Careem reveals shifts in consumer behaviour, preferences, spending during Ramadan

Campaign ME

27-03-2025

Careem has shared its latest report revealing key customer trends across 'the Everything App' during the Holy Month of Ramadan, highlighting consumer insights on preferences, sales, and spending patterns, including shifts in grocery delivery, food ordering, donations, rides, cross-border payments and dining out.
Careem Food witnessed a notable surge in demand, with order volumes rising by 36 per cent during suhoor hours in March, compared with February.
In terms of bottom-of-the-funnel sales generated for brands, the most frequently ordered iftar and suhoor items included The Big Feast from McDonald's and Plain Paratha from Punjab Flower Restaurant for suhoor, and the eight-piece Wings Meal from Wingstop in Dubai and Special Haleem from Ritaj Restaurant in Abu Dhabi for iftar.
The largest single Careem Food order in Dubai was valued at more than AED 2,460 for 10 items from Café Bateel, while the most expensive order in Abu Dhabi reached AED 1,410 for 12 items from Behrouz Biryani.
In line with the spirit of giving during Ramadan, Careem's in-app donations service, Right Click, witnessed a 240 per cent spike in total donations to local NGOs and charities across the UAE, KSA and Jordan throughout the Holy Month compared to February.
Careem Groceries also witnessed increased activity during the Holy Month, with orders placed around iftar time – between 5pm and 6 pm each evening – rising by 25 per cent; and orders placed during suhoor – at approximate 4am each morning – surging by 70 per cent.
Highlighting a marked shift in consumer spending patterns during Ramadan, overall grocery order volumes rose 8 per cent in March compared with February, with the evening peak shopping hours shifting from 7–8 pm pre-Ramadan to 4–5 pm during the Holy Month.
The largest single grocery order in Dubai was valued at more than AED 2,800 for 60 items, while the biggest order in Abu Dhabi exceeded AED 1,400 for 42 items. Bananas, bottled water, cucumbers, and blueberries were among the most frequently ordered items during Ramadan.
Careem DineOut, the in-app dining discovery and booking service, also was a popular choice for iftar and suhoor bookings this year. The most booked venues in Dubai included QD's Lounge and Restaurant at Dubai Creek Resort, Lulu and The Beanstalk in DIFC, and Wagamama at Dubai Hills Mall, while diners in Abu Dhabi favoured Tuk Tuk Restaurant in Khalifa City, Pho 7 and The Irish Vickers.
The highest single saving recorded on Careem DineOut during Ramadan was AED 6,760 on a booking valued at more than AED 27,000 at the Terrace Iftar at JW Marriott Marquis. One customer booked through Careem DineOut 31 times during the month, making them the most active foodie of Ramadan.
During Ramadan, Careem Rides witnessed its the busiest time around 3 pm in the UAE, due to shorter office hours. Popular destinations in Dubai included Business Bay, Dubai Mall and The Palm, where most of the brands, agencies and organisation hosted their respective iftars, while in Abu Dhabi, popular spots included Downtown and Hudariyat.
Careem Pay, the digital payments and remittance service within Careem, recorded a 6 per cent increase in international transfers during Ramadan, led by a 10 per cent growth in transfers to India.
Several customers reached the monthly transfer cap of AED 450,000 via the India corridor, likely due to increased gifting and donations during the month.
Pakistan saw the largest month-on-month increase in transfer volumes. For instance, one customer sent 46 separate transfers to Pakistan during Ramadan.