Retail in the United Arab Emirates - Research and Markets

In 2023, retail sales in the United Arab Emirates continued to grow at a reasonably positive level, although growth rates were marginally slower compared to the previous year. This slowdown was indicative of stability in retail’s performance after a dynamic 2022, but it also reflected signs of cautious consumer spending amid increasing living costs in the United Arab Emirates. Outlet openings also slowed as retailers prioritised profitability and an omnichannel presence.

The Retail in United Arab Emirates report offers insight into key trends and developments driving the industry. The report examines all retail channels to provide sector insight. Channels include hypermarkets, supermarkets, discounters, convenience stores, mixed retailers, health and beauty retailers, clothing and footwear retailers, furniture and furnishing stores, DIY and hardware stores, durable goods retailers, leisure and personal goods retailers. There are profiles of leading retailers, with analysis of their performance and the challenges they face. There is also analysis of non-store retailing: vending; homeshopping; internet retailing; direct selling, as available.

Product coverage: Retail E-Commerce, Retail Offline.

Data coverage: Market sizes (historic and forecasts), company shares, brand shares and distribution data.

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RETAIL IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Retail in 2023: The big picture
Retailers explore innovative ways to integrate technology to improve shopping journey
Sustainability takes centre stage in board discussions with COP28
What next for retail?

OPERATING ENVIRONMENT

Informal retail
Opening hours for physical retail
Summary 1 Standard Opening Hours by Channel Type 2023
Seasonality
Dubai Shopping Festival
Dubai Summer Surprise
Back to School
Super Sales
White Friday

MARKET DATA

Table 1 Sales in Retail by Retail Offline vs Retail E-Commerce: Value 2018-2023
Table 2 Sales in Retail by Retail Offline vs Retail E-Commerce: % Value Growth 2018-2023
Table 3 Sales in Retail Offline by Channel: Value 2018-2023
Table 4 Sales in Retail Offline by Channel: % Value Growth 2018-2023
Table 5 Retail Offline Outlets by Channel: Units 2018-2023
Table 6 Retail Offline Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2018-2023
Table 7 Sales in Retail E-Commerce by Product: Value 2018-2023
Table 8 Sales in Retail E-Commerce by Product: % Value Growth 2018-2023
Table 9 Grocery Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2018-2023
Table 10 Grocery Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2018-2023
Table 11 Sales in Grocery Retailers by Channel: Value 2018-2023
Table 12 Sales in Grocery Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2018-2023
Table 13 Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: Units 2018-2023
Table 14 Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2018-2023
Table 15 Non-Grocery Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2018-2023
Table 16 Non-Grocery Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2018-2023
Table 17 Sales in Non-Grocery Retailers by Channel: Value 2018-2023
Table 18 Sales in Non-Grocery Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2018-2023
Table 19 Non-Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: Units 2018-2023
Table 20 Non-Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2018-2023
Table 21 Retail GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 22 Retail GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 23 Retail Offline GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 24 Retail Offline GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 25 Retail Offline LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2020-2023
Table 26 Retail E-Commerce GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 27 Retail E-Commerce GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 28 Grocery Retailers GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 29 Grocery Retailers GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 30 Grocery Retailers LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2020-2023
Table 31 Non-Grocery Retailers GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 32 Non-Grocery Retailers GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 33 Non-Grocery Retailers LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2020-2023
Table 34 Forecast Sales in Retail by Retail Offline vs Retail E-Commerce: Value 2023-2028
Table 35 Forecast Sales in Retail by Retail Offline vs Retail E-Commerce: % Value Growth 2023-2028
Table 36 Forecast Sales in Retail Offline by Channel: Value 2023-2028
Table 37 Forecast Sales in Retail Offline by Channel: % Value Growth 2023-2028
Table 38 Forecast Retail Offline Outlets by Channel: Units 2023-2028
Table 39 Forecast Retail Offline Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2023-2028
Table 40 Forecast Sales in Retail E-Commerce by Product: Value 2023-2028
Table 41 Forecast Sales in Retail E-Commerce by Product: % Value Growth 2023-2028
Table 42 Grocery Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2023-2028
Table 43 Grocery Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2023-2028
Table 44 Forecast Sales in Grocery Retailers by Channel: Value 2023-2028
Table 45 Forecast Sales in Grocery Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2023-2028
Table 46 Forecast Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: Units 2023-2028
Table 47 Forecast Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2023-2028
Table 48 Non-Grocery Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2023-2028
Table 49 Non-Grocery Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2023-2028
Table 50 Forecast Sales in Non-Grocery Retailers by Channel: Value 2023-2028
Table 51 Forecast Sales in Non-Grocery Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2023-2028
Table 52 Forecast Non-Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: Units 2023-2028
Table 53 Forecast Non-Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2023-2028

