NIQ unveils Consumer Tech Industry Trends 2025 Report for UAE and KSA region
In the UAE, premium purchases are being boosted overall by higher-income expatriates returning from Russia and foreign tourists to the UAE buying portable tech to take home with them
Saudi Arabia's growth in gaming PCs and accessories will continue, driven by the social adoption of e-sports in the country
Saudia Arabia (KSA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are priority markets for premium smartphones, TVs, and laptops
UAE/KSA: NielsenIQ (NIQ), a leading consumer intelligence company, released a Consumer Tech Industry Trends 2025 report, forecasting global Consumer Tech & Durables sales to reach $1.29 trillion - driven by emerging markets, replacement cycles, and premium innovation - in the year ahead.
Emerging markets such as the Middle East are leading to global growth.
Top 2025 Tech Trends:
Strong economic sentiment in specific countries within the Middle East & Africa (MEA) in 2025 will continue to drive the region's overall demand for consumer technology.
In 2025, brands selling into the Middle East & Africa must navigate fragmented consumer profiles and a crowded retail landscape. Success will depend on clear brand differentiation and tailored product ranges that balance price and functionality across diverse markets. Staying informed on global consumer trends is also essential, as MEA consumers rapidly close the gap in trend adoption.
The 2025 forecast for regional sales of total Consumer Tech & Durables in MEA is USD 68B with 2% growth rate.
The Revenue share of phones equipped with an AI processor, by region in MEA, is 32% of total sales
In smartphones, foldables are a small segment, but volume demand is growing fast within Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
'Manufacturers and retailers should focus on creating solutions that address real-world challenges and elevate the consumer experience. This involves leveraging cutting-edge technologies to offer products that are not only high-quality but also user-friendly and impactful', says Andrey Dvoychenkov, NielsenIQ General Manager APP. 'By doing so, they can build stronger connections with consumers who are increasingly seeking products that align with their values and enhance their daily lives.'
On another note, we know that the tech demand is increasing across generations, but it is much more vocal in Gen Z (source: Consumer Outlook report 2024). To understand the differences between Gen Z (age 18-27) and Gen X (age 44-59), let's review a few numbers: 48% of Gen Z regularly uses a wearable device that autonomously tracks and learns their behavior. This number is only 31% for Gen X. In another point, 46% of Gen Z leverages AI in their mobile devices to automate and speed up their everyday decisions whereas it is only 34% for Gen X. As we see significant adoption of new technologies for younger generation, the demand and early adoption of any new technology or trend will be driven by Gen Z.
Why These Trends Matter for 2025
NIQ's Consumer Tech Industry Trends 2025 report equips businesses with a forward-looking roadmap to unlock category growth, target evolving personas, and drive revenue through data-backed innovation.
Download the full report to explore consumer tech's most promising sectors and strategic imperatives.
About NielsenIQ
NielsenIQ (NIQ) is a leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. NIQ combined with GfK in 2023, bringing together two industry leaders with unparalleled global reach. Our global reach spans over 90 countries covering approximately 85% of the world's population and more than $ 7.2 trillion in global consumer spend. With a holistic retail read and the most comprehensive consumer insights—delivered with advanced analytics through state-of-the-art platforms—NIQ delivers the Full View™.
For more information, please visit www.niq.com
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
29 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
Security and checkout friction remain top concerns for UAE online shoppers
Security concerns continue to be the leading frustration for 40 per cent of online shoppers in the UAE, while nearly 37 per cent are irritated by the need to manually enter card details during checkout, according to Visa's latest Checkout Friction Report released on Monday. Despite the rapid growth of eCommerce and significant strides in advancing the UAE's digital economy, the report highlights that retailers still have room to improve the online checkout experience and boost customer satisfaction. The findings are based on a survey of 2,016 online shoppers across the GCC, including the UAE, and delve into common pain points in the eCommerce checkout process that impact both consumer satisfaction and business performance. Key insights include: - One in three UAE respondents (33 per cent) shop online for groceries multiple times a week. - For categories like fashion, entertainment, and electronics, shopping frequency ranges from once to several times a month. 'Challenges in the online checkout process have direct implications for businesses—leading to lost revenue and hindering both customer acquisition and retention,' said Salima Gutieva, Visa's Vice President and Country Manager for the UAE. 'Today's consumers expect—and deserve—a seamless and secure eCommerce experience. That's why Visa is collaborating with partners to implement solutions like Click to Pay, which uses biometrics and tokenisation to address key pain points and enhance convenience. These improvements not only drive business results but also support the UAE government's vision of a secure, digital-first economy.' The report also underscores the importance of security in online transactions: - 58 per cent of consumers are concerned about fraud or hacking when storing card details across multiple websites. - 42 per cent have experienced fraud or security breaches firsthand. There is strong consumer demand for a more streamlined checkout process: - 65 per cent favour a single registration for online payments across all participating merchants. - 67 per cent would opt for biometric authentication (e.g., fingerprint or face ID) over traditional methods like passwords or OTPs. For businesses, the message is clear: simplifying and securing the checkout process can significantly influence consumer behaviour. - 82 per cent of respondents said they would shop online more frequently and complete more purchases if a one-click checkout option were available. - 66 per cent expressed a high likelihood of using 'Click to Pay with Biometrics' if offered by online retailers. The UAE eCommerce market is projected to reach $12.28 billion in 2025, with expectations to grow to $21.18 billion by 2030, reflecting a CAGR of 11.52 per cent, according to Mordor Intelligence. The number of eCommerce users is expected to reach 5.7 million by 2029, with a user penetration rate of 49.6 per cent in 2025, increasing to 58 per cent by 2029.
