Lodging retail value sales are set to grow strongly in current terms in the United Arab Emirates in 2025, driven by surging international arrivals and longer average stays. Major growth is expected to be seen in mid-market and luxury hotels. Many tourists from India, Russia, and Western Europe have extended their stays, taking advantage of bundled hotel and experience packages. A steady rise in digital nomads and long-term leisure travellers, particularly in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, has also bo

Travel in the United Arab Emirates is set to show substantial growth in 2025, with both inbound and outbound segments recording gains. One of the key drivers in 2025 has been the continued rise in international arrivals, especially into Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Destination branding efforts by Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), along with partnerships between national carriers and tourism boards, have helped to push demand from core markets such as India, the UK, Saudi Arabia, and Russi

Booking activity is set to show solid growth in current value terms in the United Arab Emirates in 2025. Increased travel demand from core international source markets like India, Russia, the UK, and China has led to a surge in advanced bookings, especially for family and leisure travel. Meanwhile, outbound travellers from the United Arab Emirates have resumed international trips in greater numbers, encouraged by promotional flight and accommodation bundles from major online platforms.

Airline retail value sales are set to increase in current terms in the United Arab Emirates in 2025, with growth driven by both inbound and outbound travel demand. This has been supported by Dubai’s continued positioning as a global hub, an expanded network of routes, and major events that have kept tourist traffic flowing throughout the year. Emirates, Air Arabia and Flydubai have capitalised on this trend, reporting higher profits and route profitability, especially on Asian and European route

Inbound tourism to the United Arab Emirates is expected to post solid growth in 2025, driven by sustained government investment in destination branding, as well as rising demand from key source markets including India, Russia, the UK, and China. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have continued to dominate as tourism attractions, supported by a packed events calendar, luxury shopping, and family-friendly entertainment. India remains a key source market for the United Arab Emirates, with its position maintained

Analgesics in the United Arab Emirates is projected to see further healthy retail current value sales growth over 2025. The category continues to grow in popularity in the United Arab Emirates as consumers become more aware that these products are not just for headaches or fevers, but also effective for everyday aches, sports injuries and lifestyle-related pain, such as back or joint discomfort. A recent Panadol advertisement, for instance, showed someone bumping their leg on furniture; highligh

Consumer health in the United Arab Emirates is projected to continue to register strong retail current value sales growth over 2025, driven by both structural and cultural factors. On the structural side, rising immigration levels, steady population growth and a continuous influx of tourists are expanding the consumer base and increasing the demand for health-related products. However, the momentum goes beyond demographics. A significant cultural shift is also fuelling this growth: the rapid ris

NRT smoking cessation aids in the United Arab Emirates is expected to continue to grow healthily in retail volume and current value terms over 2025. Beyond official efforts to curb smoking (eg high tobacco taxes), the growing focus on holistic wellness is driving interest in nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs). As more consumers adopt healthier lifestyles and aim to improve both their mental and physical wellbeing, the demand for effective smoking cessation aids is on the rise. Increasing awar

Eye care in the United Arab Emirates is projected to see moderate retail volume and healthy retail current value growth over 2025. However, retail current value growth is set to be slower than in 2024, amidst category maturity, limits on innovation and a rising consumer preference for holistic eye health approaches, like reducing screen-time and a focus on hydration. Additionally, many consumers opt for multipurpose solutions or prescription treatments, reducing the demand for OTC standard eye d

Over 2025, herbal/traditional products in the United Arab Emirates is projected to see further strong, if slower, retail current value growth. The upward trajectory of herbal/traditional products is supported by rising demand amidst a growing cultural shift towards healthier living. Consumers are turning away from standard or conventional products packed with synthetic ingredients in favour of natural and milder alternatives that align with their desire for cleaner, more mindful consumption. Thi

Over 2025, sports nutrition in the United Arab Emirates is projected to see much faster growth in retail current value sales, compared with 2023 and 2024. Growth is supported by rising demand, with greater participation in sports and higher health consciousness. This fits with a general rise in interest in regular exercise routines, especially among younger generations.

