United Arab Emirates

Amid ongoing trends, players are steadfastly focusing on innovation as a pivotal strategy to drive sales of microwaves. In the United Arab Emirates, there is a distinct emphasis on energy consumption, a factor presenting limitations on sales growth…

While retail volume growth of large cooking appliances is slowing in 2023, higher current value growth is primarily being influenced by surging commodity prices driven by high inflation rates. As a result, local consumers are either deferring their…

One of Western Europe's leading home laundry appliance brands, Beko, has introduced an eco-friendly line to promote sustainable living to consumers. Aligned with the brand’s sustainability mission, the range claims to offer reliability, high…

Despite economic variables, such as inflation and fluctuations in the housing market, demand for food preparation appliances remains resilient. While these factors can influence consumer spending, innovative product offerings and changing consumer…

In the United Arab Emirates, many local consumers now value the energy-saving capabilities of dishwashers more than their average initial cost of AED2,762 (as of mid-2023). Their primary concern is the dishwasher's electricity and water consumption…

Demand for consumer appliances in the United Arab Emirates continues to gain momentum in 2023, shaped by a variety of key trends. Innovation remains paramount for players as they strive to meet evolving consumer preferences. Despite inflationary…

Demand for air treatment products in the United Arab Emirates, in particular air conditioners, continues to grow strongly in 2023, driven by several factors. The region's hot weather is a significant catalyst, prompting a higher demand for cooling…

Pre-paid cards in the United Arab Emirates is experiencing a surge in innovation and growth, driven by evolving consumer preferences, technological advances, and the increasing popularity of digital payments. Mobile reloading options, such as bank…

The United Arab Emirates continues its journey towards a cashless society, with the continued adoption of digital payment solutions, contactless cards, and the emergence of supplementary payment platforms or solutions in pre-paid cards that support…

Contactless payments are becoming increasingly popular in the United Arab Emirates, driven by the convenience and safety they offer. Banks are accelerating the adoption of contactless payment technology, embedding NFC (Near Field Communication) chips…

The credit cards category in the United Arab Emirates is set to experience strong growth by all measures in 2023, fuelled by a combination of favourable economic conditions, evolving consumer preferences, and the adoption of new technologies. The…

Aligned with historical patterns, there is expected to be an ongoing decrease in the number of charge cards in circulation in the United Arab Emirates in 2023, even though transaction value is set to show growth across both the commercial and…

Despite rising inflation, increasing mortgage rates and interest rates, consumer lending in the United Arab Emirates remains buoyant in 2023. The local economy’s recovery and expansion are influencing the momentum of consumer lending, but…

Banks in the United Arab Emirates continue to offer attractive card lending offers in 2023. With many credit cards now having appealing credit limits depending on the salary range and credit score of consumers, many banks are offering to convert…

The level of awareness among local consumers regarding the importance of adopting healthy diets and lifestyles is growing in the United Arab Emirates. Therefore, many local consumers are gaining a greater interest in incorporating fresh vegetables…

Although there are many initiatives to reduce sugar consumption, demand for sugar and sweeteners continues to grow in the United Arab Emirates. Sweets and desserts are culturally important in the United Arab Emirates, as they are often associated…

The United Arab Emirates has a very diverse population, whereby potatoes are an important ingredient used in numerous dishes. Potatoes are the most consumed form of starchy roots in both retail and foodservice. Supported by a growing population in…

The growing popularity of plant-based diets is increasing the demand for alternative sources of protein to meat. Pulses are considered an excellent protein alternative. As an increasing number of local consumers are adopting vegetarian and vegan…

The number of consumers in the United Arab Emirates who are switching to plant-based diets is on the rise. In particular, nuts are a popular plant-based source of protein and are being increasingly incorporated into consumers’ diets. They provide…

Meat is the most popular protein source in the United Arab Emirates. It is considered highly nutritious by providing essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Many local consumers are following healthier diets, whereby they are increasing their…

Consumption of fresh fruits continues to rise in the United Arab Emirates. The population is growing due to the increasing arrival of expatriates, facilitated by visa programmes. Many people consider moving to the United Arab Emirates due to…

Demand for fresh food continues to grow across different categories in the United Arab Emirates. The nation is comprised of a diverse population whereby fresh food represents an important component of numerous dishes. With a growing population in the…

The level of awareness regarding environmental issues associated with traditional fishing is growing in the United Arab Emirates. As a result, local consumers are seeking sustainably-sourced fish and seafood which ensures a stable and long-term…

Demand for eggs continues to grow in the United Arab Emirates, despite further price increases. In the first quarter of 2023, the government approved a temporary hike in the average unit price of eggs by a maximum of 13%. This was approved due to the…

In line with the increasing local trend for private label across food and beverages, tea in the United Arab Emirates is also benefiting from the gradual emergence of private label. In the face of moderate inflation and overall fragmentation within…

