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Arabian Business
28-03-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Ramadan and Eid e-commerce sales soar in MENA, led by Saudi Arabia and UAE, study shows
Eid Al-Fitr shopping this year is expected to see a 30 per cent jump in gift demand in terms of gross merchandise value (GMV) in MENA, market research said. Along with an estimated over 150 per cent surge in gift demand during Ramadan 2025, the current festival shopping will also give a major boost to e-commerce sales in the region, the joint study by Flowwow, a UAE-based gifting marketplace, and Admitad, said. The study, which analysed over 900,000 customer orders, forecasted a 10 per cent increase in online sales during the Eid Al-Fitr shopping period. Shoppers in MENA are turning to online gifting during this time of generosity and family connection, the study said. 'The latest numbers confirm that this year's Ramadan sales in MENA have outpaced 2024, with a 9 per cent increase in total sales and an impressive 35 per cent growth in GMV. Saudi Arabia saw an even bigger e-commerce peak, with sales increased by 30 per cent and GMV rising 35 per cent,' the market study said. With strong early Ramadan sales this year, Flowwow and Admitad experts predicted a record-breaking Eid Al-Fitr 2025, forecasting a 10 per cent rise in online sales and a 30 per cent increase in GMV compared to last year. Anna Gidirim, CEO at Admitad, said the Ramadan and Eid season continues to be a peak period for e-commerce in the MENA region, driven by the growing consumer preference for online shopping and gifting. 'This trend is particularly pronounced in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, where digital retail adoption remains strong,' she said. Ramadan and Eid average order value surge A key trend observed during Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr is the average order value (AOV) increase from $41 to $49 year-over-year, particularly in top-spending countries such as Kuwait, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. Among MENA countries, Kuwait led the way with an average order value of $125, followed by Saudi Arabia at $86, the UAE at $83, Qatar at $53, and Jordan at $48. 'As Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr bring people together, we're seeing more shoppers choosing meaningful gifts to celebrate and strengthen their connections with loved ones,' said Slava Bogdan, CEO of Flowwow. 'Based on current trends, we expect Eid Al-Fitr 2025 to set new records, with gifting sales projected to grow by at least 50 per cent, compared to last year in the UAE,' she said. Bogdan said flowers, sweets, and gourmet sets remain among the top choices, reflecting the blend of tradition and convenience. Rise in mobile shopping Online shopping during the Ramadan and Eid season also saw a jump in orders via mobile devices, accounting for over 40 per cent of all purchases in MENA. Mobile-based orders were even higher in countries like Saudi Arabia (50+ per cent) and the UAE (up from 39 per cent to 47 per cent), the study said, adding that this surge is largely driven by younger generations like Gen-Z, who are fully accustomed to mobile-first, digital commerce. The study said the gifting market is also intensifying, with more players entering the sector to meet the rising demand. 'Today's competitive landscape spans niche gifting marketplaces such as Floward, FNP and Flowwow, whereas e-commerce platforms like Amazon UAE, super-apps like Talabat, Deliveroo, and Careem, besides retailers and offline stores are also expanding beyond rides and food delivery, quickly launching gifting services to take advantage of the booming demand during Ramadan and Eid,' it said.