Wound care in the United Arab Emirates is expected to see stronger retail volume growth in 2025, compared with 2024, while retail current value sales are projected to rise only marginally slower than in the previous year. Increments have been supported by population growth. In addition, players are launching more premium products, which exerts upward pressure on average unit prices and boosts retail value sales. At the same time, the increase in sports and outdoor activities is contributing to h

Dermatologicals in the United Arab Emirates is projected to continue to see healthy retail current value growth over 2025. Increased health awareness, wider product availability and ongoing innovation are accelerating demand across dermatologicals and expanding the category’s potential in the United Arab Emirates. The rising popularity of the biggest seller in terms of retail value sales, hair loss treatments, is a key factor fuelling growth, as more consumers seek effective solutions. Hair loss

Digestive remedies in the United Arab Emirates is projected to continue to grow healthily in retail current value terms over 2025. This performance is influenced by two opposing trends. On the one hand, a more health-conscious culture is emerging, with people eating less junk and fast food that can cause digestive issues, which may slow the demand for digestive remedies. On the other hand, the increasing use of GLP-1 drugs, which function by slowing gastric emptying and affecting gut motility, c

Cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies in the United Arab Emirates is projected to see robust growth in retail volume and current value sales over 2025. This performance is driven, in part, by a surge in seasonal illnesses across 2024 and 2025. Media reports highlight record levels of cold and flu cases, with doctors noting a rise in patients experiencing multiple infections simultaneously. One leading clinic reported that nearly 60% of its visitors were presenting flu-like symptoms, inclu

Sleep aids in the United Arab Emirates is projected to continue to register healthy retail volume and current value sales growth over 2025, partly due to the rising population in the market. Growth rates are forecast to be slower than in 2024, as more consumers are turning to alternative solutions, rather than rely solely on sleep aids. Growing awareness around the risks of long-term dependence on these products is leading consumers to seek more natural methods, such as lifestyle changes, mindfu

Over 2025, retail current value sales of weight management and wellbeing in the United Arab Emirates are projected to see a healthy increase, albeit slower than in 2023 and 2024.

Vitamins in the United Arab Emirates is projected to continue to grow healthily in 2025, with only slightly slower retail volume and current value increases, compared with 2024. Growth in the category is being driven by rising health consciousness and a stronger focus on preventive care. Physicians are increasingly recommending vitamins and, in some cases, these are covered by insurance schemes. However, many consumers still choose to buy OTC brands of vitamins, which they perceive as tastier an

As demand continues to grow, dietary supplements in the United Arab Emirates is projected to see strong, if slower, retail current value growth over 2025. The growth drivers for dietary supplements in the market are similar to those for vitamins. Consumers are increasingly focused on preventive health and looking to enhance various aspects of their lifestyle. This includes using products, including protein providers, to support their diets or supplements that promote better sleep.

Paediatric consumer health in the United Arab Emirates is projected to see further healthy, if slower, retail current value growth over 2025. A slight uptick in birth rates and a broader selection of products are helping to maintain moderate growth rates in retail volume terms. Moreover, as parents become more proactive in dealing with children’s health issues, rising health and wellness awareness is expected to drive increased interest and engagement with specialised offerings.

Total baby food packaging volumes fell fractionally to 33 million units in 2024. Increasing urbanisation and the growing number of working parents seeking convenient and safe baby food solutions are having a positive influence on the baby food performance. However, the baby food category continues to face challenges in the country due to persistently low birth rates. Evolving consumer lifestyles, particularly among younger women, are also influencing category dynamics. Rising living costs and as

Total confectionery packaging volumes increased by 4% to reach 1.1 billion units in 2024 in the United Arab Emirates, driven by rising consumption and growing demand for premium and convenient products. Packaging plays a key role in branding, enabling products to stand out in a crowded market. With traditional rigid containers like metal tins and boxes experiencing a decline due to their higher costs and reduced portability, brands are increasingly adopting flexible plastic and flexible paper pa

Total dairy packaging unit volumes increased by 4% to reach 2.3 billion units in 2024, mainly due to population growth, rising health awareness and the expansion of modern retail and e-commerce. As urbanisation increases, demand for convenient packaged dairy products has grown. Health-conscious consumers are seeking a broader range of dairy options, including low-fat and probiotic products, which necessitate specialised packaging. The expansion of supermarkets and online shopping platforms, such

Total processed meat and seafood packaging volumes increase by 5% in 2024 to 140 million units in the United Arab Emirates, driven by the country’s high per capita meat consumption, cultural preference for protein-rich diets, and a growing reliance on convenient food options. Geographically, the hot climate of the United Arab Emirates necessitates robust, hygienic packaging, such as vacuum-sealed or modified-atmosphere packaging, to ensure freshness and food safety. With a predominantly urban po