United Arab Emirates

New habits were formed by many during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as increased writing in diaries or journals. These continued in 2021, especially given the associated eye strain associated with increased screen time. Novelty writing instruments and ...

There are highly fragmented shares in bags and luggage. For much of the review period, fragmentation increased annually. However in 2021 there was a reversal of this trend, and more consolidation was evident in this category. Better-known brands with...

Emiratis have on average much higher purchasing power than the global average and tend to shop in Europe, particularly Harrods in the UK over their summer. Towards the end of the review period they however stayed at home and in the second half of ...

The return of life milestones and loosening of COVID-19 restrictions propelled growth in 2021 for personal accessories in the United Arab Emirates. Pent-up demand fuelled current value sales growth in 2021, with retailers focused on boosting domestic...

The majority of luxury watch sales in the United Arab Emirates are fuelled by high-income tourists. The slow return of these tourists negatively impacted growth in 2021, although sales expected to get close to 2019 levels by 2022. Many travellers ...

Pepsi Cola International Ltd continues to lead the savoury snacks category in 2021, as the company continues to benefit from a long-standing presence, extensive distribution involving strong relationships with retailers, and a portfolio of widely ...

Gum in the United Arab Emirates experienced a strong decrease in demand in 2020 due to the emergence of COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdown measures across the country, resulting in work from home policies and home learning in addition to reduced ...

With the growing interest in cooking at home in 2020, some of these consumer habits are persisting in 2021. In addition, although the lockdown measures were relaxed to a great extent in 2021 some consumers are still interested in cooking some meals ...

Mondelez Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa FZE remains the leading player in sweet biscuits, snack bars and fruit snacks in 2021. The multinational company continues to invest heavily in associating its brands with more consumption moments. ...

During the review period, consumers increasingly looked to balance premiumisation with health and wellness by choosing to eat less but better-quality chocolate. In order to find a sweet place between pleasure and health, the consumption of dark ...

Several sugar confectionery categories saw a boost in demand during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2021, as consumers purchased small indulgences and bought products for children who were confined to home during school closures. However, sugar ...

Consumers in the United Arab Emirates rely on the advice of in-store opticians when choosing the right make and fit of a pair of spectacles. Many develop strong relationships over time, and this is not expected to change even with the development of ...

The United Arab Emirates is essentially open for business in 2021. Recovery has been driven by pent-up demand, with significant easing of social distancing restrictions and a fast-paced vaccine roll-out helping to boost sales of eyewear in 2021 from ...

Sales of sunglasses are heavily influenced by inbound tourist arrivals in the United Arab Emirates. In recent years, more “mid-market” travellers had been coming and had boosted demand for mid-range sunglasses; however, in early 2021, it is mostly ...

In Q1 2021, global brand owner Alcon introduced its Precision1 daily disposable contact lens. This product is particularly appealing to consumers because it uses technology that delivers a greater amount of moisture at the lens surface, thereby ...

E-vapour products have only recently been legalised in the United Arab Emirates. During early 2019, new laws were passed in the United Arab Emirates legalising the sale and possession of e-vapour products. This made it legal to buy and own ...

The overall performance of tobacco during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 was relatively muted due to a combination of factors. Curfew restrictions, social distancing and the closure and limited opening hours of retail and on-trade outlets were a ...

COVID-19 had an overall negative impact on sales of cigars, cigarillos and smoking tobacco in 2020. This was primarily tied to the COVID-19 restrictions and social distancing measures which included the closure of cafés and restaurants that serve ...

Following the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020, consumers faced considerably uncertainty with regards to how the year ahead would play out. Faced with unknown periods of home seclusion and lockdown as well as reduced movement and the fear of infection ...

Consumer buying behaviour and falling disposable incomes were already negatively impacting sales of beer in the United Arab Emirates in 2019, with basket volumes as well as consumer purchasing patterns changing. Purchasing frequency was also impacted...