Nokia has extended its licensing agreement with HMD Global, enabling HMD to continue selling Nokia-branded feature phones across the Middle East and North Africa for an additional two to three years beyond the original 2026 expiry, according to sources familiar with the development.
Sources say the extension ensures that Nokia feature phones, known for durability, long battery life and simplicity, will remain available in markets where they remain in strong demand particularly among first-time users, older consumers, and in rural or remote areas where smartphone costs or infrastructure may pose challenges.
One industry analyst noted that even as smartphone penetration grows in markets such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and Jordan, there is a steady segment (~20-30%) of all mobile users who still prefer feature phones for their reliability and affordability.
The renewed licence allows HMD to maintain supply chains and product lines under the trusted Nokia brand, while working in parallel on its own HMD-branded smartphones (like HMD Fusion X1, HMD Skyline) and safety-oriented device lines.
“It’s about balancing legacy and innovation,” said a person close to the agreement. “Nokia brings brand trust; HMD adds new energy, especially with feature phones that cater to lower cost points and core functionality that many users here still need.”
Expect refreshed Nokia feature phone models in the region with updates such as 4G support, USB-C charging, Arabic language interfaces and better durability to withstand heat and everyday wear.
Retail insiders anticipate aggressive pricing strategies from HMD for these models, targeting cost-sensitive customers and emphasizing battery longevity, two attributes often cited in regional consumer research as important buying criteria.
For many consumers across MENA, the deal means that simple, dependable phones won’t disappear any time soon.
