Strong economic sentiment in specific countries within the Middle East & Africa (MEA) in 2025 will continue to drive the region’s overall demand for consumer technology. Emerging markets such as the Middle East are leading to global growth.
These Tech trends for 2025 were revealed in the ‘Consumer Tech Industry Trends 2025’ report, by NielsenIQ (NIQ), a leading consumer intelligence company. The report explains the driving growth in home entertainment, smartphones, health tech, and workspace tech.
NIQ’s report equips businesses with a forward-looking roadmap to unlock category growth, target evolving personas, and drive revenue through data-backed innovation.
Driven by emerging markets
The report forecasts global Consumer Tech & Durables sales to reach $1.29 trillion in the year ahead -- driven by emerging markets, replacement cycles, and premium innovation.
In the UAE, premium purchases are being boosted overall by higher-income expatriates returning from Russia and foreign tourists to the UAE buying portable tech to take home with them.
According to the report, Saudi Arabia’s growth in gaming PCs and accessories will continue, driven by the social adoption of e-sports in the country. Saudia Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are priority markets for premium smartphones, TVs, and laptops.
Top 2025 Tech Trends
• In 2025, brands selling into the Middle East & Africa must navigate fragmented consumer profiles and a crowded retail landscape. Success will depend on clear brand differentiation and tailored product ranges that balance price and functionality across diverse markets. Staying informed on global consumer trends is also essential, as MEA consumers rapidly close the gap in trend adoption.
• The 2025 forecast for regional sales of total Consumer Tech & Durables in MEA is $68 billion with 2 per cent growth rate.
• The Revenue share of phones equipped with an AI processor, by region in MEA, is 32 per cent of total sales
• In smartphones, foldables are a small segment, but volume demand is growing fast within Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
“Manufacturers and retailers should focus on creating solutions that address real-world challenges and elevate the consumer experience. This involves leveraging cutting-edge technologies to offer products that are not only high-quality but also user-friendly and impactful,” says Andrey Dvoychenkov, NielsenIQ General Manager APP. “By doing so, they can build stronger connections with consumers who are increasingly seeking products that align with their values and enhance their daily lives.”
Trend will be driven by Gen Z
On another note, we know that the tech demand is increasing across generations, but it is much more vocal in Gen Z (source: Consumer Outlook report 2024). To understand the differences between Gen Z (age 18-27) and Gen X (age 44-59), let's review a few numbers: 48 per cent of Gen Z regularly uses a wearable device that autonomously tracks and learns their behavior. This number is only 31 per cent for Gen X.
In another point, 46 per cent of Gen Z leverages AI in their mobile devices to automate and speed up their everyday decisions whereas it is only 34 per cent for Gen X. As we see significant adoption of new technologies for younger generation, the demand and early adoption of any new technology or trend will be driven by Gen Z.
