United Arab Emirates

The economic slowdown in the United Arab Emirates also hit the packaging industry, with many packaging categories including food, beauty and personal care, soft drinks and home care registering slower growth in retail unit volume terms in 2017 ...

Due to the diversity of the consumer base, beer, including non-alcoholic variants, saw steady demand and was increasingly available for all tastes and profiles. The greatest factor supporting alcoholic drinks was the growth in tourism. The United ...

The UAE is the easiest place to do business in the region. The small nation has emerged as being one of the wealthiest and most dynamic countries globally. The country's demographic dividend adds to its long-term competitiveness, but its low female ...

Eyewear in the United Arab Emirates continued to witness low single-digit value growth due to the after effects of an economic downturn, which hit the market starting late 2014. Higher rental rates, the rising cost of living and education and the ...

The high penetration of smartphones in the United Arab Emirates has led to most of the population having prolonged exposure to screens. This is one reason for the high rate of eye health-related problems leading to visiting ophthalmologists when ...

Fashion-conscious local consumers purchased well-established brands, but less frequently, throughout 2017 and 2018. Many of them opted to shop in Western countries where prices were lower due to currency rate fluctuations and profit margin ...

Overall jewellery continued to be impacted by the fluctuating gold prices throughout the year and lukewarm demand from consumers. The introduction of 5% VAT on jewellery added an additional burden of cost in an already difficult environment. 2017 was...

Overall, value sales of personal accessories showed signs of recovery in 2018 compared to 2017. A recessional phase was experienced in 2016 and 2017 due to falling oil prices, increasing cost of living, and uncertainty leading to lack of demand from ...

Consumer spending was affected by the economic slowdown in 2016 and 2017, and this was also reflected through value sales of watches. High-end watches, especially luxury Swiss timepieces which were impacted the most, also witnessed some recovery ...

The existence of writing remains particularly important within offices and schools, leading to stability in the category. The players present collaborate with distribution channels such as hypermarkets and supermarkets, schools, offices or ...

The economy will pick up in 2018. An increase in government spending – especially large investments in infrastructure as part of the preparations for the 2020 World Expo – is the main driver. Consumer spending provides moderate support. Led by Dubai ...

While it ranks third globally in total population, the Middle East and Africa is the sixth largest region in the world for consumer payments and is smallest market in the world by total card payment transactions. Many of the countries in the Middle ...

The GCC member states ratified the excise taxes to be implemented as part of their efforts to diversify revenue sources due to the sharp decline in oil prices and reliance on crude oil exports. In mid-2017, Saudi Arabia implemented 100% excise tax, ...

The excise tax on tobacco had a drastic impact on the already expensive habit of smoking cigars in 2017. Certain cigars became unaffordable to those consumers that indulged occasionally. As cigars are more expensive and sold as single units, the 100%...

In light of declining oil revenues, the GCC, including the United Arab Emirates, are following a diversification plan, which includes the introduction of 5% Value Added Tax (VAT), to take effect from January 2018. The Federal Tax Authority also ...

There is no tradition of smokeless tobacco in the United Arab Emirates, and many products in the category are banned, particularly Asian chewing tobacco. Sales therefore remain negligible....

Vitamins and dietary supplements is an emerging market in Middle East and Africa, which is driven by growing health awareness, increasing self-medication, expansion of distribution networks, and the entrance of new brands. This region offers several ...

The Dubai Tourism Vision strategy has boosted investment in tourism and related industries. Dubai is working to develop both the MICE and leisure segments through expansion of luxury retail, theme park development, concept experiences and mid-market ...

Although the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is home to some of the wealthiest households globally, the country is experiencing a dip in consumer confidence. The property market has been especially impacted, with the government providing stimulus measures...

Folding cartons are expected to remain popular within tea as they are able to retain aroma better than flexible aluminium/plastic. For powdered tea and coffee in PET jars, plastic screw closures is expected to remain the key closure type, with ...