Maurice Odine

(Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Florida 32307, USA)

 

 

Abstract: The Middle East is the world’s second-fastest growing mobile market, with 60 percent youth population under the age of 29. For instance, in Kuwait, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), smartphone penetration has risen 11 percent in recent years. The “winner” is the emergence of youth partnership with mobile phones, a voice manifested in Egypt and Tunisia during spring 2011 uprising. Despite residual conservatism, virtual words and Internet access have broken societal cultural barriers. As a result, mobile phones have become gadgets for companionship and social interaction, while communicating text messages and/or pictures is being circumvented. Although purchasing is driven by passion or prestige, youth are generally drawn to the latest mobiles that are loaded with technology-driven features. Current favorites include Lumia 640 XL, Samsung Galaxy S6, Samsung Galaxy Note Edge, iPhone 6 (S), Nokia 925, HTC One M8, Motorola Droid Turbo, Sony Xperia Z3, and Blackberry Passport SQW 100.

 

 

Key words: mobile phone; technology; youth; partnership; internet

 

JEL code: F60