Sports drinks in the United Arab Emirates remains a young category with further high growth potential following its dynamic performance in 2022 and 2023. The concept of fitness, increasingly integrated into consumers’ lifestyles, has only emerged…

Demand for soft drinks in the United Arab Emirates (in both off-trade and on-trade channels) is growing in 2023, despite global economic challenges. The purchasing power of most local consumers remains high, as a major proportion of the population…

RTD tea in the United Arab Emirates is among three categories within soft drinks demonstrating double-digit growth rates in 2023. Its success is partly being driven by its novelty factor in the local market, in line with the continuing success of RTD…

Price per litre, RTD coffee is the most expensive category within soft drinks in the United Arab Emirates, followed by energy drinks. Its high price is driven by the premium nature of the product, a relatively small bottle size and the domination of…

Traditionally in the United Arab Emirates, other hot drinks are represented mainly by chocolate-based flavoured powder drinks and malt-based hot drinks. Share of other formats were extremely low with no brands emerging to drive up their share.…

Following global inflation and the challenge for low- and mid-income consumers to manage their expenses, all major private label lines of juice entered the United Arab Emirates, including Carrefour Fresh, Lulu Fresh, Spinneys Food, Spinneys Kitchen…

Many hot drinks in the United Arab Emirates are considered to be less essential compared to food categories and some soft drinks categories, such as bottled water and juice. This makes them vulnerable in the face of inflation, economic instability or…

Energy drinks in the United Arab Emirates are often marketed using images depicting young adult consumers as enthusiastic, fit, smart and adventurous. This type of advertising can attract children and teenagers, who are becoming increasingly…

Demand for both powder concentrates and liquid concentrates has been declining in the United Arab Emirates for several years. General health awareness and concerns around sugar consumption are discouraging local consumers from purchasing these…

Recent inflation, the demand for premium indulgence and strong coffee traditions are shaping the category in a way that offers sufficient products within each price segment. Premium coffee options in multiple blends and flavours are offered by…

Across carbonates, reduced sugar options are gaining popularity in the United Arab Emirates. This trend is being widely supported by advertising and promotions. Hypermarkets and forecourt retailers are introducing floor and shelf banners advertising…

With the emerging inflation and competitive landscape being reshaped, private label is starting to regain shelf space in many categories, including bottled water. Since water is considered a basic and affordable product in consumers’ minds, private…

Consumers in the United Arab Emirates are increasingly seeking healthier options of sweet spreads, including those with reduced sugar content and fewer additives. In addition, nut and seed based spreads are gaining popularity in the local market,…

Local consumers are becoming increasingly focused on health and wellness trends, resulting in an increase in demand for sauces with healthy claims. Health-conscious consumers are selecting alternatives to traditional high-calorie sauces, as well as…

The local workforce has returned, with employees actively seeking convenience as they rebalance their professional and personal lives. Therefore, retail demand for ready meals and prepared salads continues to steadily rise in the United Arab Emirates…

The number of health-conscious consumers is on the rise in the United Arab Emirates. Increasing numbers of local consumers are following a balanced diet, and they are selecting healthy food sources. Edible oils is one of the categories in which…

Retail demand for cooking ingredients and meals continues to grow in the United Arab Emirates. The increase in the expatriate population and the boom in tourism since the easing of pandemic restrictions, are positively impacting retail volume growth…

As noted in many countries around the world, consumers in the United Arab Emirates experienced weakened purchasing power in 2022 due to the impact of inflation on goods and services. However, in 2023, unlike in many other markets, consumers’…

The United Arab Emirates has banned the export and re-export of rice for four months starting from the end of July. However, the suspension could be automatically renewed. The suspension has been imposed on non-basmati white rice originating from…

Like many markets, consumers in the United Arab Emirates are becoming increasingly concerned about their health and wellness. As a result, the demand for processed meat that is lower in fat, salt, and additives or organic options that are free from…

Retail demand for frozen processed vegetables continues to rise in 2023, driven by consumer perceptions that this format offers convenience and is an easy-to-prepare alternative to fresh vegetables. It takes less preparation time, since frozen…

Retail demand for breakfast cereals continues to grow in the United Arab Emirates. Since local consumers have resumed busy schedules, many of them find breakfast cereals a quick and convenient option. RTE cereals are easy to prepare, thereby saving…

Demand for baked goods continues to grow in the United Arab Emirates. The local market is a major tourist destination, and the opening of society since the ending of pandemic-related restrictions means that tourism is booming. Events being held in…

The United Arab Emirates is home to a highly dynamic retail environment, where a brand’s entry and exit can occur fairly rapidly compared to more mature markets. In 2023, several formerly standalone brands, some of which had previously exited the…

Nike, adidas, and lululemon are among leading global sportswear brands that are embracing localisation strategies by introducing hijab and modest sportswear to cater for residents in the United Arab Emirates. adidas stands out with its comprehensive…