Middle East

Despite rising inflation, increasing mortgage rates and interest rates, consumer lending in the United Arab Emirates remains buoyant in 2023. The local economy’s recovery and expansion are influencing the momentum of consumer lending, but…

Banks in the United Arab Emirates continue to offer attractive card lending offers in 2023. With many credit cards now having appealing credit limits depending on the salary range and credit score of consumers, many banks are offering to convert…

The level of awareness among local consumers regarding the importance of adopting healthy diets and lifestyles is growing in the United Arab Emirates. Therefore, many local consumers are gaining a greater interest in incorporating fresh vegetables…

Although there are many initiatives to reduce sugar consumption, demand for sugar and sweeteners continues to grow in the United Arab Emirates. Sweets and desserts are culturally important in the United Arab Emirates, as they are often associated…

The United Arab Emirates has a very diverse population, whereby potatoes are an important ingredient used in numerous dishes. Potatoes are the most consumed form of starchy roots in both retail and foodservice. Supported by a growing population in…

The growing popularity of plant-based diets is increasing the demand for alternative sources of protein to meat. Pulses are considered an excellent protein alternative. As an increasing number of local consumers are adopting vegetarian and vegan…

The number of consumers in the United Arab Emirates who are switching to plant-based diets is on the rise. In particular, nuts are a popular plant-based source of protein and are being increasingly incorporated into consumers’ diets. They provide…

Meat is the most popular protein source in the United Arab Emirates. It is considered highly nutritious by providing essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Many local consumers are following healthier diets, whereby they are increasing their…

Consumption of fresh fruits continues to rise in the United Arab Emirates. The population is growing due to the increasing arrival of expatriates, facilitated by visa programmes. Many people consider moving to the United Arab Emirates due to…

Demand for fresh food continues to grow across different categories in the United Arab Emirates. The nation is comprised of a diverse population whereby fresh food represents an important component of numerous dishes. With a growing population in the…

The level of awareness regarding environmental issues associated with traditional fishing is growing in the United Arab Emirates. As a result, local consumers are seeking sustainably-sourced fish and seafood which ensures a stable and long-term…

Demand for eggs continues to grow in the United Arab Emirates, despite further price increases. In the first quarter of 2023, the government approved a temporary hike in the average unit price of eggs by a maximum of 13%. This was approved due to the…

After two years of strong growth which have seen womenswear recovering from the declines seen during the pandemic, in 2023, the category’s growth is expected to slow down. The limited growth in womenswear has been driven by the challenging economic…

Tea is a popular drink in Saudi Arabia with a long history and tradition. Tea, along with coffee and dates, is also among the drinks traditionally offered as a show of hospitality in the region. As such, demand continues to grow at a stable pace in…

In 2023, after two years of strong growth fostered by the COVID-19 pandemic, which encouraged more locals to become active and drove demand for activewear, sportswear sales saw sales impacted as money-squeezed and insecure consumers limited their…

The Saudi government is focusing on promoting sports across the Kingdom with it aiming to encourage people to lead healthier lifestyles through its Quality of Life programme, which is one of its Vision 2030 initiatives. It is paying great attention…

Sales of soft drinks have continued to see healthy growth in retail volume and value terms in 2023, with sales benefiting from a booming economy. Furthermore, the country’s hot climate means there is a constant demand for soft drinks. Saudi Arabia…

RTD tea is a relatively niche category in Saudi Arabia with it being the smallest soft drinks category in retail volume terms in 2023. Nonetheless, the category has continued to post strong growth both through the off- and on-trade channels. The…

Sales of RTD coffee rose sharply from a low base over the review period with locals becoming increasingly aware of these products and sales have continued to see dynamic growth in 2023 in off- and on-trade volume terms. Starbucks Iced Coffee has…

While sales of tea and coffee continue to blossom the same cannot be said for other hot drinks which has posted a steep decline in retail volume terms in 2023. Sales have been in decline since the government introduced a sugar tax of 50% in 2019. In…