Retail in the United Arab Emirates

June 2026
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Overview:

Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Retail industry in United Arab Emirates with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.

Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.

Data and analysis in this report provides further detailed coverage dedicated to the following key categories, where applicable:

  • Convenience Stores
  • Discounters
  • Hypermarkets
  • Supermarkets
  • Traditional Grocery Retailers
  • Apparel and Footwear Specialist Retailers
  • Electronics and Appliance Specialist Retailers
  • Health and Beauty Specialist Retailers
  • Home and Garden Specialist Retailers
  • Department Stores
  • Variety Stores
  • Warehouse Clubs
  • Direct Selling
  • Homeshopping
  • Vending

If you're in the Retail industry in United Arab Emirates, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.

The Retail in United Arab Emirates report includes:

  • Analysis of key retail trends
  • Detailed segmentation of offline and online retail sales
  • Historic channel sizes (retail value sales, outlet counts, and selling space)
  • Company and brand market shares (retail value sales and outlet counts)
  • Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
  • Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country

This report answers:

  • What is the market size of Retail in United Arab Emirates?
  • Which are the leading retailers in Retail in United Arab Emirates?
  • How are products distributed in Retail in United Arab Emirates?
  • How is the rise of e-commerce and the expansion of modern grocery retail impacting traditional retail?
  • How significant are discounters and private label in United Arab Emirates?
  • To what extent are sales shifting towards digital channels?​
  • What is the long-term outlook for bricks-and-mortar? 
  • How is macroeconomic and political uncertainty affecting the retail industry?​
  • What types of retailers are seeing the fastest growth in digital sales?​
  • What is the future of retail?

Retail in the United Arab Emirates

2025 Developments

Key Data Insights

Chart 1 Key Industry Trends for Retail
Viva Expands into Affluent Areas as Price Sensitivity Grows
Retail E-Commerce and Apparel and Footwear Specialists Lead Value Creation
Chart 2 Mastercard and Majid Al Futtaim Unveil Agent Pay, the World's First Ai Payment System
Discounters Attract Budget-Focused Consumers with Private Label Ranges
Chart 3 Value Sales 2020-2030
Chart 4 Value Sales by Category 2025
Majid Al Futtaim and Mastercard Accelerate Adoption of Agentic Ai in Payments
Viva Expands Discount Retail Format as Price Sensitivity Fuels Private Label Innovation
Luxury Brands Enhance Experiential Retail to Attract Affluent Consumers
Chart 5 Forecast Value Sales 2020-2030
Chart 6 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2025-2030
Chart 7 Analyst Insight for Retail
Lulu Hypermarket Overtakes Carrefour as Digital and Value Reshape Leadership
Chart 8 Chalhoub Group Launches Proprietary Generative Ai Engine
Chart 9 Company Shares 2025
Chart 10 Brand Shares 2025
Informal Retail
Opening Hours for Physical Retail
Chart 11 Standard Opening Hours by Channel Type 2025
Seasonality
Dubai Shopping Festival (“DSF”)
Dubai Summer Surprises (“DSS”)
Back to School
Super Sales
White Friday
Chart 12 Economic Context for Retail
Chart 13 Real Gdp Growth 2020-2030
Chart 14 Inflation 2020-2030
Chart 15 Consumer Context for Retail
Chart 16 Population 2020-2030
Chart 17 Population by Generation 2025

Convenience Retailers in the United Arab Emirates

Key Data Insights

Convenience Retailers Summary
Chart 18 Key Industry Trends for Convenience Retailers
Modest Growth in Convenience Retailing Despite Growing Competition From Third-Party Delivery Apps
Forecourt Retailers Outpace Convenience Stores Amid International Expansion
Chart 19 Latin American Products Hit Zoom Stores at Enoc Stations
Super Apps and Partnerships Redefine the Convenience Retailing Experience
Chart 20 Value Sales 2020-2030
Chart 21 Value Sales by Category 2025
Adnoc Oasis Drives Smart Station Rollout to Shape Future Growth
Retailers Partner with Third-Party Delivery Apps and Redesign Stores to Capture Digital Shoppers
Chart 22 Forecast Value Sales 2020-2030
Chart 23 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2025-2030
Chart 24 Analyst Insight for Convenience Retailers
Adnoc Oasis Expands Outlet Network to Drive Share Gains
Chart 25 Company Shares 2025
Chart 26 Brand Shares 2025
Chart 27 Economic Context for Convenience Retailers
Chart 28 Real Gdp Growth 2020-2030
Chart 29 Inflation 2020-2030
Chart 30 Consumer Context for Convenience Retailers
Chart 31 Population 2020-2030
Chart 32 Population by Generation 2025

