In 2026, UAE users spend an average of 12.4 hours monthly on short-form videos, reflecting high engagement levels driven by platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels. The country's digital ad spend on short videos has reached approximately AED 1.8 billion, indicating strong investment by brands aiming to capture the youth demographic. Youth engagement remains robust, with 78% of residents aged 15 to 34 watching short videos daily, emphasizing the importance of video marketing strategies.
The popularity of TikTok continues to dominate, making it the preferred platform for short video content in the UAE. Average view counts per video have surged to over 1.2 million, showcasing the vast reach and influence of short-form videos. As digital marketing evolves, brands focus on creating engaging, localized content to capitalize on high viewer retention and interaction rates, further fueling the growth of short-video marketing in the region.