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Retail in the United Arab Emirates

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    Report

  • 111 Pages
  • April 2025
  • Region: United Arab Emirates
  • Euromonitor International
  • ID: 5836004
Despite lingering budget constraints among some consumers due to elevated living costs towards the end of the review period, thereby slowing overall growth in the local industry, retail in the United Arab Emirates continued to record a positive performance in 2024, driven by a steady population increase, an influx of affluent workers, and rising disposable incomes among some segments. 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.

Why buy this report?

  • Get a detailed picture of the Retail market;
  • Pinpoint growth sectors and identify factors driving change;
  • Understand the competitive environment, the market’s major players and leading brands;
  • Use five-year forecasts to assess how the market is predicted to develop.

Table of Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
  • Retail in 2024: The big picture
  • Higher polarisation with premiumisation rising while consumers remain under pressure
  • More strategic partnerships form as competition intensifies
  • What next for retail?
OPERATING ENVIRONMENT
  • Informal retail
  • Opening hours for physical retail
  • Summary 1 Standard Opening Hours by Channel Type 2024
  • Seasonality
  • Dubai Shopping Festival (“DSF”)
  • Dubai Summer Surprises (“DSS”)
  • Back to School
  • Super Sales
  • White Friday
MARKET DATA
  • Table 1 Sales in Retail by Retail Offline vs Retail E-Commerce: Value 2019-2024
  • Table 2 Sales in Retail by Retail Offline vs Retail E-Commerce: % Value Growth 2019-2024
  • Table 3 Sales in Retail Offline by Channel: Value 2019-2024
  • Table 4 Sales in Retail Offline by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
  • Table 5 Retail Offline Outlets by Channel: Units 2019-2024
  • Table 6 Retail Offline Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2019-2024
  • Table 7 Sales in Retail E-Commerce by Product: Value 2019-2024
  • Table 8 Sales in Retail E-Commerce by Product: % Value Growth 2019-2024
  • Table 9 Grocery Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
  • Table 10 Grocery Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
  • Table 11 Sales in Grocery Retailers by Channel: Value 2019-2024
  • Table 12 Sales in Grocery Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
  • Table 13 Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: Units 2019-2024
  • Table 14 Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2019-2024
  • Table 15 Non-Grocery Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
  • Table 16 Non-Grocery Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
  • Table 17 Sales in Non-Grocery Retailers by Channel: Value 2019-2024
  • Table 18 Sales in Non-Grocery Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
  • Table 19 Non-Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: Units 2019-2024
  • Table 20 Non-Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2019-2024
  • Table 21 Retail GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
  • Table 22 Retail GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
  • Table 23 Retail Offline GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
  • Table 24 Retail Offline GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
  • Table 25 Retail Offline LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
  • Table 26 Retail E-Commerce GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
  • Table 27 Retail E-Commerce GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
  • Table 28 Grocery Retailers GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
  • Table 29 Grocery Retailers GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
  • Table 30 Grocery Retailers LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
  • Table 31 Non-Grocery Retailers GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
  • Table 32 Non-Grocery Retailers GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
  • Table 33 Non-Grocery Retailers LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
  • Table 34 Forecast Sales in Retail by Retail Offline vs Retail E-Commerce: Value 2024-2029
  • Table 35 Forecast Sales in Retail by Retail Offline vs Retail E-Commerce: % Value Growth 2024-2029
  • Table 36 Forecast Sales in Retail Offline by Channel: Value 2024-2029
  • Table 37 Forecast Sales in Retail Offline by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029
  • Table 38 Forecast Retail Offline Outlets by Channel: Units 2024-2029
  • Table 39 Forecast Retail Offline Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2024-2029
  • Table 40 Forecast Sales in Retail E-Commerce by Product: Value 2024-2029
  • Table 41 Forecast Sales in Retail E-Commerce by Product: % Value Growth 2024-2029
  • Table 42 Grocery Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
  • Table 43 Grocery Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
  • Table 44 Forecast Sales in Grocery Retailers by Channel: Value 2024-2029
  • Table 45 Forecast Sales in Grocery Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029
  • Table 46 Forecast Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: Units 2024-2029
  • Table 47 Forecast Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2024-2029
  • Table 48 Non-Grocery Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
  • Table 49 Non-Grocery Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
  • Table 50 Forecast Sales in Non-Grocery Retailers by Channel: Value 2024-2029
  • Table 51 Forecast Sales in Non-Grocery Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029
