
Businesses in the UAE gear up for surge in demand during Ramadan
As the Holy Month of Ramadan approaches, businesses across various sectors are witnessing a surge in demand, reflecting the unique lifestyle shifts and consumer behaviors during this sacred time.
From mobility solutions and luxury hospitality to personalized gifting and premium transportation, companies are gearing up to meet evolving customer needs. Industry leaders share insights on how they are preparing for the season, offering enhanced services, exclusive deals, and seamless experiences to ensure convenience and comfort for residents and visitors alike.
'We are gearing up for a busy period during the Holy Month of Ramadan. Compared to previous months, we anticipate that our bookings will increase by 20 per cent during the peak Ramadan hours. As a 100 per cent electric premium limousine service in the UAE, we are committed to providing a seamless travel experience. This Ramadan, we are dedicated to making travel more convenient, comfortable, and environmentally friendly,' said Sreejith Hrishikesh, VP – Business and Country Head, UAE, BluSmart.
'We have observed a 40 per cent increase in online jewellery shopping in the weeks leading up to Ramadan. This is also fuelled by the recent demand for Valentine's day. With gifting playing a key role in Ramadan and Eid celebrations, we have seen a 50 per cent rise in orders for customized and symbolic pieces, as people look for thoughtful ways to express love and appreciation. This surge highlights the growing preference for seamless, high-quality online shopping experiences,' said Amreen Iqbal, Founder of Piece of You.
'As Ramadan approaches, we anticipate a 30-35 per cent surge in app-based bookings, driven by shifting mobility patterns, flexible work schedules, and an increase in social and family gatherings. The holy month brings a unique set of transportation needs, with individuals frequently traveling for Iftar, Suhoor, prayers, and late-night outings, all of which contribute to a rise in short-term rental activity. In the same context, we have also introduced a special Ramadan deal, that will offer customers a flat Dh200 discount on the total amount for monthly bookings on selected cars within the Selfdrive.ae fleet, if booked through the app. In addition to local demand, tourist arrivals also see a sharp increase during Ramadan and Eid. Many international travelers prefer app-based rentals for their flexibility and ease of access, leading to a significant uptick in digital reservations,' said Soham Shah, CEO and Founder of SelfDrive Mobility.
'At bnbme holiday homes, we have witnessed a 35 per cent increase in bookings through our online platforms and apps as Ramadan approaches, with more guests seeking short-term stays for family gatherings, staycations, and spiritual retreats. The demand is particularly high for luxury villas and apartments that offer privacy, comfort, and a home-like atmosphere for iftar and suhoor. With many travelers visiting the UAE to celebrate the holy month, we have also seen a rise in bookings from international guests looking for premium serviced accommodations near key cultural landmarks. This trend highlights the growing preference for personalized hospitality experiences, and we remain committed to providing exceptional stays that cater to the unique needs of our guests during this special time,' said Shilpa Mahtani, Co-Founder and Managing Director of bnbme holiday homes by Hoteliers.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Sharjah 24
13 hours ago
- Sharjah 24
SPC Free Zone secures coveted workplace accolade for 2nd year
The certification is based on direct and anonymous employee feedback through focused surveys, and SPC Free Zone's success stemmed from exceptional scores across categories, including Workplace Hospitality, Leadership Behaviour, Innovation, Engagement, Equity, Collaboration, and Safety. These high marks paint a clear picture of an environment where employees feel welcomed, respected, empowered, and secure. Commenting on the achievement, Saif Al Suwaidi, Director of SPC Free Zone, said: 'At SPC Free Zone, we firmly believe that human capital is the cornerstone of any sustainable institutional success. Being certified as a Great Place to Work for the second year in a row reflects this belief and stands as a direct result of the continuous support and guidance of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, who has established a visionary leadership approach that places employees at the heart of development and excellence.' He added: 'This accomplishment