Supermarkets in the United Arab Emirates

Key Data Insights

Supermarkets Summary
Chart 33 Key Industry Trends for Supermarkets
Supermarkets Face Challenges From Price Sensitivity and Allure of Discount Retail
Chart 34 Lulu Expands Its Range of Private Label Snacks with Health Claim
Private Label Lines Gain Appeal Even among Affluent Consumer Base
Chart 35 Value Sales 2020-2030
Supermarket Operators Increase Private Label to Meet Value and Health Demands
Players Invest in "Retailtainment" and Omnichannel Strategies to Attract Footfall and Loyalty
Chart 36 Forecast Value Sales 2020-2030
Spinneys Accelerates Outlet Expansion to Capture Affluent Shoppers
Chart 37 Company Shares 2025
Chart 38 Brand Shares 2025
Chart 39 Economic Context for Supermarkets
Chart 40 Real Gdp Growth 2020-2030
Chart 41 Inflation 2020-2030
Chart 42 Consumer Context for Supermarkets
Chart 43 Population 2020-2030
Chart 44 Population by Generation 2025

Hypermarkets in the United Arab Emirates

Key Data Insights

Hypermarkets Summary
Chart 45 Key Industry Trends for Hypermarkets
Lulu Expands Store Footprint and Dining Options to Attract Affluent Expats
Lulu Introduces Expanded Ready-To-Eat Meals to Enhance Shopper Experience
Chart 46 Lulu Hypermarket in Dubai Mall Expands Dining Area with Range of Ready-To-Eat Meals
Carrefour Deploys Ai-Driven Personalisation to Boost In-Store Engagement
Chart 47 Value Sales 2020-2030
Lulu Introduces Exclusive In-Store Ranges to Drive Footfall and Urgency
Carrefour Enhances Shopper Loyalty with Fresh Food and Dining Integration
Chart 48 Forecast Value Sales 2020-2030
Chart 49 Analyst Insight for Hypermarkets
Lulu Strengthens Its Lead with Aggressive Expansion and Pricing Strategy
Chart 50 Company Shares 2025
Chart 51 Brand Shares 2025
Chart 52 Economic Context for Hypermarkets
Chart 53 Real Gdp Growth 2020-2030
Chart 54 Inflation 2020-2030
Chart 55 Consumer Context for Hypermarkets
Chart 56 Population 2020-2030
Chart 57 Population by Generation 2025

Discounters in the United Arab Emirates

Key Data Insights

Discounters Summary
Chart 58 Key Industry Trends for Discounters
Viva’S Aggressive Expansion Transforms Shopping Habits and Price Perception
Viva Leverages Convenience and Digital Access to Broaden Appeal
Chart 59 Viva Continues to Expand across the Uae
Chart 60 Value Sales 2020-2030
Viva Expands into Affluent Areas as Cost Concerns Intensify
Retailers Invest in Private Label Innovation to Capture Health-Conscious Shoppers
Chart 61 Forecast Value Sales 2020-2030
Viva Accelerates Store Openings to Extend Reach and Reinforce Dominance
Chart 62 Company Shares 2025
Chart 63 Brand Shares 2025
Chart 64 Economic Context for Discounters
Chart 65 Real Gdp Growth 2020-2030
Chart 66 Inflation 2020-2030
Chart 67 Consumer Context for Discounters
Chart 68 Population 2020-2030
Chart 69 Population by Generation 2025

Small Local Grocers in the United Arab Emirates

Key Data Insights

Small Local Grocers Summary
Modern Retail Expansion Displaces Neighbourhood Grocers and Reduces Sales
Chart 70 Value Sales 2020-2030
Russian Grocers Target Community Needs as Other Players Exit Peripheral Areas
Aggregator Partnerships and Digital Platforms Provide Survival Strategies
Chart 71 Forecast Value Sales 2020-2030
Chart 72 Economic Context for Small Local Grocers
Chart 73 Real Gdp Growth 2020-2030
Chart 74 Inflation 2020-2030
Chart 75 Consumer Context for Small Local Grocers
Chart 76 Population 2020-2030
Chart 77 Population by Generation 2025