Khaleej Times
29 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE-Syria travel: Emirates to restart flights to Damascus
Emirates is set to reintroduce flights to Damascus from July 16, after operations were suspended to the Syrian capital in 2012. The return of services follow a comprehensive evaluation in conjunction with the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority. The airline will initially start with three weekly services on Monday, Wednesday and Sunday, with plans to expand to four weekly flights from August 2 with an additional flight on Saturday. Emirates will expand its Damascus services to daily operations, effective October 26. The airline's services to Damascus will operate with a 302-seater Boeing 777-200LR and is planned to depart Dubai as EK 913 at 1200, arriving in Damascus International Airport at 2.10pm local time. The return flight, EK 914 will depart Damascus at 4.30pm, arriving in Dubai at 8.30pm local time. The flights will advance UAE's efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and support Syrian aspirations to rebuild and attract foreign investment across key sectors such as energy, construction and agriculture. Emirates customers flying to and from Damascus will also benefit from the airline's codeshare partnership with flydubai, which will complement its flight schedule and provide more options and convenience when flying in and out of the Syrian capital. 'Re-establishing air travel and connectivity is also good news for our customers that make up the expansive Syrian diaspora across the Americas, Europe and the GCC, who are eager to fly back home and reconnect to their roots, and leverage their knowledge, skills, expertise and resources in ongoing development efforts," said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group. The UAE and Syria's trade volumes reached $680 million (Dh2.5 billion) in 2024, a 23 per cent increase over the previous year, and the new flights will further stimulate vital trade ties. The UAE's thriving Syrian community of over 350,000 nationals have played an integral role in the UAE's prosperity, contributing through entrepreneurial ventures and skilled expertise while further enriching the country's vibrant cultural tapestry. Emirates commenced services to Damascus in 1988, and prior to suspending operations in 2012 the airline carried over 2.1 million passengers in and out of Syria. The airline currently flies to 13 cities in the Middle East/GCC, serving the region with a total of 191 weekly flights.
Zawya
32 minutes ago
- Zawya
Markaz: Kuwait equities were positive during the month led by gains in Premier Market stocks
Kuwait: Kuwait Financial Centre 'Markaz' released its Monthly Market Review report for May 2025. Kuwait equity market was positive during May 2025, supported by strong corporate earnings for some companies and improvement in oil prices. Global markets were buoyed by signs of easing trade tensions. Oil prices increased for the month on the back of de-escalation of trade tensions even as supply concerns tempered gains. Kuwait markets were positive in May 2025, led by gains in Premier Market stocks. Kuwait's All Share Index (price returns) gained 1.9% supported by positive corporate earnings for some companies. Consumer staples and oil and gas sectors were the top gainers, rising 16.2% and 6.9% respectively. The banking sector index increased 1.6% for the month. Among banking stocks, Burgan Bank and Warba Bank were the top gainers, rising 12.4% and 11.3% respectively during the month. Warba bank has increased its paid-up capital by 100% to KD 436.7 million. Warba Bank and Gulf Bank have initiated discussions to explore a potential merger of the two banks. This is Gulf Bank's third merger discussion following its earlier discussion with Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait (2023) and Boubyan Bank (January 2025). Among Premier Market stocks, Jazeera Airways and Boursa Kuwait were the top gainers, rising 36.7% and 17.7% respectively. Jazeera Airways has reported a 274.8% y/y increase in its net profit for Q1 2025, totaling KD 4.7 million. The increase in passenger traffic and an increase in ancillary revenue after the introduction of new services and products supported growth in profits. S&P has affirmed Kuwait's credit rating at A+ with stable outlook, citing strong public and external balance sheets, backed by significant stock of government financial assets. The agency expects Kuwait's fiscal deficit to remain high, averaging 8.9% of GDP between 2025 and 2028. However, the agency expects the fiscal deficit to decline 6% of GDP by 2028 from about 14% in 2025, due to higher oil revenue on the back of higher production and measures taken by the government to increase non-oil revenue. The S&P GCC Composite index declined by 2.4% in May 2025 weighed by decline in Saudi equities. Saudi equity index declined by 5.8% during the month, amid decline in earnings for some majors like Saudi Aramco and SABIC, concerns on long-term impact of broader weakness in oil prices on government spending and 12% m/m decrease in the country's oil exports in March 2025. Saudi Telecom Company and Al Rajhi Bank's stock