DISCLAIMER

SOURCES

Summary 2 Research Sources

CONVENIENCE RETAILERS IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATESKEY DATA FINDINGS

2023 DEVELOPMENTS

Convenience retailers continues to grow as small formats remain relevant
Outlet expansion continues with pacing property and residential landscape
Technology companies continue to test new concepts for convenience retail

PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Strong tourism and business activity to further drive sales
Non-traditional player may find opportunity in convenience stores
Greater opportunities for operators to offer rewards programmes

CHANNEL DATA

Table 54 Convenience Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2018-2023
Table 55 Convenience Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2018-2023
Table 56 Sales in Convenience Retailers by Channel: Value 2018-2023
Table 57 Sales in Convenience Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2018-2023
Table 58 Convenience Retailers GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 59 Convenience Retailers GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 60 Convenience Retailers LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2020-2023
Table 61 Convenience Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2023-2028
Table 62 Convenience Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2023-2028
Table 63 Forecast Sales in Convenience Retailers by Channel: Value 2023-2028
Table 64 Forecast Sales in Convenience Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2023-2028

DISCOUNTERS IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATESKEY DATA FINDINGS

2023 DEVELOPMENTS

Viva remains in the spotlight as the only discounter in the local market
Rapid penetration in residential areas through smaller formats is winning strategy
Viva remains competitive in higher cost-of-living environment

PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Positive outlook for discounters in the United Arab Emirates, with room for new players
Discounters set to see greater appeal as value hacking becomes key trend in 2024
Private label may emerge as a key strategy among grocery retailers but brand value will matter

CHANNEL DATA

Table 65 Discounters: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2018-2023
Table 66 Discounters: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2018-2023
Table 67 Discounters GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 68 Discounters GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 69 Discounters LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2020-2023
Table 70 Discounters Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2023-2028
Table 71 Discounters Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2023-2028

HYPERMARKETS IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATESKEY DATA FINDINGS

2023 DEVELOPMENTS

Hypermarket operators aim to promote local products
Lulu establishes an anchor hypermarket in the world’s biggest mall in Dubai
Use of technology to enhance customer experience a key trend in hypermarkets

PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Hypermarkets to focus on more diverse food types and cuisines in addition to healthier options

Lulu Group to strengthen its position with an IPO

Discount and reward wars likely in an effort to retain consumers

CHANNEL DATA

Table 72 Hypermarkets: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2018-2023
Table 73 Hypermarkets: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2018-2023
Table 74 Hypermarkets GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 75 Hypermarkets GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 76 Hypermarkets LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2020-2023
Table 77 Hypermarkets Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2023-2028
Table 78 Hypermarkets Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2023-2028

SUPERMARKETS IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATESKEY DATA FINDINGS

2023 DEVELOPMENTS

Continual expansion and store refurbishments by leading players
Supermarkets focus on gourmet expansion and in-store coffee sections
Following acquisition by GMG, Geant offers rapid expansion potential

PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Discounters to offer direct competition to supermarkets
Increasing delivery charges by third party delivery platforms to be offset by rewards
Technological challenges will become more profound as retail embraces wider integration

CHANNEL DATA

Table 79 Supermarkets: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2018-2023
Table 80 Supermarkets: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2018-2023
Table 81 Supermarkets GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 82 Supermarkets GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 83 Supermarkets LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2020-2023
Table 84 Supermarkets Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2023-2028
Table 85 Supermarkets Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2023-2028

SMALL LOCAL GROCERS IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATESKEY DATA FINDINGS

2023 DEVELOPMENTS

Small local grocers experiences a resurgence in consumer preferences
Small local grocers partner third party delivery platforms and use social media
Product availability remains limited, while many operators work with various suppliers

PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Many small grocers likely to expand into chained players
Cash payments to continue declining despite preferences of certain consumers
Greater competition from larger scale formats and discounters likely