Khaleej Times
27-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Eid Al Fitr and Ramadan drive Mena e-commerce boom
Shoppers in Mena are increasingly turning to online gifting as Eid Al Fitr approaches, a study showed. Data from Flowwow, a UAE-based gifting marketplace and Admitad, a partnership marketing platform, revealed a surge of more than 150 per cent in gift demand during Ramadan 2025, with a forecasted 10 per cent increase in online sales and a 30 per cent rise in GMV for Eid al-Fitr. As the Mena gifting market is projected to grow from $6.36 billion in 2025 to $8.47 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.16 per cent, both e-commerce giants, super apps, and niche gifting platforms are expanding their gift categories to capture a larger share of the growing demand for online gifting during the Ramadan month. The latest numbers confirm that this year's Ramadan sales in Mena have outpaced 2024, with a nine per cent increase in total sales and an impressive 35 per cent growth in gross merchandise value (GMV). Saudi Arabia saw an even bigger e-commerce peak, with sales increased by 30 per cent and GMV rising 35 per cent. The UAE also experienced a 20 per cent boost in orders, with GMV growing 13 per cent in 2025. With strong early Ramadan sales this year, Flowwow and Admitad experts predict a record-breaking Eid al-Fitr 2025, forecasting a 10 per cent rise in online sales and a 30 per cent increase in GMV compared to last year. 'The Ramadan and Eid season continues to be a peak period for e-commerce in the Mena region, driven by the growing consumer preference for online shopping and gifting. This trend is particularly pronounced in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, where digital retail adoption remains strong,' said Anna Gidirim, CEO at Admitad. While Ramadan has always been a key shopping season, 2024 saw an even greater shift to online spending. During Eid al-Fitr, sales across Mena skyrocketed by 38 per cent, with total spending up by 36 per cent compared to the previous year. Saudi Arabia saw an impressive 50 per cent rise in orders, with GMV increasing by 28 per cent, while in the UAE, orders climbed by 27 per cent, and GMV rose by 16 per cent. Ramadan itself also showed steady growth. In 2024, overall sales in Mena increased by seven per cent, with GMV up five per cent compared to non-festive months. While Saudi Arabia's growth remained modest, the UAE saw a 5 per cent jump in order volume and a 7 per cent rise in GMV. A key trend observed during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr is the average order value (AOV) increase from $41 to $49 year-over-year, particularly in top-spending countries such as Kuwait, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. This growth in consumer spending highlights the significance of Ramadan as a peak e-commerce season in the region. Among Mena countries, Kuwait led the way with an average order value of $125, followed by Saudi Arabia at $86, the UAE at $83, Qatar at $53, and Jordan at $48. The demand for online shopping during the Ramadan and Eid season is growing, with an increase in mobile orders and over 40 per cent of all purchases in Mena made via mobile devices, and even higher in countries like Saudi Arabia (50 per cent+) and the UAE (up from 39 per cent to 47 per cent). This surge is largely driven by younger generations like Gen-Z, who are fully accustomed to mobile-first, digital commerce. As a result, the gifting market is intensifying, with more players entering the sector to meet the rising demand. Today's competitive landscape spans niche gifting marketplaces (Floward, FNP, Flowwow) whereas e-commerce platforms (Amazon UAE), super-apps (Talabat, Deliveroo, Careem), retailers, and offline stores also expand beyond rides and food delivery, quickly launching gifting services to take advantage of the booming demand during Ramadan and Eid. As the Ramadan season progresses, these marketplaces, particularly regional e-commerce giants, are expanding their gifting categories, introducing new collections, and competing to capture a larger share of the Mena gifting market, which is projected to reach $6.38 billion by 2030. The competition in the e-gifting sector heats up, so niche marketplaces should prioritise convenience, emotional value, and differentiated experience, especially as consumers expect more thoughtful and seamless gifting journeys. Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr are considered peak seasons for gifting platforms, with a notable increase in sales, and the biggest surge happens just days before Eid. According to 2025 data, Ramadan emerged as a key period for the Flowwow gifting marketplace, marking a significant 150 per cent+ surge in gifts demand. The data reveals significant growth in Ramadan 2025 compared to 2024: GMV rose 203.7 per cent, while the number of gift sales rose by 152.8 per cent. The average order value for gifts during Ramadan saw a growth of 19.05 per cent, reflecting higher demand and larger purchases in the e-commerce sector during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. 'As Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr bring people together, we're seeing more shoppers choosing meaningful gifts to celebrate and strengthen their connections with loved ones. Flowers, sweets, and gourmet sets remain among the top choices, reflecting the blend of tradition and convenience. Based on current trends, we expect Eid al-Fitr 2025 to set new records, with gifting sales projected to grow by at least 50 per cent compared to last year in the UAE,' said Slava Bogdan, CEO of Flowwow. The most popular gift categories for Eid al-Fitr on the marketplace include flowers (73.4 per cent), pastries and confectionery (20.4 per cent), gourmet sets (2 per cent), and edible bouquets (1.5 per cent), which are commonly used to delight family and friends, serve at Iftar dinners, and provide traditional snacks for celebrations. The most popular e-commerce categories in Mena during Ramadan included fashion, which accounted for 17.8 per cent of total orders. Electronics followed closely at 16 per cent, while home goods represented 15 per cent of all the orders. Automobiles, parts, and accessories made up 8 per cent, and toys and hobbies accounted for 6.5 per cent. Beauty and health products held a 6.2 per cent percent share, while tools comprised 4.7 per cent percent. The mother and kids category represented 4 per cent, and sports and entertainment stood at 3.8 per cent. Distinct regional trends emerged as well. Saudi Arabia saw increased demand for auto parts and electronics, while home goods, toys, and beauty products were less prioritised. In contrast, UAE shoppers focused more on automotive products, fashion, and accessories, while showing lower demand for beauty items and tools. Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr continue to drive impressive growth in e-commerce across Mena, with rising sales and increased demand for online gifting. As the gifting market expands, both major platforms and niche marketplaces are tapping into this opportunity. With even stronger sales expected in 2025, Ramadan and Eid will remain key moments for e-commerce, especially in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. The growing trend of online gifting highlights how meaningful presents bring people closer during this special season.
