Middle East

Despite the huge success of e-vapour products and heated tobacco products, cigarettes in the United Arab Emirates continued to record healthy growth in 2023. The smoking tradition is very strong in Arabic culture, and both locals and expatriates…

Beer in Saudi Arabia in 2023 remained the only relevant category in alcoholic drinks, as non-alcoholic beer is the only AD product allowed to be consumed in the Kingdom. This is due to the strict laws prohibiting the consumption of alcoholic drinks…

Alcoholic drinks in Saudi Arabia in 2023 continued to be characterised by the fact that alcohol is prohibited by Saudi law. As such, all sales in the category come from non-alcoholic beer. Indeed, Saudi Arabia is one of the top ten markets for…

In 2023, Kuwait witnessed a continued tradition of males smoking in public, particularly in cafés. Although volume sales of cigarettes declined, the overall value growth remained positive due to higher product prices. Kuwaiti consumers showed a…

Falling demand for cigarettes in 2023 meant a forgettable year for tobacco in Qatar. Government efforts to curb tobacco use and the spreading preference among young adults for e-vapour products, the sale of which remains banned, have put huge…

In 2024, travellers from China have fully resumed their activities due to the easing of restrictions in the country, including a return to the United Arab Emirates. This is helping to boost demand for luxury sunglasses in the United Arab Emirates, as…

Within spectacles in the United Arab Emirates, spectacle lenses remains the strongest performer. Progressive lenses are increasingly sought after for their smooth transition between vision zones, addressing diverse visual needs. Single vision lenses…

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…

New launches of contact lenses in the United Arab Emirates are starting to emerge, although they are premium versions of leading brands from the likes of Johnson & Johnson’s 1-Day Acuvue and Acuvue Oasys, and Alcon’s Air Optix and Dailies (locally…

2023 saw demand for tobacco continue to rise, despite the impact of Lebanon’s ongoing socioeconomic crisis. Cigarettes are seen as an affordable luxury, with the low prices charged for local brand Cedars a crucial factor in the category’s enduring…