Market Trends of MEA Luxury Goods Industry
Rise in Tourism Expected to Drive the Market
- Many nations across the Middle East and Africa have gained popularity across the globe as tourism spots. For instance, with its opulent architecture, staggering skylines, and enormous shopping complexes, Dubai has become one of the most identifiable destinations in the world. Dubai is a potential and attractive location for short vacations as it offers an array of cuisines, shopping options, and sporting events.
- According to data from the World Bank and Dubai Statistics Center, approximately 12 million foreign visitors arrived in the United Arab Emirates in 2021. Hence, the region attracts a substantial number of tourists, which drives the market studied.
- Furthermore, owing to the rise in demand for luxury goods and the various opportunities available in the market, multiple players have been entering the market, and the existing players have been using strategies to strengthen their presence in the market. For instance, Bayt Damas, a luxurious time capsule that brought together prestigious brands such as Sabyasachi Jewellery, Graff, and Mikimoto, was inaugurated in Dubai. This all-encompassing luxury experience, which opened its doors in May 2021, curated a collection of exquisite jewelry, fashion, and art while promoting regional luxury brands within a single destination.
- Additionally, tourists often come across things that the Middle East is famous for, such as perfumes and leather products. For instance, the luxury goods brand, Gucci, has a product portfolio in the United Arab Emirates that comprises more than 29 variants of perfumes. Hence, the rise in tourism across the region and the robust luxury market infrastructure are expected to drive the Middle East and African luxury goods market over the next few years.
United Arab Emirates Dominates the Market
- The United Arab Emirates has a huge demand for luxury goods due to high disposable income, increasing tourism, and its young population. Tourism in the United Arab Emirates is constantly growing because of the tourist spots in the region. International visitors often visit the region due to its food culture, jewelry goods, and many more.
- Internet usage across the region has also played a key role in driving the sales of luxury goods nationwide. Across the region, the population is exposed to a multitude of influencers and advertising campaigns promoting a wide range of luxury goods, including handbags, jewelry, and footwear, through various social media platforms. Hence, Internet penetration across the region has also played a key role in the expansion of the market studied.
- As per the World Bank data, the percentage of the population using the internet in the United Arab Emirates was 100%. The penetration of e-commerce websites in the country allows consumers to have multiple options for luxury goods, which also drives the market.
- In April 2022, a luxury fashion firm named Business of Preloved Fashion (BOPF) entered the market in the United Arab Emirates, introducing an online marketplace that connects buyers and sellers. Additionally, the region has witnessed a growing acceptance of online sales channels for various reasons, such as the convenience of shopping, the time-saving features of online platforms, and doorstep delivery options. Consequently, multinational and premium brands frequently choose to launch their products in the region through online platforms, which is expected to contribute to the market's growth in the near future.