United Arab Emirates Loyalty Programs Market Intelligence and Future Growth Dynamics Databook - 50+ KPIs on Loyalty Programs Trends by End-Use Sectors, Operational KPIs, Retail Product Dynamics, and Consumer Demographics - Q3 2024 Update

The loyalty market in this region is expected to grow by 10.4% on an annual basis to reach US$1.57 billion in 2024.

In value terms, the loyalty market in the country has recorded a CAGR of 11.8% during 2019-2023. The loyalty market in the country will continue to grow over the forecast period and is expected to record a CAGR of 8.9% during 2024-2028. Loyalty market in the country will increase from US$1.42 billion in 2023 to reach US$2.20 billion by 2028.

The loyalty program landscape in the UAE is characterized by rapid evolution, driven by technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and regulatory shifts. Companies increasingly adopt personalized and technology-integrated solutions while exploring cashback options to enhance customer engagement. The launch of innovative programs by major players signifies a competitive market focused on delivering value to consumers.

As the regulatory environment becomes more stringent, businesses must navigate these changes carefully to ensure compliance and maintain consumer trust. The future of loyalty programs in the UAE appears promising, with significant growth potential as firms continue to innovate and adapt to the needs of their customer base. Senior executives must monitor these trends, ensuring their loyalty strategies align with market dynamics and regulatory requirements to achieve sustained success.

Overview of Loyalty Program Trends

The loyalty program landscape in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is experiencing significant growth and transformation, influenced by evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements. Key trends shaping this market include.

• Increased Adoption: There is a notable rise in the adoption of loyalty programs by consumers across various sectors, including retail, hospitality, and banking. This trend is driven by the desire for value and rewards, particularly in a competitive market where consumers seek to maximize their spending.
• Personalization and Data Utilization: Brands increasingly leverage data analytics to create personalized loyalty experiences. Tailored rewards and targeted communications enhance customer satisfaction and foster deeper connections, making personalization a key focus for loyalty programs.
• Technological Integration: Integrating mobile technology and digital platforms is transforming loyalty programs. Consumers can easily track their rewards, receive personalized offers, and redeem benefits through mobile apps, enhancing convenience and engagement.
• Sustainability and Social Responsibility: There is a growing emphasis on sustainability within loyalty programs. Consumers are increasingly attracted to brands that demonstrate social responsibility and offer eco-friendly rewards, aligning with their values and lifestyle choices.

These trends indicate a shift towards more engaging and meaningful loyalty programs that resonate with the diverse preferences of UAE consumers.

New Loyalty Programs Launched in the Country

Recent months have seen the introduction of several innovative loyalty programs in the UAE, reflecting strategic responses to consumer demands.

• Emirates Skywards Enhancements: Emirates has revamped its Skywards loyalty program, introducing new features that allow members to earn and redeem miles more flexibly. The program now includes partnerships with various retailers and service providers, enhancing its value proposition.
• Shukran Rewards Expansion: Landmark Group's Shukran loyalty program has expanded its offerings, allowing members to earn points on retail purchases and dining and entertainment experiences, catering to a broader range of consumer interests.
• FAB Rewards Program: First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) has launched a comprehensive rewards program that allows customers to earn points for banking transactions. These points can be redeemed for various lifestyle benefits, enhancing customer engagement in the financial sector.
• Aldar Properties’ DARNA Program: Aldar has introduced the DARNA loyalty program, which allows members to earn points across its portfolio of properties, including hotels, malls, and residential communities. This program promotes customer loyalty across multiple sectors.

These initiatives reflect a competitive landscape where businesses are continuously adapting their loyalty strategies to meet the UAE's consumers' diverse needs.

Overview of Cashback Loyalty Program Trend

Cashback loyalty programs are gaining traction as a preferred alternative to traditional point-based systems in the UAE. Key aspects of this trend include.

• Immediate Financial Benefits: Cashback programs provide instant rewards, appealing to consumers who prefer immediate gratification over delayed rewards associated with points. This immediacy enhances the attractiveness of these programs.
• Enhanced Value Perception: As consumers become more price-sensitive, cashback offers are viewed as a way to enhance perceived value, particularly in competitive sectors like retail and e-commerce. Cashback programs can effectively drive customer loyalty by providing tangible savings.
• Integration with Digital Payment Solutions: The rise of digital wallets and payment platforms has facilitated the implementation of cashback programs, allowing seamless transactions and easy reward redemption. This integration aligns with consumers' increasing reliance on digital payment methods.
• Market Differentiation: Companies utilize cashback programs to differentiate themselves in a crowded market, driving customer acquisition and retention through attractive offers. This strategy is particularly effective in sectors where competition is intense.

This trend underscores a shift towards more flexible and consumer-friendly loyalty solutions that cater to the evolving preferences of shoppers across the UAE.

Recent Regulatory Changes Impacting Loyalty Programs

The regulatory environment surrounding loyalty programs in the UAE is evolving, with significant implications for businesses.

• Data Protection Regulations: Stricter regulations regarding consumer data collection and usage require loyalty programs to adopt transparent, permission-based models. Compliance with these regulations is essential for maintaining consumer trust and safeguarding personal information.
• Consumer Protection Laws: New laws safeguarding consumer rights may necessitate clearer communication regarding loyalty program terms and conditions, enhancing transparency and fairness. This regulatory focus ensures that consumers are fully informed about their rights and the benefits of participating in loyalty programs.
• Competition Authority Scrutiny: Regulatory bodies are increasingly scrutinizing loyalty programs to ensure they do not create unfair market advantages or limit competition. This scrutiny prompts businesses to reassess their loyalty strategies to ensure compliance and promote fair competition.

