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.
One of the actions the Saudi government took to limit the spread of COVID-19 was to close all schools and universities (with only remote learning permitted), and to suspend all social and community activities for children, including sports. This had…
In the United Arab Emirates, there is wide knowledge of consumer health, due to the diverse make-up of the population. However, there are a significant number of parents who continue to be hesitant to give children over-the-counter medications due to…
In 2023, growth of personal accessories in the United Arab Emirates remains substantial, although the performance of the industry is uneven; with luxury brands outpacing their mass counterparts. In fact, across all personal accessories categories,…
Because of the volatile political situation and challenging economic environment, consumers’ reduced spending power was strongly focused on essential items in 2023. If they did choose to spend money on non-essentials, however, they tended to do so on…
In a cross-category trend, Dyson’s new pop-up stores across Riyadh and Jeddah, allow consumers to test personal care appliances prior to purchase. The pop-ups are cited as test stores, situated across malls (Panorama Mall, Nakheel Mall, Granada Mall,…
Personal care appliances in the United Arab Emirates is evolving in line with shifts in consumer spending habits, with a notable uptick in demand for innovative personal care devices such as smart hair stylers, facial cleansing devices, and electric…
Personal luxury retail value sales rose by 7% in 2023 to total AED23.3 billion, with growth supported by leading brand owners, such as Richemont (Dubai) FZE. In 2023, retail value sales growth was boosted by consumers investing in luxury goods, such…
Although Bahrain’s political system lacks freedoms and corruption remains pervasive, an extremely low tax burden raises economic freedom. Whilst inflation has again entered negative territory and economic development is moderating, the foreign…
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…
Although state finances have been improving, Iraq suffers from significant corruption and external interference in its domestic affairs. Inflation has been well controlled, but lower oil production could plunge the economy into recession in the short…
Although Israel enjoys economic freedom, the war with Hamas is weighing on the country’s economic outlook. A resilient economy is slowing, as higher defence spending burdens state finances and business activity is interrupted by the conflict, but…
Although Jordan’s tax burden is relatively low, limited economic freedom hinders private sector progress and state finances are stressed. Economic recovery is continuing and inflation is very low, but the foreign investment climate faces challenges…
Frequent government changes have led to political instability in Kuwait and corruption is pervasive, although state finances remain in rude health. A strong economic performance is due to high oil prices, as well as solid domestic demand, but…
Corruption and political instability are impeding economic freedom, whilst the public-debt-to-GDP ratio is one of the highest globally. Although the economy is relatively well diversified, uncertainty could hamper its development and hyperinflation…
Oman is managing its state finances well and its absolute monarchy creates stability, but economic freedom remains constrained. Whilst the economy is slowing, high oil prices have been supportive and inflation is low, but reliance on oil is large and…
Low taxation adds to Qatar’s economic freedom, but democracy is lacking and power is hereditary. Hydrocarbons are the mainstay of the economy, making the export base very undiversified, but inflation is falling and infrastructure is expected to be…
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…
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…