A study by Ookla®, a global leader in connectivity intelligence, reveals that Gulf nations, including Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, offer some of the best 5G roaming speeds globally. The research, based on Speedtest Intelligence® data, assessed the mobile user experience of inbound roamers visiting these countries in 2024.
Karim Yaici, Lead Industry Analyst for the Middle East and Africa at Ookla, highlighted the critical role mobile connectivity plays in enhancing travel experiences. He explained that 5G technology enables visitors to stay connected, use navigation tools, access tourist information, and share experiences seamlessly through high-speed internet and HD video streaming.
The research found that visitors to Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait enjoyed impressive 5G speeds, with median download speeds on 5G reaching 381.05 Mbps in Qatar, 374.60 Mbps in the UAE, and 240.37 Mbps in Kuwait. Additionally, visitors from Austria, Saudi Arabia, and Hong Kong were the most likely to use 5G while roaming, whereas travelers from Pakistan, India, and Egypt were the least likely.
In the UAE, visitors from Saudi Arabia and Russia experienced the fastest download speeds, particularly over 5G networks. Russian tourists saw more than a threefold increase in median download speeds compared to their home networks, while travelers from Austria, India, and Hong Kong faced comparatively lower performance.
As the GCC region continues to evolve as a global tourism and business hub, the demand for seamless, high-speed connectivity is growing. The region’s travel and tourism market is expected to generate USD 9.57 billion in revenue by 2029, driven by infrastructure investment, world-class amenities, and simplified visa policies.
Ookla’s insights help mobile operators and businesses optimize their networks, ensuring that travelers enjoy enhanced digital experiences while also enabling operators to capitalize on 5G roaming as a key revenue driver. This aligns with the region’s ongoing focus on leveraging tourism and technology to boost economic growth.
