Image from the Paris Olympic Press Center.
As the 2024 Summer Olympics prepare to open in Paris on July 26, the survey reveals that UAE viewers have very specific platforms in place to watch the games in person.
According to the latest data from YouGov, of UAE residents who plan to watch the event, almost half plan to watch the matches via online streaming, followed by those who are likely to follow updates on social media.
The data is based on a survey of 1,001 UAE adults aged 18 and above. The survey was conducted in March 2024 and is based on a nationally representative sample of the country’s adult population.
The survey also found that fewer residents plan to watch the game on television, with a quarter of residents planning to watch it at a sports bar or other broadcast venue.
A fifth of residents surveyed said they would keep up to date through newspapers and news websites, while one in ten said they planned to watch live coverage of the games at Olympic venues in Paris.
The survey also found that men are more likely than women to follow Olympic games via online streaming, while women are more likely to follow social media updates.
By age group, adults between 35 and 44 are the most likely to follow social media updates, while adults 55 and older are the most likely to watch the game on television.
When asked why they watch the Olympics, almost half of UAE residents who watch said it was to enjoy the spectacle and excitement of the event.
Additionally, 45% watch to support their home country’s athletes, and a third watch to see the feats and performances of the participating athletes.
Three in 10 viewers are watching the games to avoid feeling like they are missing out on a global event, and almost a quarter are watching because a friend or family member is watching.