The head of Samsung Gulf's mobile division, Fadi Abu Shamat, stated that 'the UAE market has generally recorded growth in smartphone sales exceeding global rates since the beginning of 2025, supported by population growth, momentum in business sectors, and tourism activity.'
He added to 'Al-Ittihad': 'According to market studies on smartphone sales, the UAE markets recorded growth of 7% during the third quarter of 2025, while it is estimated to reach around 9% by the end of this current year,' noting that the global average rate is about 3% this year.
Abu Shamat confirmed that 'the UAE market has witnessed remarkable momentum in demand for smartphone sales across all categories and types since the beginning of this year, which has prompted many global companies to expand their products in local markets or choose the UAE to launch their new products in a limited number of countries.'
Abu Shamat revealed that 'the UAE will be the only country in the Middle East and Arab region where Samsung will launch its first tri-fold phones (Galaxy Z Fold),' which transforms into a tablet when fully opened.
He said: 'Samsung Global chose the UAE for this launch, which is part of a group of only five countries: China, South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan, at a time when the phone will not be launched in European or US markets at that time.'
He explained that 'the phone will be commercially launched in the UAE on December 19 of this year, but only 500 units of it will be available, according to a system that includes launching 500 units in each of the selected countries.'
Abu Shamat confirmed that 'the exclusive launch in the UAE is according to specific criteria, based on its advanced 5G network infrastructure, the base of smartphone users in the country, the rates of willingness to buy phones, the rates of changing them, and the interest in modern technologies and obtaining them among users.'
He clarified: 'The phone will not be launched according to traditional systems, as selection will be made among interested buyers based on criteria related to how much the phone contributes to the nature of the user's profession, whether they are executives, entrepreneurs, or from different business sectors.'
He continued: 'The launch of only 500 units does not mean it is a limited edition, but the initial launch will include those units, with new units to be released at later times,' confirming that the price will be announced during the commercial launch in UAE markets.
Regarding the phone's technical specifications, he said: 'The phone comes with a titanium hinge frame, allowing it to run multiple applications simultaneously in a desktop-like environment. Users can connect a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse to form a complete mobile workstation.'
He confirmed that 'the phone is one of Samsung's thinnest foldable phones, comes with a 200-megapixel camera, a 5600 mAh battery, and an external Gorilla Glass protective layer, with a design for folding the screens inward to prevent damage during use.'
