Latest news with #Flowwowand
Hi Dubai
31-07-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Summer Sale Sees 40% Digital Sales Surge and Rise in Cross-Border Orders
Despite the low season, the Dubai Summer Sale is going to be a new Black Friday for the summer months in the UAE, driven by cross-border orders and promotional discount campaigns from brands. Flowwow, a UAE-based gifting marketplace, and Admitad, a global performance marketing company, conducted a joint e-commerce research, analysing over 2 million online orders during the summer season from June 27 to August 31 in the UAE and MENA. With the Dubai Summer Surprise (DSS) 2024 campaign (also known as Dubai Summer Sale), the merchandise revenue grew by 15% with a 40% share of mobile commerce orders. UAE Summer Sales Insights Flowwow's summer gift sale in 2024 saw a significant year-over-year boost, with GMV up by 160.2% and the number of sales increasing by 162% in the Emirates. According to Admitad data for e-commerce orders, in the UAE, the number of online orders grew by 12%, and Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) increased by 15%. Accompanied by a rise in average order value from $69 to $75, this growth was fuelled by mobile shopping, cross-border orders during the holiday summer season, and Gen Z's highly digital habits. Sales in the low season are being boosted by the Dubai Summer Sale in both online and in-store shopping, as UAE brands work to maintain growth during the off-season by offering special deals, discounts, and promotional campaigns like 'Shop, Scan & Win'. Analytics forecast a further 15% rise in online orders for the Dubai Summer Surprise 2025. Mobile commerce kept growing in MENA, with the share of purchases made on mobile devices increasing from 39% to 40% in the summer. Smartphones contributed 79% of 2024 sales in total, confirming mobile's primacy in the UAE e-commerce market. According to Flowwow and Admitad analysts, the share of mobile orders will continue to grow by 10% in 2025. MENA Regional Summer Trends The UAE and Kuwait were leading the region in summer shopping, recording the highest average order values (AOV) during the 2024 season. Kuwait topped the list with an AOV of $120, followed by the UAE at $75. Other key markets included Jordan ($55), Saudi Arabia ($52), and Qatar ($50), all showing healthy levels of consumer spending across various retail categories. Across the MENA region, online sales experienced notable year-on-year growth: the number of orders during summer increased by 12%, while Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) rose by 21%, with part of this growth attributed to inflation. The Average Order Value (AOV) in MENA saw a rise from $30 to $36. Saudi Arabia also saw positive dynamics, with an 8% increase in order volume and a 16% boost in GMV in 2024. During summer, the average order value in the Kingdom climbed from $48 to $52. This rise is partially attributed to inflation and increasingly digital consumer habits, especially among Gen Z consumers. Data shows that approximately 60% of UAE consumers have made at least one online purchase from an international retailer. Moreover, over 80% of the UAE online shoppers buy from international websites via global e-commerce platforms like Amazon and AliExpress. These global e-commerce giants and niche marketplaces are driving cross-border orders to and from the UAE, underscoring the growing popularity of shopping across international markets. Flowwow internal data proves this trend and shows a 20% increase in demand for cross-border gifting during the summer season of 2024. While many UAE residents travel abroad during the summer, more and more people are ordering gifts online — either from other countries to the UAE or from the UAE to loved ones abroad. Leading countries in this trend include the United Kingdom (17%), the United States of America (15%), Russia (12%), Saudi Arabia (10%), Germany (5%), France (5%), the Netherlands (4%), Kazakhstan (4%), Spain (4%), Turkey (4%), Italy (3%) and several others. This rise in cross-border gifting reflects broader patterns. International travel bookings by UAE residents surged by 35% in July and August 2024 compared to the previous year, according to travel agencies. Europe accounted for 65% of all UAE visa requests in Q2, highlighting a strong seasonal trend as millions of UAE residents travel abroad during the summer. 'The growth in cross-border orders shows just how open and globally connected the UAE market is. During the Dubai Summer Sale, we see people not only shopping for themselves, but also sending gifts abroad — connecting with friends and family across different countries. With its diverse, multicultural population and strong e-commerce market, the UAE has become a key destination for international shopping. At Flowwow, we're proud to support that by making cross-border gifting easier and more convenient.' — said Slava Bogdan, CEO at Flowwow. Leading Summer Categories Summer 2024 shopping data reveals clear category preferences across the MENA region, with Fashion leading the way at 21% of total purchases. Home & Garden (19%) and Electronics (18%) follow, showing that consumers remain focused on both lifestyle upgrades and tech essentials. 'Dubai Summer Sale, one of the leading shopping moments of the year, shows strong interest in fashion and high demand for seasonal clothing and accessories in the UAE. Fashion leads with 28% of all e-commerce purchases in the country: local consumers are buying fashion items both in malls and online, using global e-commerce platforms for cross-border orders. The sales season is also driving increased interest in car products among UAE consumers and the growing influence of seasonal sales' — Anna Gidirim, CEO at Admitad, commented. Among other leading categories in the UAE, Electronics (17%) and Home & Garden (14%) also remain popular, while increased spending on Car Products (11%) and Toys & Hobbies (7.5%) points to a broader focus on home life, family, and mobility. Flowers (60%), cakes and bakery products (15%) became the leaders of gifting orders in the UAE, alongside edible bouquets of strawberries (5%), balloons (4%), and houseplants (3%). Saudi Arabia shows a similar pattern, with Fashion (22%), Electronics (19%), and Home & Garden (15%) topping the list. Car Products (10%) and Toys & Hobbies (7%) continue to draw consumer interest during the summer season. The Dubai Summer Sale is changing the way people shop in the summer, driving a wave of online spending, cross-border gifting, and mobile-first purchases, helping the UAE's e-commerce market, now worth over $8.80 billion, to grow.
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.
