According to a senior executive from Samsung Gulf Electronics, the company aims for a 77% expansion in the foldable mobile phone segment throughout the GCC region and an 80% increase specifically within the UAE for the year 2023.
Fadi Abu Shamat, Head of the Mobile eXperience Division at Samsung Gulf Electronics, emphasized the distinctiveness of each market within the GCC.
“The UAE is the most mature market. Therefore, our ambitions are even higher. For us, the UAE has always been a key market and the first to receive products. We are targeting 80 per cent growth. It’s challenging, but we know that consumers are ready and they love our devices,”
he said.
Abu Shamat made these remarks during the launch event of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5, Galaxy Z Flip5, Galaxy Tab S9 Series, and Galaxy Watch6 Series in Dubai on Thursday. The recently introduced devices are set to become available starting from August 11, with pre-orders currently being accepted.
“This year has been exceptionally kind to us overall in terms of smartphones, wearables and tablet categories. Globally, the economic situation is not living up to expectations, yet, thankfully, the UAE and GCC countries have witnessed continuous growth. This year, we expect to close at almost 12 per cent growth across all categories. For the flagship category of $600 and above, we are witnessing growth at a much higher pace,”
said bin Shamat.
Pre-orders & prices
The company is aiming for a significant 40% increase in pre-orders compared to the previous year.
"Folding smartphones are gaining a strong foothold in this region. This demonstrates that existing customers are upgrading their devices. The Flip is experiencing remarkable growth, with a 50% increase in pre-orders. This indicates that we're not only retaining our loyal customer base but also doubling our Flip users,"
stated bin Shamat.
The Galaxy Z Fold5 with 512GB storage is priced at Dh6,799 or Dh283 per month, offering consumers a 2-year Samsung Care+ plan, up to 10X Samsung Rewards points, and additional benefits. The 1TB variant is priced at Dh8,149 or Dh340 per month, and consumers will receive a complimentary Premium Edition Pack along with 10X Samsung Rewards points. The phone is available in three colors: icy blue, phantom black, and cream.
Customers who pre-order the Galaxy Z Flip5 512GB will enjoy the price of the 256GB model, saving Dh450. The new device is available in four colors: mint, graphite, lavender, and cream.
For UAE shoppers who pre-order the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra 1TB, they'll receive the device for the price of the 512GB version.
The company is extending a Dh1,100 discount to customers pre-ordering the Galaxy Tab S9 1TB, reducing the price to Dh5,499 or Dh229 a month, subject to terms and conditions. These prices and discounts are exclusively available for purchases made through the Samsung website.
Retail customers purchasing the Galaxy Z Fold5 or Z Flip5 will receive a 1-year Samsung Care+ plan. Samsung Members will also receive four months of YouTube Premium, a 1-year Microsoft 365 Personal subscription, four months of OSN+, three months of Shahid VIP, and a 1-year Entertainer membership.
Customers of the Galaxy Tab S9 Series will receive a free pair of Galaxy Buds2 and a 1-year Microsoft 365 Personal subscription. Samsung Members will also enjoy four months of YouTube Premium, four months of OSN+, a 1-year Microsoft 365 Personal subscription, three months of Shahid VIP subscriptions, and a one-year Entertainer membership. Meanwhile, Galaxy Watch6 Series customers will receive complimentary Galaxy Buds2.
Fadi Abu Shamat expressed that the Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5 represent groundbreaking devices, overcoming the challenges of folding screens to deliver resilient and stylish gadgets.
"We've witnessed an incredible response to our pre-order offerings, which is highly motivating. As we launch these new devices in the market, we are eagerly prepared to surpass this demand. We anticipate a robust double-digit growth in our mobile ecosystem throughout the year,"
he added.
DooHee Lee, President of Samsung Gulf Electronics, emphasized the importance of delivering an exciting mobile experience in the ever-evolving and vibrant GCC markets. He noted the significance of local partnerships that aim to create impactful experiences for valued consumers.
News Source: Khaleej Times
