Dubai, UAE – 3 March 2026
At Human Mobile Devices (HMD), technology is designed to be human first. Purposeful by design. Accessible by default. Built for the realities of everyday life.
As HMD sets out its global ambitions for 2026 at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the company is also reinforcing its long-term commitment to the UAE and wider GCC markets that continue to lead in digital adoption, youth innovation, and demand for practical, value-driven technology.
For nearly a decade, HMD has focused on delivering quality, security, and purposeful innovation at scale, combining thoughtful user experiences with disciplined engineering to create reliable devices that remain among the most accessible in the market.
Feature phones reimagined for the next billions
HMD’s approach to innovation centres on solving real-world challenges through practical design. From safer family experiences to durable feature phones and simplified digital access, the company continues to rethink how mobile technology can better serve people across diverse markets.
A recent example is the HMD Touch 4G, one of the first hybrid devices combining the simplicity of a feature phone with selected smartphone capabilities.
In 2026, HMD will further redefine what a feature phone can do. The next generation of smart feature phone experiences will introduce capabilities such as video calling and messaging, AI-powered assistance, and a built-in digital wallet bringing essential digital services to wider audiences, including first-time users and those seeking simpler digital lifestyles.
“Our ambition is simple,” said Jean-François Baril, Chairman and CEO of Human Mobile Devices. “We want to build technology that genuinely improves everyday life. In 2026, that means bringing smarter services, safer access and meaningful innovation to people who have traditionally been overlooked, backed by a business that has delivered ten consecutive quarters of profitability in a challenging global market.’
For GCC markets, where financial inclusion, youth connectivity, and balanced digital usage are increasingly part of public dialogue, these innovations aim to bridge both digital and financial divides while supporting more mindful technology use.
Accessories designed for modern life with the Middle East leading
HMD is also expanding its growing accessories portfolio, bringing purposeful design and everyday utility to a wider audience. Following a successful early launch across the Middle East and North Africa, HMD’s new accessories range, ‘HMD DUB’ including audio and wearable products like the ‘HMD Watch’, will begin expanding across Europe and additional global markets from Mobile World Congress.
The Middle East served as the first launchpad for HMD DUB and HMD Watch, reflecting the region’s youthful demographics, music culture, and growing demand for connected lifestyle devices.
“As our device portfolio evolves, our accessories play an increasingly important role in delivering a complete and accessible lifestyle ecosystem,” said Sanmeet Singh Kochhar, VP-Europe, Asia, Middle East and Africa. “Our accessories portfolio reflects the same philosophy as our phones — purposeful design, ease of use and everyday value — and we are excited to expand this range into more global markets throughout 2026.”
He added: “Across feature phones, smartphones, and accessories, our ambition is consistent to design technology that fits real life. Whether it’s enabling digital access through smarter feature phones, supporting responsible financing models, or creating audio and wearable products that complement modern lifestyles, we see the UAE and GCC as central to our 2026 growth journey.”
Powering access through Softlock and affordable smartphones
Alongside feature phone innovation, HMD continues to scale Softlock, its in-house device-based locking and financing platform designed to expand smartphone access responsibly.
Softlock enables secure micro-financing models, allowing partners to offer flexible payment plans to consumers who might otherwise be excluded from smartphone ownership. To date, the platform has enabled access for close to four million users globally.
With strong interest in instalment-based purchasing across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, HMD plans to explore expanded partnerships in the region as it scales Softlock further in 2026.
Expanding smart devices and secure solutions
HMD is also expanding its portfolio of smart devices tailored for specific, real-world needs. This includes growth in its Secure division, focused on enterprise-grade and mission-critical devices built around security, reliability, and European innovation.
Following the launch of HMD Terra M, the upcoming HMD Ivalo will further strengthen HMD’s secure device offering for professional and specialised use cases areas increasingly relevant to public and private sector transformation initiatives across the GCC.
Strong financial performance in a competitive landscape
In 2025, HMD delivered its tenth consecutive quarter of profitability, marking three full years of continuous positive operating performance despite pressure across the global mobile sector. This sustained growth reflects the company’s focused transformation strategy, disciplined cost management, and increasing demand for purposeful, affordable devices across key regions including the Middle East.
Availability
More details on product availability, partnerships and market expansion will be shared throughout 2026.
1Based on unaudited results by HMD Global Oy