CHANNEL DATA

Table 86 Small Local Grocers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2018-2023
Table 87 Small Local Grocers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2018-2023
Table 88 Small Local Grocers GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 89 Small Local Grocers GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 90 Small Local Grocers LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2020-2023
Table 91 Small Local Grocers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2023-2028
Table 92 Small Local Grocers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2023-2028

APPAREL AND FOOTWEAR SPECIALISTS IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATESKEY DATA FINDINGS

2023 DEVELOPMENTS

Local fashion is developing at a faster pace due to rising global collaborations
Sustainability and ethical sourcing are becoming an area of focus and positioning
Gender-neutral, modest fashion and athleisure are new areas for design

PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Impacted consumer spending drives quest for value, although high-end fashion will retain target audience
E-commerce platforms rapidly gaining share of apparel sales
More retailers likely to test AI tools to personalise and digitise shopping journey

CHANNEL DATA

Table 93 Apparel and Footwear Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2018-2023
Table 94 Apparel and Footwear Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2018-2023
Table 95 Apparel and Footwear Specialists GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 96 Apparel and Footwear Specialists GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 97 Apparel and Footwear Specialists LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2020-2023
Table 98 Apparel and Footwear Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2023-2028
Table 99 Apparel and Footwear Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2023-2028

APPLIANCES AND ELECTRONICS SPECIALISTS IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATESKEY DATA FINDINGS

2023 DEVELOPMENTS

Growing demand for smart and connected appliances in the United Arab Emirates
Private label or white label products available on e-commerce platforms gain traction
Supply chain disruptions continue to impact availability

PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Aftersales service and guarantees can offer unique positioning
Smart homes and gaming remain an opportunity
Channel will continue to see greater omnichannel development

CHANNEL DATA

Table 100 Appliances and Electronics Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2018-2023
Table 101 Appliances and Electronics Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2018-2023
Table 102 Appliances and Electronics Specialists GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 103 Appliances and Electronics Specialists GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 104 Appliances and Electronics Specialists LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2020-2023
Table 105 Appliances and Electronics Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2023-2028
Table 106 Appliances and Electronics Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2023-2028

HEALTH AND BEAUTY SPECIALISTS IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATESKEY DATA FINDINGS

2023 DEVELOPMENTS

Loyalty points, in-store offers and social media engagement are key strategies
Korean beauty brands gain greater visibility in the United Arab Emirates
Strong government focus to invest in healthcare sector set to support growth of pharmacies

PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Sustainability to become a more prominent theme among health and beauty specialists
Blending of formats as more pharmacies focus on beauty and wellness products
E-commerce platforms to gain greater traction over the forecast period

CHANNEL DATA

Table 107 Health and Beauty Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2018-2023
Table 108 Health and Beauty Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2018-2023
Table 109 Sales in Health and Beauty Specialists by Channel: Value 2018-2023
Table 110 Sales in Health and Beauty Specialists by Channel: % Value Growth 2018-2023
Table 111 Health and Beauty Specialists GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 112 Health and Beauty Specialists GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 113 Health and Beauty Specialists LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2020-2023
Table 114 Health and Beauty Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2023-2028
Table 115 Health and Beauty Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2023-2028
Table 116 Forecast Sales in Health and Beauty Specialists by Channel: Value 2023-2028
Table 117 Forecast Sales in Health and Beauty Specialists by Channel: % Value Growth 2023-2028

HOME PRODUCTS SPECIALISTS IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATESKEY DATA FINDINGS

2023 DEVELOPMENTS

Rising number of consumers start to prioritise durability of home products
Outdoor living and smart home integration drive new trends
IKEA retains lead although consumers are shifting towards different furnishing styles

PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Competitive pricing to remain key to winning in home products specialists
Improving prospects for high-end homewares and home furnishing stores
Stronger growth for pet shops and superstores due to higher pet ownership

CHANNEL DATA

Table 118 Home Products Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2018-2023
Table 119 Home Products Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2018-2023
Table 120 Sales in Home Products Specialists by Channel: Value 2018-2023
Table 121 Sales in Home Products Specialists by Channel: % Value Growth 2018-2023
Table 122 Home Products Specialists GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 123 Home Products Specialists GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 124 Home Products Specialists LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2020-2023
Table 125 Home Products Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2023-2028
Table 126 Home Products Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2023-2028
Table 127 Forecast Sales in Home Products Specialists by Channel: Value 2023-2028
Table 128 Forecast Sales in Home Products Specialists by Channel: % Value Growth 2023-2028