  • Table 52 Forecast Non-Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: Units 2024-2029
  • Table 53 Forecast Non-Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2024-2029
APPENDIXDISCLAIMER
SOURCES
  • Summary 2 Research Sources
CONVENIENCE RETAILERS IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATESKEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
  • Convenience stores benefits from stable socioeconomic conditions
  • ADNOC Oasis remains largest chain of forecourt retailers
  • Convenience stores face intensified competition from on-demand delivery
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
  • Convenience retailers set to benefit from further expansion
  • ADNOC Oasis will likely set a new pace in forecourt retailers
  • Convenience store offerings will continue evolving to meet consumer needs
CHANNEL DATA
  • Table 54 Convenience Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
  • Table 55 Convenience Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
  • Table 56 Sales in Convenience Retailers by Channel: Value 2019-2024
  • Table 57 Sales in Convenience Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
  • Table 58 Convenience Retailers GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
  • Table 59 Convenience Retailers GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
  • Table 60 Convenience Retailers LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
  • Table 61 Convenience Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
  • Table 62 Convenience Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
  • Table 63 Forecast Sales in Convenience Retailers by Channel: Value 2024-2029
  • Table 64 Forecast Sales in Convenience Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029
DISCOUNTERS IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATESKEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
  • Discounters expands as consumers experience budget constraints
  • Viva makes strides and drives channel growth
  • Viva’s business model allows it to pass on savings to customers
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
  • Growth set to slow as channel matures in local market
  • Viva’s meteoric rise could attract new discounters
  • 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 2019-2024
  • Table 66 Discounters: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
  • Table 67 Discounters GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
  • Table 68 Discounters GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
  • Table 69 Discounters LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
  • Table 70 Discounters Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
  • Table 71 Discounters Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
HYPERMARKETS IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATESKEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
  • Hypermarkets continues to dominate sales within grocery retailers
  • Lulu sells 30% stake through IPO in Abu Dhabi
  • Digitalisation continues to transform operating activities
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
  • Hypermarkets set to benefit from further store expansion
  • Competition will intensify between private sector and cooperatives
  • Hypermarkets to broaden wellness and sustainable offerings
CHANNEL DATA
  • Table 72 Hypermarkets: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
  • Table 73 Hypermarkets: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
  • Table 74 Hypermarkets GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
  • Table 75 Hypermarkets GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
  • Table 76 Hypermarkets LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
  • Table 77 Hypermarkets Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
  • Table 78 Hypermarkets Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
SUPERMARKETS IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATESKEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
  • Expansion into new communities supports solid growth of supermarkets
  • Spinneys Dubai retains lead as it benefits from defined offerings
  • Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society consolidates operations under MAIR Group
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
  • Investment and population expansion are growth opportunities
  • Private label set to become increasingly relevant in local market
  • Retail e-commerce as another growth avenue for supermarkets
CHANNEL DATA
  • Table 79 Supermarkets: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
  • Table 80 Supermarkets: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
  • Table 81 Supermarkets GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
  • Table 82 Supermarkets GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
  • Table 83 Supermarkets LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
  • Table 84 Supermarkets Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
  • Table 85 Supermarkets Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
SMALL LOCAL GROCERS IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATESKEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
  • Small local grocers struggles to access new communities and loses momentum
  • Some food/drink/tobacco specialists still attract considerable demand
  • Despite digital development, small local grocers lags behind large grocery retailers
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
  • Small local grocers is set to lose ground over the forecast period
  • The liberalisation of alcohol in Abu Dhabi offers opportunities for drinks specialists
  • Digitalisation could potentially revitalise operations of small local grocers
CHANNEL DATA
