Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
Consumer habits in the UAE and KSA are expected to experience a shift during Ramadan 2025, with increased spending on essentials and dining, along with a rise in social commerce and charitable giving, according to a new YouGov report.
Its insights are based on data collected during the week of December 9, 2024, with responses from 1,031 UAE residents and1,023 KSA residents.
Groceries will continue to be the top category driving increased spending during Ramadan, as 55% of UAE residents and 58% of KSA residents expect to spend more on food.
Dining out and food delivery are expected to surge, particularly in the UAE, where 41% of respondents are likely to increase their spending in this area compared to 33% in KSA.
Health-conscious eating appeared to be a priority for respondents, with 52% of UAE residents and 53% of KSA residents prioritising balanced meals; avoiding overeating is a common goal for 49% of UAE residents and 54% of KSA residents.
The survey also found that 60% of respondents anticipate dedicating more time to religious or spiritual activities, while 54% plan to spend more time dining with family and friends.
Transparency is a key factor for both UAE (64%) and KSA (65%) residents when choosing a charity to donate to during Ramadan. Preferred donation methods include in-person donations (UAE 31%, KSA 30%), donations directly to individuals or local communities (UAE 34%, KSA 29%), and online charity platforms (UAE 19%, KSA 27%).
Travel plans are muted for both nations, with half of UAE residents (50%) and 45% of KSA residents choosing to stay home during Ramadan. However, 2 in 10 residents of both countries plan to travel within their city or region.
When it comes to outdoor activities, visiting parks is the top choice for both UAE (49%) and KSA (48%) residents, followed by mall shopping (UAE 47%, KSA 48%).
Streaming habits remain consistent during Ramadan, with 40% of UAE residents and 39% of KSA residents indicating no change in their TV and streaming habits. However, 28% of UAE respondents and 32% of KSA respondents report a preference for shorter, snackable content due to time constraints.
A notable trend in the report is the increasing role of social commerce, with 61% of residents from both the UAE and KSA saying they are likely to shop for Ramadan on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok.
