Retail sector in the UAE - statistics & facts
Retailers in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have reported high revenue due to rising inflation rates and increasing consumer spending on necessities. By 2026, the value of non-food retail sales in the GCC was forecasted to increase by more than 11 percent compared to 2023 . Favorable demographics, improving macroeconomic factors, and tourism revival are expected to be driving factors such as growth. The GCC governments’ push for economic diversification, along with the growing prominence of retailers who sell in both bricks and mortar and online settings, also contribute to the sector’s positive outlook. After a period of economic uncertainty, the retail sector outlook in the UAE has shown signs of recovery, with forecasted sector growth and increased consumer spending.
