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.
Dubai has shone as a regional leader in hotels in 2023, captivating travellers with its luxurious offerings, exceptional services, and diverse experiences. Boasting world-class amenities and catering to various preferences, from luxury seekers to…
The landscape of hotel bookings is undergoing a transformative shift, with direct bookings increasingly challenging the role of intermediaries and encouraging customers to choose a more personalised approach, particularly business travellers. This…
Emirates Airlines has solidified its position in the United Arab Emirates with a remarkable turnaround, reporting soaring profits after a challenging period, and is set to extend its share in airlines in 2023. The airline’s success can be attributed…
With the World Health Organisation declaring the pandemic to be over in early 2023 and with COVID-19 restrictions no longer in place the outlook for travel in Israel is much brighter. This has led to a surge in inbound arrivals and outbound…
Outbound departures are expected to nearly reach pre-pandemic numbers in 2023. This is largely due to the high cost of domestic travel which is encouraging locals to travel abroad. Once the skies were reopened after the pandemic restrictions were…
During 2023, the local government has been trying to make significant changes to the judiciary system in Israel which would limit. Under the government’s so-called “reasonableness” bill, which was passed into law in July 2023, the Supreme Court will…
Booking is set to see a full recovery to pre-pandemic sales levels in current value terms in 2023. However, a major factor driving value growth in both leisure and business bookings has been inflation driven price increases.
Airlines have rebounded strongly in 2023 with sales seeing a full recovery in current value terms while passenger numbers are expected to come close to pre-pandemic levels by the end of the year. With the pandemic declared over by the World Health…
Authoritarianism and corruption mar Iran’s economic freedom, which is repressed, but regional relations are improving. Sanctions are expected to continue to weigh heavily on the economy, which is exacerbating currency weakness and adding to…
With a very low tax burden and reforms aimed at the business landscape, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) enjoys economic freedom, although the state’s grip on society continues. Oil production cuts will moderate economic growth in the short term, but…
Political opposition and civil liberties are restricted in Saudi Arabia, whilst its economic freedom continues to face challenges. The economy has performed strongly, but is set to slow down and reliance on oil remains high, although inflation is…
Locals are officially banned from buying and consuming alcohol, with players relying on expatriates for sales, while the ban on marketing alcoholic drinks makes it challenging for brand owners to influence consumer choices. Nonetheless, the lifting…
Hair care, which is one of the biggest beauty and personal care categories in terms of packaging unit volume sales in the United Arab Emirates, continued to see relatively dynamic growth in 2022. This benefited the usage of HDPE bottles, the main…
The clean beauty trend has been taking over the beauty and personal care market in Saudi Arabia, just as it has done the world over. Consumers are increasingly seeking out cosmetics products that make use of all-natural ingredients, vegan formulas…
Wine is not available in Saudi Arabia as alcoholic drinks are not permitted in the country under Islamic Law.
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…
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…
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…
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,…