Hi Dubai
26-03-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Eid al-Fitr and Ramadan Drive MENA E-Commerce Boom: 150% Increase in Gift Demand, with 30% Growth Expected for Eid 2025
In their latest e-commerce research, Flowwow and Admitad predict a 30%+ increase in online orders for Eid al-Fitr 2025 sales, building on Ramadan's 9% sales growth and 150% increase in gift demand. The e-gifting market is becoming increasingly competitive, with traditional stores, niche platforms, and super-apps all eager for a share of the growing demand. Flowwow, a UAE-based gifting marketplace, partnered with Admitad to conduct research ahead of Eid al-Fitr, highlighting significant growth in online shopping and gifting. The study, which analysed over 900,000 customer orders, revealed a 150%+ surge in gift demand during Ramadan 2025, with a forecasted 10% increase in online sales and a 30% rise in GMV for Eid al-Fitr. Shoppers in MENA are increasingly turning to online gifting during this time of generosity and family connection. As the MENA gifting market is projected to grow from USD 6.36 billion in 2025 to USD 8.47 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.16%, both e-commerce giants, super apps, and niche gifting platforms are expanding their gift categories to capture a larger share of the growing demand for online gifting during the Ramadan month. Eid al-Fitr 2025 Expected to Set New Sales Records The latest numbers confirm that this year's Ramadan sales in MENA have outpaced 2024, with a 9% increase in total sales and an impressive 35% growth in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV). Saudi Arabia saw an even bigger e-commerce peak, with sales increased by 30% and GMV rising 35%. The UAE also experienced a 20% boost in orders, with GMV growing 13% in 2025. With strong early Ramadan sales this year, Flowwow and Admitad experts predict a record-breaking Eid al-Fitr 2025, forecasting a 10% rise in online sales and a 30% increase in GMV compared to last year. The Ramadan and Eid season continues to be a peak period for e-commerce in the MENA region, driven b y the growing consumer preference for online shopping and gifting. This trend is particularly pronounced in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, where digital retail adoption remains strong, said Anna Gidirim, CEO at Admitad. E-Commerce Growth and Higher Spending During Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr While Ramadan has always been a key shopping season, 2024 saw an even greater shift to online spending. During Eid al-Fitr, sales across MENA skyrocketed by 38%, with total spending up by 36% compared to the previous year. Saudi Arabia saw an impressive 50% rise in orders, with Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) increasing by 28%, while in the UAE, orders climbed by 27%, and GMV rose by 16%. Ramadan itself also showed steady growth. In 2024, overall sales in MENA increased by 7%, with GMV up 5% compared to non-festive months. While Saudi Arabia's growth remained modest, the UAE saw a 5% jump in order volume and a 7% rise in GMV. A key trend observed during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr is the average order value (AOV) increase from $41 to $49 year-over-year, particularly in top-spending countries such as Kuwait, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. This growth in consumer spending highlights the significance of Ramadan as a peak e-commerce season in the region. Among MENA countries, Kuwait led the way with an average order value of $125, followed by Saudi Arabia at $86, the UAE at $83, Qatar at $53, and Jordan at $48. How Is Competition Shaping the UAE and MENA Gift Market? The demand for online shopping during the Ramadan and Eid season is growing, with an increase in mobile orders and over 40% of all purchases in MENA made via mobile devices, and even higher in countries like Saudi Arabia (50%+) and the UAE (up from 39% to 47%). This surge is largely driven by younger generations like Gen-Z, who