These regulatory changes compel businesses to adapt their loyalty programs, ensuring compliance while maintaining customer engagement and satisfaction. Companies must align their loyalty strategies with legal requirements while delivering value to consumers.

This report provides a detailed data-centric analysis of the loyalty market opportunities and risks across a range of industry categories. With over 50 KPIs at the country level, this report provides a comprehensive understanding of loyalty market dynamics, market size and forecast, and market share statistics.

The publisher’s research methodology is based on industry best practices. Its unbiased analysis leverages a proprietary analytics platform to offer a detailed view on emerging business and investment market opportunities.

Scope

This report provides in-depth, data-centric analysis of loyalty programs in United Arab Emirates. Below is a summary of key market segments.

United Arab Emirates Retail Sector Spend Value Trend Analysis

• Ecommerce Spend
• POS Spend

United Arab Emirates Loyalty Spend Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics by Key Performance Indicators

Value Accumulated and Value Redemption Rate of Loyalty programs in United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates Loyalty Spend Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics by Functional Domains

• Loyalty Schemes
• Loyalty Platforms

United Arab Emirates Loyalty Spend Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics by Loyalty Program Type

• Points programs
• Tier-based programs
• Mission-driven programs
• Spend-based programs
• Gaming programs
• Free perks programs
• Subscription programs
• Community programs
• Refer a friend program
• Paid programs
• Cashback programs

United Arab Emirates Loyalty Spend Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics by Channel

• In-Store
• Online
• Mobile

United Arab Emirates Loyalty Schemes Spend Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics by Business Model

• Seller Driven
• Payment Instrument Driven
• Others

United Arab Emirates Loyalty Spend Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics by Key Sectors

• Retail
• Financial Services
• Healthcare & Wellness
• Restaurants & Food Delivery
• Travel & Hospitality (Cabs, Hotels, Airlines)
• Telecoms
• Media & Entertainment
• Others

United Arab Emirates Loyalty Spend Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics in Key Sectors by Online

• Retail
• Financial Services
• Healthcare & Wellness
• Restaurants & Food Delivery
• Travel & Hospitality (Cabs, Hotels, Airlines)
• Telecoms
• Media & Entertainment
• Others

United Arab Emirates Loyalty Spend Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics in Key Sectors by In-Store

• Retail
• Financial Services
• Healthcare & Wellness
• Restaurants & Food Delivery
• Travel & Hospitality (Cabs, Hotels, Airlines)
• Telecoms
• Media & Entertainment
• Others

United Arab Emirates Loyalty Spend Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics in Key Sectors by Mobile App

• Retail
• Financial Services
• Healthcare & Wellness
• Restaurants & Food Delivery
• Travel & Hospitality (Cabs, Hotels, Airlines)
• Telecoms
• Media & Entertainment
• Others

United Arab Emirates Loyalty Spend Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics by Retail

• Diversified Retailers
• Department Stores
• Specialty Stores
• Clothing, Footwear & Accessories
• Toy & Hobby Shops
• Supermarket and Convenience Store
• Home Merchandise
• Other

United Arab Emirates Loyalty Spend Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics by Accessibility

• Card Based Access
• Digital Access

United Arab Emirates Loyalty Spend Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics by Consumer Type

• B2C Consumers
• B2B Consumers

United Arab Emirates Loyalty Schemes Spend Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics by Membership Type

• Free
• Free + Premium
• Premium

United Arab Emirates Loyalty Platform Spend Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics by Software Use Case

• Analytics and AI Driven
• Management Platform

United Arab Emirates Loyalty Platform Spend Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics by Vendor/Solution Partner

• In House
• Third Party Vendor

United Arab Emirates Loyalty Platform Spend Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics by Deployment

• Cloud
• On-Premise

United Arab Emirates Loyalty Spend Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics by Loyalty Platforms

• Software
• Services

United Arab Emirates Loyalty Spend Market Size and Future Growth Dynamics by Software Use Case Platforms

• Custom Built Platform
• Off the Shelf Platform

United Arab Emirates Loyalty Spend Market Size and Forecast by Consumer Demographics & Behaviour

• By Age Group
• By Income Level
• By Gender

Reasons to buy

• Gain insights into the United Arab Emirates loyalty spend market: The report provides a comprehensive overview of the United Arab Emirates loyalty spend market, including market size, growth drivers, and trends. This information can help businesses to make informed decisions about their loyalty program strategies.
• Benchmark your business against competitors: The report provides a competitive analysis of the United Arab Emirates loyalty spend market, which can help businesses to identify their strengths and weaknesses relative to their competitors. This information can help businesses to improve their loyalty program strategies and gain a competitive advantage.
• Stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the loyalty spend market: The report provides an overview of the latest trends in the loyalty spend market, such as the growing popularity of mobile-based loyalty programs and the increasing awareness of the benefits of loyalty programs among consumers. This information can help businesses to stay ahead of the competition and improve their loyalty program strategies.
• Make informed decisions about your loyalty program: The report provides a comprehensive overview of the factors to consider when developing a loyalty program, such as the target audience, the rewards and benefits, and the marketing and communication strategy. This information can help businesses to develop a loyalty program that is effective and successful.