Writing instruments in the United Arab Emirates was characterised by growth in 2025, driven by luxury offerings and an increasing number of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs). Demand for these premium products was further fuelled by the country's strong tourism industry. To succeed, brands should focus on high-end portfolios and expand their digital capabilities due to the rapid growth of e-commerce.

In 2025, jewellery in the United Arab Emirates achieved robust growth, driven by luxury demand from an expanding base of high-net-worth individuals and market polarisation favouring the premium segment. Fine jewellery led the category, fuelled by strong demand from Indian tourists attracted to competitive pricing and instalment options. The competitive landscape remained fragmented, with Damas maintaining its lead while Malabar Group emerged as the most significant gainer. A landmark development

Personal accessories in the United Arab Emirates recorded robust growth in 2025, driven by tourist influx and rising high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs). The market remained fragmented with no dominant players, as traditional and connected watches outperformed other categories. Tourism emerged as the primary trend, as brands launched experiential pop-ups at key destinations. The rise of certified pre-owned platforms tapped into sustainability interest, while manufacturing shifted to India amid ta

Bags and luggage in the United Arab Emirates is distinguished by an escalating appetite for luxury and premium merchandise, propelled by the burgeoning population of high-net-worth individuals in the nation, which reached 9,900 in 2025. The category is anticipated to normalise throughout the forecast period, with retail sales set to rise by a 5% current value CAGR, to reach AED15 billion by 2030. For optimal market positioning, brands ought to concentrate on refining their existing product portf

In 2025, traditional and connected watches in the United Arab Emirates was driven by the influx of high-spending tourists, residents and buyers from countries experiencing geopolitical or hyperinflationary pressures, such as Russia, Lebanon and Turkey. These items were purchased as a hedge against inflation or as an alternative investment. This was further supported by the increasing number of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs). Traditional and connected watches remained attractive due to high a

The footwear category in the United Arab Emirates experienced growth in 2025, driven by factors such as tariffs, supply chain adjustments, and technological innovation. With value sales of AED14.1 billion and retail volume sales of 54.0 million units, the category is poised for continued expansion. The market's attractiveness is enhanced by a stable workforce and rising disposable income. To succeed, brands should focus on innovation, particularly in technology and luxury products, and leverage

Hosiery sales in the United Arab Emirates remained stable in 2025, with 4% growth rate in retail volume terms and 6% growth in retail value terms. Growth was driven by steady demand from the growing employed female population and increasing disposable income. The market is expected to continue growing, driven by demand for premium and functional products, with a forecast CAGR of 6% to AED665 million by 2030. To succeed, brands should focus on developing sustainable and functional products that m

The menswear market in the United Arab Emirates demonstrated robust growth in 2025, driven by an expanding population, record tourist arrivals, and high GDP per capita. This growth is expected to continue, with the market forecast to reach AED37.0 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6%. The market's attractiveness is enhanced by increasing demand for luxury and premium menswear, driven by the influx of high-net-worth individuals. To succeed in this market, brands should focus on sustainability

The jeans market in the United Arab Emirates experienced growth in 2025, driven by increasing demand for premium and super premium jeans among high-net-worth individuals. This trend is expected to continue, with retail sales forecast to increase at a CAGR of 6% to AED8.9 billion by 2030. The market is characterised by a polarisation trend, with consumers gravitating towards either low-cost or high-end products. The rise of e-commerce and the growing importance of sustainability and inclusivity i

The womenswear market in the United Arab Emirates experienced significant growth in 2025, with a 5% increase in retail value to AED17.7 billion, driven by a mix of economic resilience and evolving consumer values. The influx of high-net-worth individuals boosted demand for premium and luxury womenswear, while less affluent consumers sought more affordable options. As a result, the market became increasingly polarised, with growth in both the premium and value segments. The market is attractive d

Sales of childrenswear market in the United Arab Emirates saw steady growth in retail value and volume terms in 2025, driven by a rise in disposable incomes and shifting parental preferences toward greater digital engagement. The average gross income in the United Arab Emirates was AED145,435 in 2025, indicating a steady increase in consumer spending power. Childrenswear is expected to continue growing over the forecast period, driven by government initiatives to boost immigration and increasing

The apparel accessories market in the United Arab Emirates experienced significant growth in 2025, driven by luxury brands and favourable macroeconomic conditions. Sales are projected to continue growing at a steady pace, driven by increasing demand for luxury and affordable apparel accessories, as well as a growing population and rising disposable income. To succeed in this market, brands should focus on offering unique and luxurious products, leveraging e-commerce and social media platforms, a

