United Arab Emirates

Economies in the Middle East and Africa experienced a downturn in 2020 after continuous expansion since 2015. The COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with slumping oil prices, has disturbed countries’ economic development and distorted public finances.…

The economy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) expanded in real terms in 2022, driven by increasing public and private consumption, recovery in the tourism and construction sectors and strong external demand. However, over the near term, the country…

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…

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…

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…

Retail current value sales of experiential luxury grew in 2021 and 2022, when restrictions related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic were still impacting travel. There is also a desire amongst consumers to spend on experiences rather than…

Eye drops is the leading format for eye-related treatments in the United Arab Emirates, for several reasons. First, eye drops offer ease of application, allowing individuals to self-administer the treatment directly to the affected area. Second, they…

In 2024, eyewear in the United Arab Emirates is experiencing marginal volume growth but solid value growth. This indicates a further rise in average unit prices across the industry and an increase in premiumisation. The surge in spending in premium…

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…

Retail current value sales of fine wines/champagne and spirits grew by 2% in 2023 to AED807 million, as a result of a consumer desire for indulgence after the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Socialising at home and in the on-trade channel remains a…

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…

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 terms of retail volume sales in the United Arab Emirates, men's footwear traditionally holds larger share compared to the women's segment, primarily due to demographics. However, women's footwear is experiencing faster growth in both retail volume…

Fragrance in the United Arab Emirates holds significant cultural and traditional importance to local consumers, cementing the nation's reputation as a hub for exquisite scents. Emiratis are renowned for their lavish spending on premium fragrances,…

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…

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…

In 2023, value sales of full-service restaurants in the United Arab Emirates fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels, despite a lag in terms of transaction and outlet numbers. However, an increase in unit prices drove higher spend per transaction. In…

In 2023, gardening in the United Arab Emirates experienced significant growth due to the concerted efforts of local and federal authorities to promote home gardening initiatives. Both levels of government actively encouraged the public to engage in…

Variety stores in the United Arab Emirates continued to experience significant growth in 2023, outperforming department stores, the other main channel in general merchandise stores. This was not only due to the affordable prices offered by these…

This report analyses global production, consumption and prices of aluminium. While leading aluminium production giant, China, is struggling with looming energy crisis and disruptions in supply of raw materials, global production of aluminium is set…