Sales of personal computer sales are expected to fall 9.5 per cent on an annual basis in 2022 as growing inflation, supply chain constraints and geopolitical challenges upended the industry, according to research company Gartner.
Total PC shipment is expected reach nearly 310 million this year, nearly 32 million fewer than the units sold last year, the Connecticut-based company said in its latest report.
The sector, however, grew 11 per cent on an annual basis in 2021 on increased consumer spending as the industry emerged from the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.
A perfect storm of geopolitics upheaval, high inflation, currency fluctuations and supply chain disruptions have lowered business and consumer demand for devices across the world
Ranjit Atwal,
senior director analyst at Gartner
“A perfect storm of geopolitics upheaval, high inflation, currency fluctuations and supply chain disruptions have lowered business and consumer demand for devices across the world, and is set to impact the PC market the hardest in 2022,” Ranjit Atwal, senior director analyst at Gartner, said.
Consumer PC demand is on pace to decline 13.1 per cent yearly in 12 months to December. It will decline much faster than business PC demand, which is expected to fall 7.2 per cent year-on-year in 2022, Mr Atwal said.
From a regional perspective, the Europe, Middle East and Africa PC market is expected to register a 14 per cent dip in 2022, driven by lack of consumer demand.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine, price increases and unavailability of products because of lockdowns in China are affecting consumer demand in the region, Gartner said.
The PC market is expected to suffer the sharpest decline of all device segments (PCs, tablets and mobile phones) this year.
Mobile phone shipments (including smartphones and feature phones) are expected to drop 7.1 per cent to more than 1.4 billion devices this year. However, the industry grew almost 5 per cent last year.
Meanwhile, the tablet market is poised to nosedive almost 9 per cent annually to 142 million units this year, according to Gartner.
Gartner has also lowered its projection for 5G smartphone sales from its previous estimates. It expects worldwide 5G phone shipments to total 710 million units this year, an increase of 29 per cent from last year.
“The growth rate is significantly down from an expected increase of 47 per cent at the start of the year, with a resulting loss of 95 million 5G phone shipments,” Mr Atwal said.
“The impact of China’s zero tolerance Covid-19 policy and resulting lockdowns have dramatically reversed … [the] trend. Large numbers of consumers stopped buying non-essential items, including 5G smartphones.”
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Bio
Born in Dibba, Sharjah in 1972.
He is the eldest among 11 brothers and sisters.
He was educated in Sharjah schools and is a graduate of UAE University in Al Ain.
He has written poetry for 30 years and has had work published in local newspapers.
He likes all kinds of adventure movies that relate to his work.
His dream is a safe and preserved environment for all humankind.
His favourite book is The Quran, and 'Maze of Innovation and Creativity', written by his brother.
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
IF YOU GO
The flights: FlyDubai offers direct flights to Catania Airport from Dubai International Terminal 2 daily with return fares starting from Dh1,895.
The details: Access to the 2,900-metre elevation point at Mount Etna by cable car and 4x4 transport vehicle cost around €57.50 (Dh248) per adult. Entry into Teatro Greco costs €10 (Dh43). For more go to www.visitsicily.info
Where to stay: Hilton Giardini Naxos offers beachfront access and accessible to Taormina and Mount Etna. Rooms start from around €130 (Dh561) per night, including taxes.