are fully accustomed to mobile-first, digital commerce. As a result, the gifting market is intensifying, with more players entering the sector to meet the rising demand. Today's competitive landscape spans niche gifting marketplaces (Floward, FNP, Flowwow) whereas e-commerce platforms (Amazon UAE), super-apps (Talabat, Deliveroo, Careem), retailers, and offline stores also expand beyond rides and food delivery, quickly launching gifting services to take advantage of the booming demand during Ramadan and Eid. As the Ramadan season progresses, these marketplaces, particularly regional e-commerce giants, are expanding their gifting categories, introducing new collections, and competing to capture a larger share of the MENA gifting market, which is projected to reach $6.38 billion by 2030. The competition in the e-gifting sector heats up, so niche marketplaces should prioritise convenience, emotional value, and differentiated experience, especially as consumers expect more thoughtful and seamless gifting journeys. Eid al-Fitr and Ramadan Gifting Trends Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr are considered peak seasons for gifting platforms, with a notable increase in sales, and the biggest surge happens just days before Eid. According to 2025 data, Ramadan emerged as a key period for the Flowwow gifting marketplace, marking a significant 150%+ surge in gifts demand. The data from Flowwow reveals significant growth in Ramadan 2025 compared to 2024: the Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) increased by 203.7%, while the number of gift sales rose by 152.8%. The average order value for gifts during Ramadan saw a growth of 19.05%, reflecting higher demand and larger purchases in the e-commerce sector during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. As Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr bring people together, we're seeing more shoppers choosing meaningful gifts to celebrate and strengthen their connections with loved ones. Flowers, sweets, and gourmet sets remain among the top choices, reflecting the blend of tradition and convenience. Based on current trends, we expect Eid al-Fitr 2025 to set new records, with gifting sales projected to grow by at least 50% compared to last year in the UAE, commented Slava Bogdan, CEO of Flowwow. The most popular gift categories for Eid al-Fitr on the marketplace include flowers (73.4%), pastries and confectionery (20.4%), gourmet sets (2%), and edible bouquets (1.5%), which are commonly used to delight family and friends, serve at Iftar dinners, and provide traditional snacks for celebrations. What MENA Shoppers Are Buying This Ramadan The most popular e-commerce categories in MENA during Ramadan included fashion, which accounted for 17.8% of total orders. Electronics followed closely at 16%, while home goods represented 15% of all the orders. Automobiles, parts, and accessories made up 8%, and toys and hobbies accounted for 6.5%. Beauty and health products held a 6.2% percent share, while tools comprised 4.7% percent. The mother and kids category represented 4%, and sports and entertainment stood at 3.8%. Distinct regional trends emerged as well. Saudi Arabia saw increased demand for auto parts and electronics, while home goods, toys, and beauty products were less prioritised. In contrast, UAE shoppers focused more on automotive products, fashion, and accessories, while showing lower demand for beauty items and tools. Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr continue to drive impressive growth in e-commerce across MENA, with rising sales and increased demand for online gifting. As the gifting market expands, both major platforms and niche marketplaces are tapping into this opportunity. With even stronger sales expected in 2025, Ramadan and Eid will remain key moments for e-commerce, especially in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. The growing trend of online gifting highlights how meaningful presents bring people closer during this special season.