General Merchandise Stores in the United Arab Emirates

Key Data Insights

General Merchandise Stores Summary
Chart 78 Key Industry Trends for General Merchandise Stores
Debenhams Expands In-Store Offerings as It Consolidates Outlets
Variety Stores Drive Sales with Beauty and Fragrance Expansion
Brands for Less Targets Value Seekers with New Stores and Digital Outreach
Chart 79 Brands for Less Grows Its Footprint in Uae with Three New Stores
Chart 80 Value Sales 2020-2030
Chart 81 Value Sales by Category 2025
Luxury Retailers Target Affluent Expatriates to Fuel Premium Growth
Variety Stores Capture Value Shoppers with Expanded Essentials and Beauty
Retailers Adapt through Digitalisation, Exclusivity and Broader Product Mixes
Chart 82 Forecast Value Sales 2020-2030
Chart 83 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2025-2030
Centrepoint Accelerates Growth by Targeting Value-Driven Shoppers
Chart 84 Company Shares 2025
Chart 85 Brand Shares 2025
Chart 86 Economic Context for General Merchandise Stores
Chart 87 Real Gdp Growth 2020-2030
Chart 88 Inflation 2020-2030
Chart 89 Consumer Context for General Merchandise Stores
Chart 90 Population 2020-2030
Chart 91 Population by Generation 2025

Apparel and Footwear Specialists in the United Arab Emirates

Key Data Insights

Apparel and Footwear Specialists Summary
Chart 92 Key Industry Trends for Apparel and Footwear Specialists
Luxury Brands Attract New Wealth, Boosting Retail Value
Same-Day Delivery Accelerates Shift to Digital-First Shopping
Chart 93 Zara Offers Same Day Delivery in Abu Dhabi for Only 30Aed Extra
Ai-Powered Stylists Personalise Shopping and Drive Loyalty
Chart 94 Value Sales 2020-2030
H&M’S Immersive Changing Room Draws Shoppers Seeking an Improved Retail Experience
Taffi’S Ai Stylist Redefines Personalisation and Fuels Accessories Growth
Luxury Pop-Ups and Runway Events Boost Brand Visibility and Exclusivity
Chart 95 Forecast Value Sales 2020-2030
Landmark Group Sustains Lead as Value Drives Loyalty
Retailers Expand into Beauty and Fragrance to Boost Relevance
Chart 96 Company Shares 2025
Chart 97 Brand Shares 2025
Chart 98 Economic Context for Apparel and Footwear Specialists
Chart 99 Real Gdp Growth 2020-2030
Chart 100 Inflation 2020-2030
Chart 101 Consumer Context for Apparel and Footwear Specialists
Chart 102 Population 2020-2030
Chart 103 Population by Generation 2025

Appliances and Electronics Specialists in the United Arab Emirates

Key Data Insights

Appliances and Electronics Specialists Summary
Chart 104 Key Industry Trends for Appliances and Electronics Specialists
Population Growth and Strong Purchasing Power Drive Sales Growth
Sharaf Dg Captures Price-Sensitive Consumer Base with Flash Deals
Chart 105 Dg Sharaf Increases Use of Flash Sales Lasting Only a Few Hours to Entice Customers
Ai?Leveraged by Sharaf Dg to Create Immersive In-Store Experiences
Chart 106 Value Sales 2020-2030
Dyson Leverages Technology Expertise to Drive Premium Beauty Sales
Sharaf Dg and Jumbo Electronics Expand Smart Wellness and Connected Living
Chart 107 Forecast Value Sales 2020-2030
Chart 108 Analyst Insight for Appliances and Electronics Specialists
Sharaf Dg Leverages Store Network and Service to Consolidate Lead
Chart 109 Company Shares 2025
Chart 110 Brand Shares 2025
Chart 111 Economic Context for Appliances and Electronics Specialists
Chart 112 Real Gdp Growth 2020-2030
Chart 113 Inflation 2020-2030
Chart 114 Consumer Context for Appliances and Electronics Specialists
Chart 115 Population 2020-2030
Chart 116 Population by Generation 2025

