Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region has one of the world’s youngest populations, and hence, it has always been known for its ever evolving, and dynamic consumer behavior. However, in the past few years, the pandemic has catalyzed a deep shift toward e-commerce, mobile payments, and experiential retail, while rising economic confidence and a young, tech-savvy population have redefined notions of luxury, convenience, and loyalty. This new consumer landscape is dynamic, blending global aspirations with local authenticity and sustainability consciousness.
From Riyadh to Dubai, the fusion of tradition with technology is reshaping the retail landscape. As regional governments push toward digital economies and sustainability visions such as Saudi Vision 2030 and UAE Centennial 2071, brands must understand the new mindset driving purchasing decisions. The following five trends illustrate the key behaviors defining GCC shoppers in 2025.
The mobile revolution has become the cornerstone of consumer engagement in the GCC. Over 95% of the population owns a smartphone, and mobile commerce now accounts for nearly three-quarters of all online retail transactions. Shoppers increasingly prefer fast, intuitive, and secure mobile experiences — from browsing and payment to same-day delivery.
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95%+ smartphone penetration across GCC |
73% of online retail sales in GCC occur via mobile devices |
60%+ consumers in UAE and KSA have used Apple Pay, STC Pay, or Samsung |
Brands are investing in mobile-optimized platforms, AI chatbots, and digital wallet integrations such as STC Pay, Apple Pay, and Payit to streamline the buying journey. Micro-influencers and shoppable social media have further blurred the line between discovery and purchase. In 2025, the GCC shopper expects instant gratification: one-click checkouts, predictive search, and personalized offers powered by machine learning. Retailers that eliminate friction and deliver speed will define the gold standard of convenience.
GCC consumers are displaying a unique “value barbell” behavior — balancing affordability with aspiration. On one side, there is strong demand for budget-friendly essentials driven by families seeking cost efficiency amid inflationary pressures. On the other, there is a growing appetite for premium, high quality, and exclusive experiences.
The region’s consumers are more brand-aware than ever, associating luxury with self-expression and social identity. Saudi Arabia’s high-income youth segment, for instance, drives luxury apparel and cosmetics sales, while value-seeking households in Oman and Bahrain focus on private labels and multi-buy promotions. The winning formula is “accessible premium”: offering superior quality at reasonable prices. Brands that manage to deliver both emotional value and rational affordability will capture the widest consumer base.
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Luxury market in GCC estimated at USD 12 billion (2024), growing 8–10% annually |
In Saudi Arabia, Gen Z consumers spend 20% more on premium skincare than millennials |
Environmental and ethical consciousness is becoming a decisive purchase factor across GCC markets. Shoppers are shifting toward brands that reflect their values — those demonstrating responsibility through eco-friendly packaging, traceable sourcing, and carbon-neutral operations.
Governmental sustainability agendas like UAE’s Net Zero 2050 and Qatar’s National Vision 2030 are reinforcing consumer expectations around responsible consumption. Younger shoppers, particularly Gen Z and millennials, expect transparency and authenticity rather than greenwashing.
In response, global and local brands alike are investing in refillable packaging, energy-efficient manufacturing, and circular economy practices. Campaigns that highlight measurable impact — for example, reduced water use or locally sourced materials — resonate deeply. Purpose-driven buying in 2025 is not a trend but a baseline expectation shaping long-term brand loyalty.
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58% of GCC consumers say sustainability influences their purchase decisions |
41% prefer brands with eco-friendly packaging; 37% are willing to pay a price premium
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Despite globalization, local culture remains a powerful driver of purchasing patterns in the GCC. Key periods such as Ramadan, Eid, and National Days spark surges in retail activity across categories — from food and gifting to fashion and electronics. Beyond these traditional peaks, consumers are also embracing “micro-occasions” such as back-to-school season, wedding months, and social media-inspired trends.
Local storytelling and influencer marketing rooted in regional identity amplify brand resonance. For instance, campaigns that blend modest fashion aesthetics with contemporary design appeal to modern Middle Eastern women seeking cultural alignment without compromise. Brands that honor religious sensitivities, family values, and regional pride — while maintaining global quality standards — will secure both emotional connection and consumer trust.
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Retail sales jump 20 - 40% during Ramadan
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National Day campaigns drive up to 50%more engagement on social media
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GCC consumers no longer perceive online and offline as separate worlds. Instead, they demand a unified brand experience across touchpoints — whether they’re browsing on Instagram, visiting a mall, or ordering through an app.
Physical stores are being reinvented as experiential hubs, offering personalization, immersive displays, and digital self-service options. Meanwhile, online channels leverage AI to replicate the warmth of in-store engagement. Click-and-collect models, real-time inventory visibility, and consistent loyalty programs are becoming essential features.
Retailers who use data integration to bridge the gap between digital and physical environments will thrive. In 2025, Omni channel is not just a strategy — it is the core of how GCC consumers expect to interact, shop, and stay connected with their favorite brands.
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67% of GCC Shoppers prefer hybrid (online + in-store) experiences |
Click-and-collect adoption rose by 45% since 2021
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The GCC retail landscape in 2025 reflects a blend of digital sophistication and cultural depth. Shoppers are more empowered, informed, and value-driven than ever before. To remain relevant, brands must move beyond transactional thinking and focus on engagement, personalization, and authenticity. Success will belong to those who integrate innovation with empathy — delivering not just products, but experiences that align with the aspirations and evolving values of the modern GCC consumer.