Alexa Usage Surges in Saudi Arabia and UAE with Over 130 Million Smart Home Interactions in 2023

In 2023, Alexa users in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) significantly increased their smart home device interactions, totaling over 130 million instances. This surge highlights the growing adoption of voice-activated technology in the region.

Among the most popular requests made to Alexa were music playback, Quran recitation, and podcast playback, with over 100 million instances recorded. This indicates a strong preference for audio content among users in these countries.

Additionally, Alexa was used to turn lights on and off over 24 million times, showcasing the integration of smart lighting systems in many households. The convenience of controlling lights through voice commands has evidently resonated with users.

Dr. Raf Fatani, Regional General Manager, Alexa, Amazon MENA, commented on the adoption pace, saying, *"The UAE and Saudi Arabia are embracing innovative technologies with palpable enthusiasm. We're humbled by the adoption pace of Alexa and our smart home devices, welcoming ambient intelligence into daily lives across the region.'*

Why this matters: The growing adoption of voice-activated technology in the Middle East has significant implications for the region's digital transformation. As more households integrate smart home devices, it may lead to increased efficiency, convenience, and potential economic growth.

Amazon has recently introduced a multi-view feature that allows users in the UAE and Saudi Arabia to view live feeds from up to four cameras, including Ring, on their multimodal devices. This addition aims to enhance home security and convenience.

Mohammad Meraj Hoda, VP of business development – MEA, Ring, stated, *'Ring is driven by the goal to provide our customers with peace of mind. We continue to focus on making homes more intuitive, and on making it easier to connect and control devices so that everything works together effortlessly.

This data highlights the increasing reliance on virtual assistants like Alexa in the Middle East. The ability to control various aspects of home life through voice commands has evidently become an integral part of daily routines for many users in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, driving the growth of the smart home market.

To recap, the year 2023 saw a remarkable increase in the use of Alexa for smart home interactions in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. With over 130 million interactions, including more than 100 million requests for audio content and 24 million instances of light control, it is clear that voice-activated technology is becoming a staple in homes across the region, shaping the future of smart cities.

Key Takeaways

• Alexa users in Saudi Arabia and UAE made over 130 million smart home interactions in 2023.
• Audio content requests (music, Quran, podcasts) topped 100 million instances.
• Alexa controlled lights over 24 million times, showcasing smart lighting adoption.
• Voice-activated tech growth has significant implications for the Middle East's digital transformation.
• Amazon introduced a multi-view feature for enhanced home security and convenience.