affirms that a healthy and attractive work environment has a positive impact on team performance, while its influence extends to the wider business community. Today, more than 9,600 companies operate in an ecosystem that inspires growth, creativity, and sustainability, further enhancing the free zone's ability to attract international partners and reinforce its status as a global hub for knowledge and investment.' Fostering growth and employee well-being SPC Free Zone has also implemented various policies and initiatives aimed at promoting growth, connection, and well-being within the workplace. A standout example was the launch of the SPC Academy, which provided all employees with regular monthly learning and development workshops, offering access to cross-departmental training. This initiative aims to enhance the organisation's understanding of its dynamics and empower individuals to expand their skill sets and career trajectories. Through efforts to promote engagement and inclusion, the free zone also curated a calendar rich with meaningful activities that strengthen bonds and celebrate diversity. From recognising international days of recognition and raising awareness for various causes, to hosting grand annual gala dinners that reward exceptional achievements and fostering community during the sacred month of Ramadan with annual Iftars, SPC Free Zone has promoted a culture of value and acknowledgement. Understanding the importance of physical and mental health, the free zone also organises bi-weekly free sports events, encouraging employees to socialise, stay active, and recharge together. Driven by employee participation, new volunteer initiatives, sustainability projects, and community campaigns, the SPC Cares Corporate Social Responsibility programme has also added great value to the organisation. Following impactful actions like distributing iftar meals to those in need during Ramadan, SPC aims to become the first UAE free zone to integrate social impact as a core pillar of its employee experience and organisational identity. Globally connected business ecosystem SPC Free Zone is a globally connected business ecosystem hosting companies representing over 40 countries. Renowned for its specialised community of 1,500+ publishers and creators of educational and cultural content, it combines state-of-the-art facilities with an environment of innovation and sustainability. In late 2024, SPC Freezone launched the world's first AI-powered business licence, which can complete registration in under 5 minutes. This dual commitment to technological leadership and people-first values, as demonstrated by the latest certification from 'Great Place to Work,' makes SPC Free Zone a unique gateway for entrepreneurs and enterprises seeking growth in the UAE's thriving business economy.


Tourism Breaking News
2 days ago
- Tourism Breaking News
Seychelles connects with Bahrain's travel industry ahead of Summer Travel
Post Views: 38 Tourism Seychelles Middle East Office successfully held a targeted Travel Trade Networking Event recently in Bahrain. The event brought together 25 key attendees, including travel trade professionals. This event in Bahrain marks the beginning of a series of travel trade engagements organised by Tourism Seychelles across the Gulf region. Similar events are scheduled to take place in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Oman in the coming months as part of a wider strategy to maintain strong market presence and build meaningful partnerships with travel trade stakeholders throughout the GCC. The evening provided a valuable platform for open discussions on market developments, evolving travel trends, and upcoming opportunities to promote Seychelles as an attractive and accessible destination for Bahraini travellers. Led by Ahmed Fathallah, Tourism Seychelles' representative in the Middle East, the event aimed to strengthen collaboration with the local travel trade through direct engagement and relationship building. 'Staying connected with our partners on the ground is crucial,' said Ahmed. 'By exchanging ideas and insights in a relaxed setting, we can align our efforts and develop tailored strategies that meet the expectations of the market while increasing destination awareness. This was also an ideal opportunity to engage with our partners as the second Eid holiday and summer travel period are fast approaching.' Tourism Seychelles looks forward to building on the momentum generated by the Bahrain event through continued outreach and collaborative initiatives with key industry stakeholders in the region.


