While the world keeps its ears perked for Spotify Wrapped in November every year, there’s another list of vital user data that’s eagerly awaited in December – Google Trends‘ most popular search terms of 2023. The topics that proved most popular with UAE’s internet users fall into seven categories – local and regional events, movies, news, personalities, TV series, tech platforms and sports. The search engine’s annual report gives us fascinating insights into what UAE residents were curious about in 2023.
Google Trends Year In Search 2023 – UAE
Cricket, of course, dominated the sports section as the ICC Cricket World Cup gripped sports fans across the country from October to November. Besides Cricket, football was the sport that occupied the thoughts and search hits of UAE residents – searches for Saudi Pro League topped the regional and local events list followed by PSG vs. Riyadh XI as the 3rd most popular search and the Gulf Cup a close sixth.
UAE residents also utilised Google to seek information and updates about the war in Palestine – the conflict is the top news event. The Turkey-Syria earthquake was the third most searched news event in the country, reflecting the UAE population’s interest in international affairs and their efforts to stay up-to-date on humanitarian crises around the world.
When it came to movies, surprisingly, Oppenheimer trumped at #1 overthrowing Barbie (#6), despite Barbie fever painting Dubai pink with Barbie-themed activities, food and more. Unsurprisingly though, Bollywood star Shahrukh Khan’s movies Pathan and Jawan reigned supreme as the second and fourth most Googled movies.
Other interesting queries that the UAE asked Google were about personalities such as Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi and tech platforms like generative AI, WhatsApp Web and online superstore Temu. Google Trends revealed that Netflix’s Wednesday topped the category as most searched and we’re sure it did considering all the hilarious memes that erupted across social media accounts in the UAE after its release. Here’s the full list of trending Google news, events and movies in the UAE in 2023.
Top 10 trending local & regional events
1. Saudi Pro League
2. Gitex 2023
3. PSG vs Riyadh XI
4. UFC 294
5. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
6. Gulf Cup
7. International League T20
8. COP28
9. Arab Health
10. Dubai Run
Top 10 trending news
1. Palestine and Israel War
2. Chandrayaan-3
3. Turkey – Syria Earthquake
4. Karnataka Elections
5. Gautam Adani Group Crisis
6. Titanic submarine
7. Egypt currency devaluation
8. Morocco Earthquake
9. Cyclone Biparjoy
10. Manipur News
Top trending movies
1. Oppenheimer
2. Jawan
3. Jailer
4. Pathan
5. Leo
6. Barbie
7. Gadar 2
8. Varisu
9. King of Kotha
10. Mission: Impossible 7
Find here the complete list of what UAE residents searched for on Google in 2023.