  • Table 86 Small Local Grocers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
  • Table 87 Small Local Grocers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
  • Table 88 Small Local Grocers GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
  • Table 89 Small Local Grocers GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
  • Table 90 Small Local Grocers LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
  • Table 91 Small Local Grocers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
  • Table 92 Small Local Grocers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
GENERAL MERCHANDISE STORES IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATESKEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
  • Department stores impacted by intensified competition with marketplaces
  • Variety stores continues to rise, supported by demand for value propositions
  • Landmark Group leads general merchandise stores
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
  • Department stores set to reinvent selling space in local market
  • Sustainable offerings likely to reshape variety stores
  • Differentiation will be increasingly important to gain a competitive edge
CHANNEL DATA
  • Table 93 General Merchandise Stores: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
  • Table 94 General Merchandise Stores: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
  • Table 95 Sales in General Merchandise Stores by Channel: Value 2019-2024
  • Table 96 Sales in General Merchandise Stores by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
  • Table 97 General Merchandise Stores GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
  • Table 98 General Merchandise Stores GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
  • Table 99 General Merchandise Stores LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
  • Table 100 General Merchandise Stores Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
  • Table 101 General Merchandise Stores Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
  • Table 102 Forecast Sales in General Merchandise Stores by Channel: Value 2024-2029
  • Table 103 Forecast Sales in General Merchandise Stores by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029
APPAREL AND FOOTWEAR SPECIALISTS IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATESKEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
  • Growth continues due to local market’s position as shopping destination
  • Landmark Group consolidates lead in apparel and footwear specialists
  • Majid Al Futtaim strengthens partnership with Tabby to expand BNPL offerings
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
  • Apparel and footwear specialists to further benefit from positioning in local market
  • Sustainability set to gain relevance due to rising environmental awareness
  • Competition will continue to intensify in mid-priced segment
CHANNEL DATA
  • Table 104 Apparel and Footwear Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
  • Table 105 Apparel and Footwear Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
  • Table 106 Apparel and Footwear Specialists GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
  • Table 107 Apparel and Footwear Specialists GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
  • Table 108 Apparel and Footwear Specialists LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
  • Table 109 Apparel and Footwear Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
  • Table 110 Apparel and Footwear Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
APPLIANCES AND ELECTRONICS SPECIALISTS IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATESKEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
  • Appliances and electronics specialists benefits from favourable operating conditions
  • Sharaf DG strengthens lead despite intensified competition
  • Competition intensifies among smaller players
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
  • Channel predicted to benefit from stable environment
  • Diversified offerings in smart and sustainable appliances likely to emerge
  • Local expansion in manufacturing could strengthen value chain
CHANNEL DATA
  • Table 111 Appliances and Electronics Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
  • Table 112 Appliances and Electronics Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
  • Table 113 Appliances and Electronics Specialists GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
  • Table 114 Appliances and Electronics Specialists GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
  • Table 115 Appliances and Electronics Specialists LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
  • Table 116 Appliances and Electronics Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
  • Table 117 Appliances and Electronics Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
HEALTH AND BEAUTY SPECIALISTS IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATESKEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
  • Health and beauty specialists benefits from momentum in wellness
  • Competition intensifies in luxury beauty as new players enter local market
  • Life Healthcare introduces discount pharmacy
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
  • Health and beauty specialists set to continue expanding in local market
  • New regulations to strengthen locally sourced products for pharmacies
  • Sustainability will continue to shape channel’s development
CHANNEL DATA
  • Table 118 Health and Beauty Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
  • Table 119 Health and Beauty Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
  • Table 120 Sales in Health and Beauty Specialists by Channel: Value 2019-2024