GENERAL MERCHANDISE STORES IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATESKEY DATA FINDINGS

2023 DEVELOPMENTS

Asian variety stores gain popularity and expand footprint in the United Arab Emirates
Landmark Group continues to strengthen its value department store brand
United Arab Emirates remains attractive market for Debenhams and Galeries Lafayette despite challenges

PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Variety stores to gain further momentum over the forecast period
Variety stores to focus on enhancing online presence
Department stores will remain popular but partnering quality brands will be key

CHANNEL DATA

Table 129 General Merchandise Stores: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2018-2023
Table 130 General Merchandise Stores: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2018-2023
Table 131 Sales in General Merchandise Stores by Channel: Value 2018-2023
Table 132 Sales in General Merchandise Stores by Channel: % Value Growth 2018-2023
Table 133 General Merchandise Stores GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 134 General Merchandise Stores GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 135 General Merchandise Stores LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2020-2023
Table 136 General Merchandise Stores Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2023-2028
Table 137 General Merchandise Stores Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2023-2028
Table 138 Forecast Sales in General Merchandise Stores by Channel: Value 2023-2028
Table 139 Forecast Sales in General Merchandise Stores by Channel: % Value Growth 2023-2028

DIRECT SELLING IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATESKEY DATA FINDINGS

2023 DEVELOPMENTS

Competition from established brands continues to hinder reach of direct selling
Beauty brands traditionally operating direct selling model see blurring of lines
Dubai hosts World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA)

PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

E-commerce and strong brand loyalty will remain clear challenges
Expanding consumer base will remain a challenge
Influencer marketing can become the new norm for direct selling

CHANNEL DATA

Table 140 Direct Selling by Product: Value 2018-2023
Table 141 Direct Selling by Product: % Value Growth 2018-2023
Table 142 Direct Selling GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 143 Direct Selling GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 144 Direct Selling Forecasts by Product: Value 2023-2028
Table 145 Direct Selling Forecasts by Product: % Value Growth 2023-2028

VENDING IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATESKEY DATA FINDINGS

2023 DEVELOPMENTS

Unattended payment solutions continue to evolve in vending
Etisalat launches self-service smartphone vending machine
Advancements support smart or connected vending machines

PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Soft drinks and snacks will remain popular vending products
Vending becomes popular channel for new concept testing
Technology and innovation to keep the channel alive

CHANNEL DATA

Table 146 Vending by Product: Value 2018-2023
Table 147 Vending by Product: % Value Growth 2018-2023
Table 148 Vending GBO Company Shares: % Value 2019-2023
Table 149 Vending GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2020-2023
Table 150 Vending Forecasts by Product: Value 2023-2028
Table 151 Vending Forecasts by Product: % Value Growth 2023-2028

RETAIL E-COMMERCE IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATESKEY DATA FINDINGS

2023 DEVELOPMENTS

Discounts, promo codes and points - e-commerce platforms continue to entice consumers
Chinese e-commerce platform Temu attracts customers with its “Shop like a billionaire” positioning
New e-commerce law aims to strengthen market’s position in digital economy

PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Enhanced regulatory landscape in light of integrating new technologies and use of consumer data
Alternative payment methods and integrated loyalty are key elements of future e-commerce platforms in the United Arab Emirates
Artificial intelligence to reshape online shopping experiences

CHANNEL DATA

Table 152 Retail E-Commerce by Channel: Value 2017-2022
Table 153 Retail E-Commerce by Channel: % Value Growth 2017-2022
Table 154 Retail E-Commerce by Product: Value 2017-2022
Table 155 Retail E-Commerce by Product: % Value Growth 2017-2022
Table 156 Retail E-Commerce GBO Company Shares: % Value 2018-2022
Table 157 Retail E-Commerce GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2019-2022
Table 158 Forecast Retail E-Commerce by Channel: Value 2022-2027
Table 159 Forecast Retail E-Commerce by Channel: % Value Growth 2022-2027
Table 160 Forecast Retail E-Commerce by Product: Value 2022-2027
Table 161 Forecast Retail E-Commerce by Product: % Value Growth 2022-2027

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