of contact between customers and retailers. Just like in other parts of the world, influencers play a huge part in the UAE’s digital life, with many purchasing decisions being directly driven by these people.
Ultimately, when finding nothing else to do, an average UAE resident will turn to streaming services. Platforms like Netflix and Spotify are now an integral part of the UAE’s daily digital life, with these streaming services largely replacing the role of traditional TV and radio. With regional headquarters in the UAE, this area’s residents can enjoy personalized, on-demand content no matter the time of day.
Some research shows that one in three residents in the UAE spends more than three hours watching media content per day, and a lot of that time is spent on streaming services. And while many people still prefer to watch movies and TV shows on the big screen, a shift is slowly being made toward mobile-first consumption.
These devices are slowly becoming a primary means of accessing entertainment, coming in hot with perks like portability, accessibility, and on-the-go consumption at any point in time. Those looking for quality and speedy experience—both of which perfectly describe the UAE’s daily digital life—are sure to pick mobile phones over tablets and PCs.