  • Table 121 Sales in Health and Beauty Specialists by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
  • Table 122 Health and Beauty Specialists GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
  • Table 123 Health and Beauty Specialists GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
  • Table 124 Health and Beauty Specialists LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
  • Table 125 Health and Beauty Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
  • Table 126 Health and Beauty Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
  • Table 127 Forecast Sales in Health and Beauty Specialists by Channel: Value 2024-2029
  • Table 128 Forecast Sales in Health and Beauty Specialists by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029
HOME PRODUCTS SPECIALISTS IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATESKEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
  • Population expansion spurs growth of home products specialists
  • Landmark Group strengthens lead in home products specialists
  • Pet shops and superstores continues to expand as demand for pet products rises
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
  • Home products specialists to benefit from favourable market conditions
  • Technology and sustainability to help drive demand
  • Ikea focuses on accessibility, affordability and sustainability to attract consumers
CHANNEL DATA
  • Table 129 Home Products Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
  • Table 130 Home Products Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
  • Table 131 Sales in Home Products Specialists by Channel: Value 2019-2024
  • Table 132 Sales in Home Products Specialists by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
  • Table 133 Home Products Specialists GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
  • Table 134 Home Products Specialists GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
  • Table 135 Home Products Specialists LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
  • Table 136 Home Products Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
  • Table 137 Home Products Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
  • Table 138 Forecast Sales in Home Products Specialists by Channel: Value 2024-2029
  • Table 139 Forecast Sales in Home Products Specialists by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029
DIRECT SELLING IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATESKEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
  • Direct selling growth continues to be supported by health and wellness
  • Oasis Water Co maintains lead in highly fragmented competitive landscape
  • Beauty brands traditionally operating direct selling model see blurring of lines
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
  • Increasing concerns over data protection could affect direct selling
  • Sustainability will remain a key driver over the forecast period
  • Influencer marketing can become the new norm for direct selling
CHANNEL DATA
  • Table 140 Direct Selling by Product: Value 2019-2024
  • Table 141 Direct Selling by Product: % Value Growth 2019-2024
  • Table 142 Direct Selling GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
  • Table 143 Direct Selling GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
  • Table 144 Direct Selling Forecasts by Product: Value 2024-2029
  • Table 145 Direct Selling Forecasts by Product: % Value Growth 2024-2029
VENDING IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATESKEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
  • Vending continues to expand, driven by convenience and innovation
  • Jackson Trading leads, while Ex Oriente Lux AG continues to lose ground
  • Unattended and smart payment solutions continue to evolve in vending
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
  • Vending set to register further dynamic growth over the forecast period
  • RTA launches smart kiosks to offer greater convenience to drivers
  • Vending becomes popular channel for new concept testing
CHANNEL DATA
  • Table 146 Vending by Product: Value 2019-2024
  • Table 147 Vending by Product: % Value Growth 2019-2024
  • Table 148 Vending GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
  • Table 149 Vending GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
  • Table 150 Vending Forecasts by Product: Value 2024-2029
  • Table 151 Vending Forecasts by Product: % Value Growth 2024-2029
RETAIL E-COMMERCE IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATESKEY DATA FINDINGS
2024 DEVELOPMENTS
  • Retail e-commerce continues to thrive as offerings diversify
  • Carrefour takes on-demand delivery service to the next level
  • Emirates NBD and Noon join forces with Visa to launch co-branded credit card
PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
  • Retail e-commerce’s growth expected to ease in line with large consumer base
  • Competition set to intensify as the market slowly matures
  • Improving penetration of BNPL solutions likely to boost sales
CHANNEL DATA
  • Table 152 Retail E-Commerce by Channel: Value 2019-2024
  • Table 153 Retail E-Commerce by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
  • Table 154 Retail E-Commerce by Product: Value 2019-2024
  • Table 155 Retail E-Commerce by Product: % Value Growth 2019-2024
  • Table 156 Retail E-Commerce GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
  • Table 157 Retail E-Commerce GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
  • Table 158 Forecast Retail E-Commerce by Channel: Value 2024-2029
  • Table 159 Forecast Retail E-Commerce by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029
  • Table 160 Forecast Retail E-Commerce by Product: Value 2024-2029
  • Table 161 Forecast Retail E-Commerce by Product: % Value Growth 2024-2029