Khaleej Times
13-02-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Valentine's Day in UAE: Popular gift items for this year revealed
UAE residents spent on average $95 (nearly Dh350) on Valentine's Da y gifts in 2025, mostly on fashion, electronics and home and garden products. According to the UAE-based gifting marketplace Flowwow, UAE shoppers were the second highest spenders on Valentine's Day gifts after Kuwait ($126 or Dh460) across the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region. Beauty, car products and toys are the other most popular items that UAE shoppers buy on Valentine's Day to gift to their loved ones. 'The UAE and Mena region stand out for their deep-rooted culture of expressing love through meaningful gestures… This year, we predict a significant 15 per cent rise in gifting sales for Valentine's Day, one of the biggest shopping peaks of the year, with a notable 10 per cent increase specifically in the confectionery category,' said Slava Bogdan, CEO of Flowwow. 'As long as people love, the gifting business will continue to thrive – especially on occasions like Valentine's Day, where expressions of affection matter most,' he said. Valentine's Day is one of the busiest shopping seasons in the UAE when a large number of people buy gifts for their loved ones. Across the Mena, consumers are expected to spend a record Dh101 billion on Valentine's Day, according to the National Retail Federation. In the UAE, large bouquets in shades of red, pink and white, composed of classic and peony roses, remained one of the top choices of customers in 2024. Luxurious bouquets with 101 or 109 roses have become bestsellers in the Emirates, often selected for special occasions, including Valentine's Day. The average order value for the flower bouquets in the UAE stood at Dh275. Valentine's Day appears to be losing its charm for local Mena audiences, as total sales in 2024 have decreased by 5 per cent in the week of the holiday compared to the previous year as residents will be spending during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan as well, for gifts. 'Consumers have been less active in making Valentine's Day purchases compared to, for example, the month of Ramadan. However, the situation will improve with the overall growth of e-commerce in the region, which is projected to increase by 5 per cent in the total number of orders by the end of 2025,' said Anna Gidirim, CEO of Admitad.
Zawya
06-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
UAE, Saudi Arabia lead MENA's e-commerce growth in 2024
Mubasher: The e-commerce sector in the MENA region, valued at $1.80 billion, grew by 30% in 2024, according to a joint report by Flowwow and Admitad. The market witnessed online orders growth in 2024, with 7% increases in the UAE and 9% in Saudi Arabia, anchoring their positions as the region's industry leaders. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait topped contributors by gross merchandise value (GMV) of online sales. Turkey and Egypt followed due to large populations and digital expansion. Morocco, Pakistan, Qatar, Algeria, and Bahrain also benefitted from increased mobile commerce. Online orders in the UAE and Saudi Arabia surged by 7% and 9% in online orders, respectively, compared to an average 5% growth across the MENA region. The research also highlighted a jump in average order values (AOV) in the region during 2024. In MENA, the AOV grew from $30 in 2023 to $35.60 in 2024, with the UAE showing a rise from $89 to $102 and Saudi Arabia from $49.60 to $52.50. Online gaming topped product categories for order growth in MENA, with orders up a whopping 32%. B2B services and fashion also recorded a surge of 25% and 23%, respectively. Anna Gidirim, CEO of Admitad, commented: 'MENA e-commerce is moving toward AI-driven personalisation, community-orientated strategies, tailored marketing approaches, and content platforms like TikTok and Pinterest as key shopping hubs for Generation Z.' As per a recent research, the UAE Gifting Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 14.7% during 2024-2030. The gifting marketplace solidified its position in the United Arab Emirates, with over 200 active sellers, with 150 based in Dubai. These local sellers have made significant contributions to revenue growth by offering more than 24,000 available gifts across the UAE, from flowers to jewellery, to cater to varied customer preferences and ensure rapid fulfilment across key cities. Slava Bogdan, CEO of Flowwow, commented: 'The development of the e-commerce and gifting markets, along with support for local entrepreneurship (SMEs), drives economic growth and creates new opportunities for both individuals and local businesses in the region.' The MENA region, with the UAE in particular, leads the drive in our company's development in the global market. Our record-breaking 2024 results have set the stage for even greater growth to come. In 2025-2026, we are expecting a 4x increase and YoY growth of +300% in the region,' Bogdan added. The MENA $50 billion e-commerce continues to develop trends based on user-friendly technology, community-driven mechanics, and personalised mobile shopping experiences. Flowwow and Admitad expected that the sector will continue to grow in 2025, driven by the overall expansion of the digital economy and government initiatives across the region.