Home Products Specialists in the United Arab Emirates

Key Data Insights

Home Products Specialists Summary
Chart 117 Key Industry Trends for Home Products Specialists
Martha Stewart Enters Dubai as Expatriates Fuel Outlet Expansion
Homewares Outpaces Home Improvement as Pet Shops Accelerate
Careem Redefines Home Shopping with 15-Minute Delivery Partnerships
Chart 118 Value Sales 2020-2030
Chart 119 Value Sales by Category 2025
Chart 120 Martha Stewart Flagship Store Opens in Dubai's Mall of the Emirates
Pet Owners Drive Robust Gains as Online Shopping Reshapes Outlets
Gardening Interest Expands as Smart Home Upgrades Boost Demand
Chart 121 Forecast Value Sales 2020-2030
Chart 122 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2025-2030
Landmark Group Extends Lead through Expansion and Localisation
Chart 123 Company Shares 2025
Chart 124 Brand Shares 2025
Chart 125 Economic Context for Home Products Specialists
Chart 126 Real Gdp Growth 2020-2030
Chart 127 Inflation 2020-2030
Chart 128 Consumer Context for Home Products Specialists
Chart 129 Population 2020-2030
Chart 130 Population by Generation 2025

Health and Beauty Specialists in the United Arab Emirates

Key Data Insights

Health and Beauty Specialists Summary
Chart 131 Key Industry Trends for Health and Beauty Specialists
Strong Growth as Beauty Specialists Elevate the In-Store Experience
Chart 132 The New H&M Beauty Store in Dubai Mall Showcases Local Arab Brands
Pharmacies Sustain Leadership While Beauty Specialists Accelerate
H&M Beauty Leverages Private Label to Boost Shopper Engagement
Chart 133 Value Sales 2020-2030
Chart 134 Value Sales by Category 2025
Positive Outlook as Local Brands and Halal Products Reshape Consumer Preferences
Beauty Specialists Capitalise on Local Innovation and Wellness Trends
Pharmacies Reinforce Lead through Essential Offerings and Compliance
Chart 135 Forecast Value Sales 2020-2030
Chart 136 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2025-2030
Life Pharmacy Expands Network and Sustains Leadership through Convenience
Chart 137 Company Shares 2025
Chart 138 Brand Shares 2025
Chart 139 Economic Context for Health and Beauty Specialists
Chart 140 Real Gdp Growth 2020-2030
Chart 141 Inflation 2020-2030
Chart 142 Consumer Context for Health and Beauty Specialists
Chart 143 Population 2020-2030
Chart 144 Population by Generation 2025

Vending in the United Arab Emirates

Key Data Insights

Vending Summary
Tourists and Events Boost Vending Sales through Wider Machine Deployment
Chart 145 Value Sales 2020-2030
Chart 146 Value Sales by Category 2025
Beauty Brands Embrace Vending to Unlock Premium Growth
Smart Vending and Digital Payments Reshape Consumer Expectations
Chart 147 Forecast Value Sales 2020-2030
Chart 148 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2025-2030
Jackson Trading Co Plc Builds Share as Ex Oriente Lux Ag Loses Ground
Chart 149 Company Shares 2025
Chart 150 Brand Shares 2025
Chart 151 Economic Context for Vending
Chart 152 Real Gdp Growth 2020-2030
Chart 153 Inflation 2020-2030
Chart 154 Consumer Context for Vending
Chart 155 Population 2020-2030
Chart 156 Population by Generation 2025

Direct Selling in the United Arab Emirates

Key Data Insights

Direct Selling Summary
Chart 157 Key Industry Trends for Direct Selling
Direct Selling under Pressure as E-Commerce Reshapes Shopping Patterns
Direct Sellers Embrace Social Media to Meet Rising Demand for Convenience
Chart 158 Direct Sellers Launch Social Media and Whatsapp Campaigns to Drive Direct Sales
Health and Beauty Direct Selling Outpaces Others with Digital Engagement
Chart 159 Value Sales 2020-2030
Chart 160 Value Sales by Category 2025
Longevity Supplement Sellers Expand as Digital Health Trends Accelerate
Supplement and Sports Nutrition Brands Target Wellness-Conscious Consumers
Chart 161 Forecast Value Sales 2020-2030
Chart 162 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2025-2030
Chart 163 Analyst Insight for Direct Selling
Avon Leverages Digital Campaigns to Outpace Rivals and Strengthen Lead
Chart 164 Company Shares 2025
Chart 165 Brand Shares 2025
Chart 166 Economic Context for Direct Selling
Chart 167 Real Gdp Growth 2020-2030
Chart 168 Inflation 2020-2030
Chart 169 Consumer Context for Direct Selling
Chart 170 Population 2020-2030
Chart 171 Population by Generation 2025

