The Ramadan economy: How UAE consumers are spending in 2026

The Ramadan economy: How UAE consumers are spending in 2026

Author: The National News February 25, 2026 Duration: 24:13
Ramadan is a time of self-reflection, generosity, community and family, but it is also a period of intense consumer spending. Even as people fast from morning until dusk, spending rises across food and retail. In 2026, how people spend is shifting, with more people staying home, ordering in, and buying not only products but experiences too. Yet a recent survey suggests UAE consumers still expect to spend more this Ramadan. Redseer Strategy Consultants estimates the UAE Ramadan economy will grow from about $15 billion in 2025 to $16.4 billion this year. In this episode of Business Extra, host Salim Essaid is joined by Sandeep Ganediwalla, managing partner at Redseer, to unpack what is changing in consumer behaviour a week into the holy month. They discuss why excitement to spend is higher this year, how the winter weather is shifting people towards more outings and experiences, what Gen Y is doing differently with planned purchases, and why pre-Ramadan stock-ups are declining as delivery and loyalty programmes reshape habits.

Tune into Business Extra for a clear-eyed look at the forces shaping commerce in the Middle East and beyond. Produced by The National News, this podcast moves past the headlines to deliver substantive conversations with the analysts, executives, and innovators driving change. Each episode leans on the deep regional expertise of our editors and reporters, who translate complex developments in markets, energy, and technology into accessible insights. You’ll hear grounded discussions that connect local trends to global patterns, offering a necessary perspective on one of the planet's most dynamic economic landscapes. Whether it's a shift in oil policy, a tech startup's rise, or a new trade agreement, this series provides the context often missing from daily news cycles. For anyone with a stake in understanding how business really works in this pivotal region, Business Extra is an essential listen, blending authoritative journalism with genuine curiosity. The result is a consistently informative podcast that feels less like a briefing and more like a series of insightful conversations with people who have their finger on the pulse.
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