Explore the latest trends, demand drivers and growth opportunitie...
Explore the latest trends, demand drivers and growth opportunities in the Middle East, with in-depth market and data analysis from our in-country field researchers and regional experts.
Qatar’s affluent population makes the country an attractive prospect for international retailers, especially given the popularity of shopping as a leisure activity and the preference for global brands. However, the country’s low population and the…
Positive growth was seen in retail in 2022 as shopping in malls remained a popular pastime among Kuwaitis. However, e-commerce boomed during the year as investment in tech start-ups brought more convenience to consumers. Kuwait’s population is young,…
A significant number of expats left the country after the outbreak of COVID-19 but they are now returning, with this providing a boost to retail in Oman in 2022. Consumers in Muscat are demanding greater convenience due to increasingly hectic…
Iraq’s retail industry has continued to expand and develop during the post-pandemic era, with buoyant global oil prices, rising levels of FDI and substantial improvements in retailing infrastructure amidst booming post-conflict redevelopment all…
The economic crisis continues to impact the Lebanese retailing industry, with negative value growth in constant price terms seen across all categories in 2022. Consumers are spending much less than prior to the onset of the crisis, with demand…
In 2023, value sales of apparel and footwear specialists in the United Arab Emirates continued to recover from the significant impact of the pandemic, when the channel recorded a double-digit decline in 2020. A return to in-store shopping (despite…
Consumers in the United Arab Emirates are increasingly seeking appliances and electronics with smart features and connectivity, driving growth of products such as smart TVs, AI-powered washing machines, and connected refrigerators. Local consumers…
Despite the considerable growth of hypermarkets and supermarkets, and the increasing use of online ordering for groceries, the active and social lifestyles of consumers in the United Arab Emirates continue to support sustainable demand for…
Market saturation in the United Arab Emirates, featuring prominent brands across diverse retail channels, poses a hurdle in persuading consumers to choose direct selling. To navigate this competitive landscape, direct selling players must distinguish…
Viva discounters have become popular in the United Arab Emirates due to their affordability, quality products, exclusive offerings, and convenient locations, catering for a wide range of consumers looking for budget-friendly shopping options. Viva's…
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…
Beauty specialists in the United Arab Emirates, exemplified by the likes of Sephora, continued to place a strong emphasis on fostering a sense of community and rewards in 2023. Loyalty initiatives, such as the Sephora Beauty Pass, help unite a…
Rising disposable incomes in the United Arab Emirates are empowering consumers to opt for higher-quality, longer-lasting home products. Concerns surrounding inflation and economic uncertainty are encouraging consumers to choose more durable goods…
Given the high dependence on imports, along with the impact of the pandemic and disruption to supply chains, most grocery retailers in the United Arab Emirates, especially hypermarkets, are looking to support local produce, including fruits and…
The e-commerce landscape in the United Arab Emirates presents a competitive environment, yet it remains receptive to novel entrants equipped with innovative concepts or specialised propositions. Notably, the shift in consumer behaviour towards an…
In 2023, retail sales in the United Arab Emirates continued to grow at a reasonably positive level, although growth rates were marginally slower compared to the previous year. This slowdown was indicative of stability in retail’s performance after a…
While large supermarkets and hypermarkets continued to dominate grocery retailers in value terms in 2023, small local grocers in the United Arab Emirates experienced a resurgence towards the end of the review period. Operators of small local grocers…
Numerous supermarket chains in the United Arab Emirates continued their expansion efforts in 2023, with notable contributions from LuLu Supermarket, Grandiose Supermarket, and Spar. LuLu Supermarket aims to strategically expand into smaller store…
Unattended payment solutions are helping to reshape vending in the United Arab Emirates by providing customers with a convenient and secure way to pay for goods or services. Companies such as ADCB Islamic Banking and Verifone offer unattended payment…