Retail E-Commerce in the United Arab Emirates

Key Data Insights

Retail E-Commerce Summary
Chart 172 Key Industry Trends for Retail E-Commerce
Amazon Launches Rapid Delivery as Spending Shifts Online
Marketplace E-Commerce Grows as Digital Adoption Accelerates
Mastercard Drives Adoption of Ai-Powered Payments for Seamless Shopping
Chart 173 Mastercard Unveils World’S First Ai Payment System
Chart 174 Value Sales 2020-2030
Chart 175 Value Sales by Category 2025
Marketplace Platforms Sustain Lead as New Entrants Fuel Competition
Ai-Powered Personalisation Transforms Shopper Engagement and Pricing Dynamics
Chart 176 Forecast Value Sales 2020-2030
Chart 177 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2025-2030
Chart 178 Analyst Insight for Retail E-Commerce
Temu Accelerates Growth as Amazon’S Lead Narrows
Chart 179 Company Shares 2025
Chart 180 Brand Shares 2025
Chart 181 Economic Context for Retail E-Commerce
Chart 182 Real Gdp Growth 2020-2030
Chart 183 Inflation 2020-2030
Chart 184 Consumer Context for Retail E-Commerce
Chart 185 Population 2020-2030
Chart 186 Population by Generation 2025

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The following categories and subcategories are included:

Retail

      • Fashion Vending
      • Health and Beauty Vending
      • Appliances and Electronics Vending
        • Alcoholic Drinks Vending
        • Hot Drinks Vending
        • Soft Drinks Vending
        • Tobacco Products Vending
      • Foods Vending
      • Home Products Vending
      • Other Products Vending
        • Apparel and Footwear Direct Selling
        • Personal Accessories Direct Selling
        • Eyewear Direct Selling
        • Beauty and Personal Care Direct Selling
        • Consumer Health Direct Selling
        • Tissue and Hygiene Direct Selling
      • Appliances and Electronics Direct Selling
      • Drinks and Tobacco Direct Selling
      • Foods Direct Selling
      • Home Products Direct Selling
      • Other Products Direct Selling
        • Apparel and Footwear E-Commerce
        • Personal Accessories E-Commerce
        • Eyewear E-Commerce
        • Beauty and Personal Care E-Commerce
        • Consumer Health E-Commerce
        • Tissue and Hygiene E-Commerce
        • Consumer Appliances E-Commerce
        • Consumer Electronics E-Commerce
        • Toys and Games E-Commerce
      • Drinks and Tobacco E-Commerce
      • Foods E-Commerce
        • Home Care E-Commerce
        • Home and Garden E-Commerce
        • Pet Care E-Commerce
      • Other Products E-Commerce
        • First-Party (1P) Marketplace E-Commerce
        • Third-Party (3P) Marketplace E-Commerce
      • Grocery E-Commerce
      • General Merchandiser E-Commerce
      • Apparel and Footwear Specialist E-Commerce
      • Appliances and Electronics Specialist E-Commerce
      • Home Products Specialist E-Commerce
      • Health and Beauty Specialist E-Commerce
      • Leisure and Personal Goods Specialist E-Commerce
      • Other E-Commerce Retailers

Retail

Retail is the sale of new and used goods to consumers from a business for personal or household consumption from retail outlets, kiosks, market stalls, vending, direct selling and e-commerce. Retail is the aggregation of Retail Offline and Retail E-Commerce. Excludes specialist retailers of motor vehicles, motorcycles, vehicle parts. Also excludes fuel sales, foodservice sales, rental transactions, wholesale sales (e.g. Cash and Carry), and sales through cannabis dispensaries in markets where cannabis is sold legally. Sales value excluding or including VAT/Sales Tax. Retail also excludes the informal retail sector. Informal retailing is retail trade which is not declared to the tax authorities. Informal retailing encompasses (a) sales generated by unregistered and unlicensed retailers, i.e. retailers operating illegally, and (b) any proportion of sales generated by a registered and licensed retailer that is not declared to the tax authorities. Unregistered and unlicensed retailers operate predominantly (although not exclusively) as street hawkers or operate open market stalls, as these channels are harder for the authorities to monitor than permanent outlets. Activities in the illegal market, which is usually understood to refer to trade in illegal, counterfeit or stolen merchandise, are included within our definition of informal retailing. Activities in the “grey market”, which is usually understood to refer to trade in legal merchandise that is sold through unauthorized channels – for example cigarettes bought legally in another country, legally imported, but sold at lower prices than in authorized channels – will be included as informal retailing if no tax is paid on sale by the retailer. However if the retailer pays tax – for example on cigarettes bought legally in another country but sold at a lower price than standard – the sale is included within formal retail.

See all of our definitions
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