UAE Tops World for Tech Dependency and Daily Screen Time

The UAE has claimed the top spot as the world’s most tech-dependent country. Every resident has internet access, and the average person spends nearly eight hours a day on digital devices, according to a new study by TRG Datacenters.

The research tracked global screen time, social media habits, and platform adoption, creating a Tech Dependency Index to rank countries by how glued people are to their devices.

Screen Time on the Rise

Since 2020, global screen time has jumped 42%, while face-to-face interactions have dropped by almost a third. UAE residents spend 7 hours and 59 minutes daily on screens, with nearly three hours dedicated to social media. TikTok leads the way in popularity, surpassing Instagram adoption.

"Social feeds never end, unlike TV, which had schedules," said a TRG Datacenters spokesperson. "The challenge now is balance—using tech for opportunities without letting it replace rest and focus."

How Countries Compare

• Brazil: Second on the index, longest daily screen time at 9 hours 9 minutes, 3.5 hours on social media, Instagram most popular.

• Saudi Arabia: Third, just over 7 hours daily, three hours on social media, TikTok leads.

• Turkey: Fourth, 7 hours 13 minutes daily, almost three hours on social media.

• Singapore: Fifth, 6 hours 33 minutes, high streaming adoption, universal internet access.

• Portugal: Sixth, 7 hours 33 minutes, Instagram popular, 2.3 hours daily on social media.

• United States: Seventh, 6 hours 40 minutes, TikTok and Instagram equally popular.

• Australia: Eighth, 6 hours daily, 24% Netflix subscription, over half on Instagram.

• Norway: Ninth, 5 hours 37 minutes daily, high internet access and social/streaming usage.

• Sweden: Tenth, 6 hours daily, Instagram leads, two hours on social media.

The Global Digital Shift

The UAE and Singapore lead with universal internet access, while social media and streaming dominate daily routines worldwide. Even Scandinavian countries rank high, showing widespread tech dependency.

TRG Datacenters emphasizes that digital adoption is reshaping work, leisure, and communication, with offline interaction declining. The big question: how will societies balance the digital world with real life?