The sportswear market in the United Arab Emirates demonstrated robust growth in 2025, driven by rising participation in sports and fitness activities and the enduring popularity of athleisure and swimwear. The market is characterised by market polarisation, with consumers increasingly turning to either premium and designer brands or low-cost and fast fashion alternatives. To succeed, brands must adapt to local preferences and needs, invest in community engagement, and focus on sustainability. Of

The apparel and footwear market in the United Arab Emirates demonstrated robust growth in 2025, with a 5% increase in retail value terms to AED66.8 billion. This was driven by a thriving tourism market and rising disposable income. This growth is expected to continue over the forecast period, with a CAGR of 6% through to 2030, reaching AED88.2 billion. The market's attractiveness is underpinned by its strong macroeconomic fundamentals and the increasing demand for high-end fashion and luxury bra

Across fmcg industries in the United Arab Emirates, sustainability is the dominant theme, with food categories such as dairy and processed meat replacing rigid plastics with paperboard cartons and compostable trays, while confectionery brands are introducing biodegradable wrappers. Beverage players are accelerating adoption of rPET bottles and paperboard cartons, reducing virgin plastic use. Alcoholic drinks are shifting towards aluminium cans due to tariff-related glass costs, while premium spi

Health and wellness in the United Arab Emirates continued to develop in 2024, supported by gradually strengthening consumer engagement with healthier lifestyles and more claim-led purchasing behaviour. High obesity levels and growing awareness of diet-related health risks continued to shape demand, encouraging consumers to look for “better for you” options across both food and beverages, even when taste and convenience remained primary drivers. This supported strong momentum for reduced sugar pr

Health and wellness hot drinks in the United Arab Emirates continued to develop in 2024, supported by gradually strengthening health awareness and more label-conscious purchasing behaviour. Consumers increasingly paid attention to ingredients and showed stronger interest in products positioned around naturalness and “lighter” everyday choices. At the same time, concerns around obesity and diet-related health issues supported demand for reduced sugar options, particularly in convenient formats su

Health and wellness soft drinks in the United Arab Emirates continued to evolve in 2024, shaped by increasing consumer interest in products that balance indulgence with perceived health benefits. While flavour and refreshment remain essential purchase drivers, claims on packaging increasingly played a key role in guiding consumer choice, particularly as shoppers sought products that could justify consumption through added functionality. As health awareness develops gradually, many consumers cont

Health and wellness snacks in the United Arab Emirates continued to develop in 2024, supported by growing consumer interest in products that combine indulgence with clearer wellbeing credentials. Local shoppers increasingly sought snacks that support portion control and offer a more balanced nutritional profile, reflecting a wider movement towards guilt-free enjoyment rather than strict restriction. As a result, manufacturers and retailers continued to expand snack choices positioned around clea

Health and wellness dairy products and alternatives in the United Arab Emirates continued to develop in 2024, supported by a widening focus on health, fitness and functional nutrition. While the dairy sector remains mature and highly competitive, suppliers increasingly used added-value positioning to protect consumer interest and encourage trade-up, particularly through protein-enriched and fortified variants in drinking milk products, yoghurt and drinking yoghurt. This supported steady current

Health and wellness cooking ingredients and meals in the United Arab Emirates continued to develop in 2024, supported by rising interest in healthier home cooking and more mindful meal solutions. Consumers increasingly sought products that align with clean label expectations, including fewer additives and clearer ingredient lists, while also showing stronger engagement with sustainability-linked cues such as ethical sourcing and locally produced ingredients. Manufacturers and retailers continued

Health and wellness staple foods in the United Arab Emirates continued to develop in 2024, supported by rising interest in everyday foods that offer added nutritional value. Consumers increasingly sought staples that can help support immunity and overall wellbeing, driving momentum for products fortified with vitamins, minerals and fibre, particularly within breakfast cereals and rice-based staples. At the same time, demand continued to widen for specialised dietary options as shoppers increasin

In 2025, consumer credit in the United Arab Emirates saw outstanding balance rise at a similar rate to 2023 and 2024. The demand for consumer credit was driven by household spending, increased use of credit cards for day-to-day purchases, and a higher appetite for personal loans linked to housing, education and lifestyle upgrades. While the cost-of-living in the United Arab Emirates exerted pressure on household budgets, consumers continued to rely on credit to manage larger expenses, supported

Financial cards and payments in the United Arab Emirates continued to grow in terms of the number of cards in circulation in 2025. Circulation increased in the market due to the expansion of credit, debit and pre-paid cards, which benefited from factors like payroll distribution, digital wallets and cashless payment adoption. Travel and tourism recovery and a heavy daily reliance on transportation and retail pre-paid cards, such as Road & Transport Authority (RTA)’s Nol card, further boosted car