Where futures launch first: Why the world’s most advanced foldable begins its journey with the UAE

Every generation of mobile innovation begins with a simple question: how will this help people achieve more with their time, ideas, and ambitions? In the era of intelligent work and boundless collaboration, entrepreneurs and business leaders need more than a smartphone; they need a platform that adapts to their ambitions, accelerates decision-making, and transforms ideas into impact.

A testament to this is the fact that in 2025, the UAE became one of the world’s most dynamic testbeds for breakthrough technology, pairing rapid adoption with a strong consumer appetite for premium experiences. With 99% internet penetration and more than 11.1 million active users, the country has built one of the most inclusive digital ecosystems globally.

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At the same time, UAE residents lead the world in digital engagement, spending nearly eight hours daily on connected devices, a level of dependency that drives demand for innovation and luxury tech experiences.

This unique combination of early adoption and preference for premium technology makes the UAE the natural stage for Samsung’s most ambitious foldable yet – the Galaxy Z Trifold. Built to match the UAE’s rhythm and appetite, it is more than a device; it is a platform for intelligent productivity and innovation.

Thus, this limited release is not simply about exclusivity; it is a deliberate choice to place our most advanced foldable experience in the hands of users who set expectations for the region and often for the world. Designed not only for today but for the future of work and collaboration, it represents a leap forward in mobile productivity. Its launch in the UAE, one of only five markets worldwide, underscores the country’s position as a global technology leader.

Enabling a deeper vision

Our responsibility, therefore, goes beyond launching a new device. It is about integrating everything that the forward-thinking business leader needs. And now that AI is integrated into everyday tools, Samsung must consider not only what we enable but also how we enable it.

The AI powered Galaxy Z Trifold, with its reinvented trifold form factor, embodies this approach by adapting to how people think, work, and collaborate. This isn’t just about multitasking; it’s about giving discerning users in the UAE an intelligent companion that enhances decision-making and supports fluid, intuitive workflows across multiple apps and formats. For entrepreneurs, the Samsung Q7M becomes their first studio and boardroom.

Galaxy AI can draft content, analyse information, and translate conversations in real time. At the same time, the trifold design transforms a single device into a full-fledged workstation, empowering small teams, founders, and business leaders with enterprise-grade tools in their hands.

With Gemini Live’s advanced camera and screen-sharing capabilities, collaboration is redefined. This is not just convenience, it’s about creating an environment where ideas flow effortlessly, and insights and decisions are captured in real time.

These capabilities matter in a country that has made AI a central pillar of its future. Recent analysis estimates that AI could contribute around $96 billion to the UAE economy by 2030, accounting for roughly 14% of national GDP.

Going beyond innovation

The UAE isn’t just adopting AI; it’s cultivating an ecosystem with strategies, universities, infrastructure, regulation, and talent programs. To scale this vision, AI must move beyond data centers and enterprise systems, embedding securely and seamlessly into the devices people use every day.

For Samsung, these products mean more than innovation. They demonstrate a dedication to shaping the future in line with the bold leadership of the UAE. As the nation invests more in AI talent, digital infrastructure, and an ecosystem for bold ideas, we see an opportunity to lead. Our goal is clear: to deliver devices that anticipate tomorrow’s needs.

The Galaxy Z Trifold, with its foldable technology powered by AI, embodies this direction. As the UAE advances its national visions for AI and entrepreneurship, we will continue co-creating toward these goals — working with partners, developers, and customers across the region to turn ambitious ideas into everyday reality.

— Jerome Hong is President of Samsung Gulf Electronics.