Campaign ME
2 days ago
- Campaign ME
Relevance is the real luxury
Luxury is no longer just a product – it's a cultural conversation. And in the Middle East, that conversation is evolving faster than ever before. Traditionally associated with exclusivity, status and craftsmanship, the luxury industry is now navigating a more complex world. Today's consumer, particularly in the GCC, is younger, digitally fluent and culturally aware. They are not just buying into a brand – they are buying into a set of values and experiences that reflect who they are or aspire to be, making relevance more critical than ever. This shift is prompting client-side marketers to ask important questions: What does luxury mean to the next generation? How do we build emotional connection while preserving brand mystique? And how can we remain aspirational in a region where attention is fleeting? Here are four key challenges – and priorities – that premium brands must address to stay relevant in this dynamic landscape. From exclusivity to cultural relevance The traditional codes of luxury – heritage, craftsmanship and rarity – still matter, but they're no longer enough. In the Middle East, where identity and self-expression are increasingly individualistic, brands must rethink what exclusivity looks like. Younger audiences, particularly Gen Z, value purpose over pedigree. They expect brands to stand for something meaningful and reflect the diversity of their lives. A brand that once built desire through scarcity may now find more success by creating culturally relevant limited editions or partnering with local artists who offer fresh perspectives. Our own journey reflects this evolution. Since 2021, we've repositioned the brand toward a more luxury direction through major rebranding – from retail and packaging updates to a refined colour palette and a clearer, purpose-led identity. These moves were more than cosmetic – they marked a strategic shift to align with changing consumer expectations. Cultural relevance also means showing up authentically. That's why we've launched regional campaigns around key moments like Ramadan and collaborated with talents such as Laila Abdullah, fostering emotional connection through local storytelling. Rethinking the retail experience Despite the digital shift, physical retail remains central in the Middle East. Malls are more than shopping centres – they're lifestyle hubs. Consumers want more than transactions; they seek immersive, personalised experiences. Luxury brands must reimagine retail as an experiential space. This includes seamless integration between digital and physical – apps with VIP concierge services, AR tools in fitting rooms and loyalty programmes offering exclusive access. 'Luxury marketing isn't just performance-driven; it's perception-driven.' We recently brought this to life with the global launch of our Arianna collection, which featured a high-impact event and a Burj Khalifa takeover. This wasn't just about buzz – it created a culturally relevant moment that reinforced brand positioning and drove awareness. However, many brands still struggle with fragmented omnichannel strategies. CRM systems aren't always aligned with local behaviours and store teams may lack the training to deliver high-touch service. Solving this isn't just about tech upgrades – it's a mindset shift toward holistic client engagement. Bridging the talent and execution gap Another challenge is the disconnect between global strategy and local execution. Headquarters may set the vision, but local teams are the ones who bring it to life in culturally meaningful ways. The problem? There's a shortage of senior marketing talent in the luxury space who can blend global brand thinking with regional nuance. Agencies, too, are often stretched thin, with roles focused more on adaptation than innovation. To overcome this, brands must invest in building empowered in-market teams – marketers who think strategically, not just tactically. At the same time, agency relationships must evolve into co-creative partnerships that go beyond execution. Tracking desirability, not just visibility In the world of luxury, success isn't just about being seen – it's about being desired. At Swarovski, desirability is one of our key metrics. While performance indicators like reach and engagement offer a snapshot of campaign visibility, they don't fully capture the strength of emotional connection or long-term brand equity. Especially in premium markets like the Middle East, it's not enough to generate noise – we need to cultivate aspiration. That's why regional teams must push for frameworks that assess brand love, emotional resonance and cultural relevance – factors that build true affinity over time. It's about understanding how our brand is perceived, how it makes people feel and how meaningfully we show up in their lives. Luxury marketing isn't just performance-driven; it's perception-driven. And that calls for deeper, more nuanced metrics that reflect lasting impact – not just campaign visibility. The way forward is relevance The Middle East is not just a luxury growth market – it's a trendsetter. With its young, affluent population and appetite for innovation, it's fertile ground for bold, thoughtful brands. But relevance won't come from repeating global playbooks. It requires listening deeply, acting nimbly and marketing with both heart and context. For client-side marketers, the task is clear: lead with empathy, localise with integrity and remember – in luxury, the smallest details often speak the loudest. By Sarah Dja Yahia, Head of Marketing ME, SEA and India, Swarovski