United Arab Emirates (UAE) Refurbished Mobile Phone Market Overview, 2029

The refurbished mobile phone industry in the UAE is growing rapidly, owing to the convergence of various relevant factors. The market is primarily driven by a compelling product proposition and distinctive selling characteristics. As consumers prioritise budget considerations, there is an increasing demand for high-quality cell phones at large discounts ranging from 30% to 75% off their brand-new equivalents. Furthermore, the appeal of refurbished phones goes beyond cost savings; it corresponds with the desires of environmentally aware purchasers who want to reduce e-waste by purchasing pre-owned gadgets. Major online retailers have expanded their refurbished phone sections in recent years, adding to their product catalogues and creating financing alternatives to meet the different needs of their customers. Notably, shops have made a determined effort to increase transparency, adopting elaborate grading systems and offering extensive warranty information. This emphasis on openness is intended to boost consumer confidence and promote trust in the refurbished phone market, ultimately driving future growth and development. The refurbished phone industry is expected to expand further, owing to expanding smartphone usage and more environmental awareness. Important events like the Dubai Shopping Festival and GITEX Shopper actively promote used phones, which appeal to budget-conscious shoppers. However, complete trade figures unique to this market category are currently lacking, indicating a deficit in analytical insights.


According to the research report “ UAE Refurbished Mobile Phone Market Overview, 2029," published by Bonafide Research, the UAE Refurbished Mobile Phone market is expected to grow at more than 10% from 2024 to 2029. The cultural landscape and current trends in the UAE contribute considerably to the thriving refurbished phone market. With a highly tech-savvy population and a high smartphone penetration rate, the market for reconditioned technology is ripe for growth. This tendency is encouraged by the growing acceptability of refurbished products, especially when they come with strong guarantees and strict quality inspections, promoting consumer trust and confidence. Despite the clear drivers moving the market forward, several hurdles remain. One such difficulty is a lack of general awareness about grading systems and the possibility for quality differences among reconditioned phones. This lack of clarity may discourage some customers from embracing reconditioned options, limiting the market's growth to some extent. While the UAE has no special legislation controlling reconditioned phones, they are subject to the standard consumer protection framework. Despite the lack of strong rules, respectable merchants in the UAE often adhere to high standards, providing warranties and ensuring that refurbished phones fulfil severe quality specifications. This regulatory environment, while generic, gives consumers confidence in the dependability and integrity of remanufactured products on the market.

Refurbished phones represent a leading and growing segment in the mobile phone market. These devices, which are pre-owned but restored to their original condition, are offered at prices lower than their brand new counterparts. They appeal to consumers seeking affordable alternatives without compromising on quality. In contrast, used phones are sold as seen, straight from the previous owner, with any existing marks, damage, or performance glitches included. This segment caters to consumers looking for budget-friendly options, although they may come with varying levels of wear and tear. In terms of pricing range, the market is segmented into low-priced, mid-priced, and premium refurbished and used mobile phones. Distribution channels also play a crucial role in the market landscape. Offline channels, such as brick-and-mortar stores and authorised resellers, remain leading distribution channels due to their established presence and accessibility. However, online channels are experiencing significant growth, fueled by the convenience of e-commerce platforms and increasing digitalization. Consumers are increasingly turning to online platforms to purchase refurbished and used mobile phones, reflecting a shift towards digital retailing trends.


The UAE's refurbished market is more developed than some bordering nations, however it lags short when compared to established markets such as the United States and Europe. This duality creates a significant opportunity for continued expansion and wider adoption in the UAE. While it may fall behind in some areas, such as infrastructure and consumer awareness, the market's potential remains high. With strategic plans and targeted efforts, the UAE can close the gap and propel its rebuilt market forward. In the UAE, no refurbished phones are manufactured. Instead, refurbished devices are sourced from international marketplaces. Fortunately, there are no severe limitations on the availability of raw materials needed for restoration. This access to raw materials from global sources creates a consistent supply chain, allowing the UAE's refurbished market to operate effectively. Furthermore, the lack of limits on raw material availability allows for greater market flexibility and expansion potential. The COVID-19 epidemic originally disrupted the supply chain, limiting the availability of reconditioned phones in the UAE market. Despite the hurdles, the epidemic prompted a shift in consumer behaviour. As economic worries increased, there was a greater emphasis on affordability, encouraging consumers to consider alternatives such as reconditioned phones. This newfound emphasis on cost-effectiveness served as a catalyst, resulting in a boom in demand for refurbished gadgets. As a result, while the pandemic created acute obstacles, its long-term influence on the UAE's refurbished market was favourable, boosting expansion and resilience within the industry.

Considered in this report
• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029



Aspects covered in this report
• Refurbished Mobile Phone market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Type
• Refurbished Phones
• Used Phones

By Pricing Range
• Low-priced Refurbished and Used Mobile Phones (Less than $200)
• Mid-Priced Refurbished and Used Mobile Phones ($200-$350)
• Premium Refurbished and Used Mobile Phones (More than $350)

By Distribution Channel
• Offline
• Online

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Refurbished Mobile Phone industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.