prices declined by 8.0% and 6.5% respectively for the month. flynas, Saudi Arabia's budget airline, has launched its IPO, seeking to raise SAR 3.9 billion (USD 1.0 billion) and SAR 4.1 billion (USD 1.1 billion). Abu Dhabi's equity index increased by 1.6% in May 2025, supported by gains in banking stocks. First Abu Dhabi Bank and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank gained 7.2% and 3.8% respectively for the month, likely due to continuing momentum from the positive earnings report last month. Dubai's equity index gained 3.3% for the month, supported by gains in blue chips. Emirates NBD gained 9.0% during the month. The bank has received in-principle regulatory approval to set up wholly owned subsidiary in India. It has also offered USD 6 to 7 billion in an all-cash deal for a 61% stake in India's government owned IDBI Bank. Qatar's equity markets were flat for the month. Saudi Arabia's real GDP increased by 2.7% y/y in Q1 2025, supported by non-oil economic activity and government activity. The country's fiscal deficit rose to USD 15.65 billion in Q1 2025 from USD 3.30 billion in Q1 2024 due to an 18% y/y decline in oil revenues and a 5% y/y rise in expenditure. IPO proceeds across MENA region for Q1 2025 reached USD 21 billion, registering a 106% y/y rise, according to EY. Saudi Arabia had been the epicenter of activity with 12 of the 14 listings taking place in the country. Global markets were positive during May 2025, supported by de-escalation of trade tensions. The MSCI World and S&P 500 indices rose by 5.7% and 6.2% respectively for the month. U.S and China have agreed to pause levy of additional tariffs announced in April 2025 for 90 days and to also lower tariff levels. The U.S and U.K have also arrived at a trade deal to lower tariffs, giving room for optimism that U.S might strike such deals with other countries as well. Nasdaq 100 surged by 9.0% during the month on the back of strong earnings reports and expansion plans from tech companies. The MSCI EM index gained 4.0% during the month. Chinese equities rose by 2.1%, supported by easing trade tensions, stimulus measures, rate cuts and positive economic data. Indian equities also gained by 1.5% for the month, on the back of institutional interest and earnings momentum. U.S inflation stood at 2.3% y/y in April 2025, slightly down from 2.4% y/y reading in March 2025. The U.S labor market added 177,000 jobs in April, down from 185,000 jobs added in March. The yield on the 10-year US treasury notes rose by 24 bps during the month to 4.41%. The U.S Fed held rates steady in May 2025, citing an increased risk of inflation and unemployment and higher uncertainty around the economic outlook, in the backdrop of recent tariffs. Moody's has downgraded the U.S' sovereign credit rating to Aa1 from Aaa, citing concerns on the growing debt of over USD 36 trillion due to increasing government expenditure and flat government revenues. The U.S House of Representatives has also passed the tax and spending bill which would increase tax breaks and defence spending, weakening the country's fiscal position. Oil (Brent) prices closed the month at USD 63.9 per barrel, rising by 1.2% during the month. While the easing of trade tensions lent support, concerns of rise in supply weighed on prices. In the backdrop of U.S sanctions on Iran and ongoing discussions between the two countries on nuclear deal, easing of sanctions would enable Iran to re-enter oil market. This would add 400,000 bpd to the global crude supply. OPEC+ is also widely expected to continue to hike output in July 2025. Gold prices closed at USD 3,289, closing flat for the month, maintaining its YTD gain of 25.4%. While expected de-escalation of trade tensions had supported markets during the month, further developments on trade relations between U.S-China and U.S-EU would continue to impact markets, with persisting concerns over economic outlook and inflation. While progress in trade relations and volatility in oil prices might continue to influence GCC markets, sustained momentum in non-oil economic activity and improvement in oil GDP are likely to support investor sentiments. About Kuwait Financial Centre 'Markaz' Established in 1974, Kuwait Financial Centre K.P.S.C 'Markaz' is one of the leading asset management and investment banking institutions in the MENA region with total assets under management of over KD 1.44 billion (USD 4.67 billion) as of 31 March 2025. Markaz was listed on the Boursa Kuwait in 1997. Over the years, Markaz has pioneered innovation through the creation of new investment channels. These channels enjoy unique characteristics and helped Markaz widen investors' horizons. Examples include Mumtaz (the first domestic mutual fund), MREF (the first real estate investment fund in Kuwait), Forsa Financial Fund (the first options market maker in the GCC since 2005), and the GCC Momentum Fund (the first passive fund of its kind in Kuwait and across GCC that follows the momentum methodology), all conceptualized, established, and managed by Markaz. For further information, please contact: Sondos Saad Corporate Communications Department Kuwait Financial Centre K.P.S.C. "Markaz" Email: Ssaad@
