How Are UAE Shopping Habits Changing in a Post-Covid World
                     How Are UAE Shopping Habits 
Changing in a Post-Covid 
World?
Desertcart Online Shopping Store
      How Are UAE Shopping Habits Changing in a Post-Covid World?
The Covid-19 pandemic has brought 
about tremendous change in 
shopping habits in the UAE, as with 
the rest of the world. In 2020, retail 
sales decreased by 8%, according to 
the Dubai Statistics Center. 
With the pandemic continuing to 
disrupt our lives, it is essential for 
retailers to understand how the 
online consumer shopping habits and 
behavior of UAE citizens have 
changed and adjust their strategies 
accordingly.
https://www.desertcart.ae/
 How Are UAE Shopping Habits Changing in a Post-Covid World?
This blog post will look at the 10 changes to online 
shopping habits that have occurred in the UAE in the post-
Covid era, and how retailers must adapt to these changes 
to ensure their survival. 
We'll look at how the pandemic affected consumer buying, 
e-commerce, and UAE retailers. We'll also examine how 
technological advances may affect the future of shopping 
and how retailers can benefit.
Cross Border Online Shoppin
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 How Are UAE Shopping Habits Changing in a Post-Covid World?
Shift to Online Shopping
Before the pandemic, many UAE 
residents weren't used to shopping 
online. Due to physical shopping 
restrictions, people have turned to 
online shopping. 
This has led to a large increase in 
the number of people at 
international shopping, with many 
finding it a more convenient and 
safer way to buy what they need. 
The online retail industry across the 
UAE has experienced growth in the 
past year. It is due to this shift and 
is likely to continue to thrive as 
long as the restrictions ohnt tpsh:y//swiwcawl. desertcart.ae/
shopping remain in place.
 How Are UAE Shopping Habits Changing in a Post-Covid World?
Increased Focus on Safety & Hygiene
One of the biggest changes is the increased focus on 
safety and hygiene. Customers are now more aware 
of the need for proper sanitation and hygiene 
practices in retail or international shopping sites. 
Businesses have responded by implementing stricter 
cleanliness and safety protocols.
This includes providing hand sanitiser, requiring face 
masks and face shields for customers and staff, and 
regular deep cleaning of surfaces and products. 
Businesses that can prove their commitment to 
safety and hygiene are more likely to draw in 
customOveerrss eaansd O bnuliniled S chuosptpoinmge Srt oloreyalty.
https://www.desertcart.ae/
How Are UAE 
Shopping Habits 
Changing in a 
Post-Covid World?
 How Are UAE Shopping Habits Changing in a Post-Covid World?
More Conscious Spending
With the economic downturn and 
job losses hitting the region hard, 
people are now more mindful and 
discerning regarding their 
purchases. People are more 
selective when choosing what to 
buy and consider their products' 
quality, price, and sustainability 
before making a purchase. This 
shift has been reflected in the rise 
of online shopping and hctotpnss:/u/wmwewr. desertcart.ae/
behaviour and second-hand stores, 
as people become more conscious 
of their spending in a post-Covid 
world.
 How Are UAE Shopping Habits Changing in a Post-Covid World?
  Growth of Local 
Retailers
Online shopping is up, but so are sales at physical stores, 
as more people buy local and support local businesses.
This shift has been particularly noticeable in the food and 
beverage industry. More customers buy fresh produce and 
other items from small, independent retailers.
Additionally, due to the popularity of local stores, many 
have expanded and increased their offerings to meet the 
increased demand. Customers will enjoy shopping 
convenience ahstt plos:c//awl wrwet.daeilseertsc agrrto.awe/. Buying locally 
supports the community.
 How Are UAE Shopping Habits Changing in a Post-Covid World?
Adaptation of Digital Payment 
Methods
Due to the pandemic and the need for social 
distancing, contactless payments have replaced 
cash. This has boosted mobile wallets, online 
banking, and cryptocurrency.
In the UAE, mobile payments have grown 
exponentially and are now accepted by all major 
retailers, restaurants, and service providers. This 
shift to digital payments has benefited businesses 
and consumers. It has improved security and 
convenienhcttep sa:n//wdw mwa.ddees eortnclairnt.ea es/hopping consumer 
behaviour simpler and more efficient.
 How Are UAE Shopping Habits Changing in a Post-Covid World?
Shifting Consumers’ Behavior towards 
Second-Hand Goods
As more people are affected by Covid-19 and the 
shutdowns, they spend more money on used goods.
These shoppers want unique or hard-to-find items. They 
prefer thrift stores and charity events. Many consumers 
now shop on secondhand online marketplaces. 
Secondhand goods are here to stay, with more used 
items listed online and e-waste recycling on the rise.
https://www.desertcart.ae/
 How Are UAE Shopping Habits Changing in a Post-Covid World?
   Prioritizing 
Essential Items
During this time of uncertainty, consumers are 
becoming increasingly cautious with their 
spending and are starting to prioritize essential 
items over non-essential items. This has 
resulted in a rise in consumerism for essentials 
such as toilet paper, soap, and groceries. 
Additionally, there is an increase in the demand 
for “luxury” products. For example, hand 
sanitizer and masks that many people are 
buying due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
https://www.desertcart.ae/
 How Are UAE Shopping Habits Changing in a Post-Covid World?
Increase In Online Food Delivery 
Services
One of the biggest changes has been the increase 
in online food delivery services. With the country's 
strict lockdown measures, more and more people 
have been relying on these services to deliver 
their favorite meals straight to their doorsteps. 
This shift in consumer behaviour in online 
shopping has seen the demand for food delivery 
platforms skyrocket. Additionally, businesses have 
taken advantage of this increased demand. It is by 
offering dischottupns:t/s/w awnwd.d oetsheretrc airnt.caeen/ tives to 
encourage customers to use their services.
 How Are UAE Shopping Habits Changing in a Post-Covid World?
Increase In Online Subscription 
Services
With the pandemic came the need for 
social distancing and limiting contact with 
others, prompting many to turn to online 
subscription services to receive food and 
groceries. These services have been 
particularly popular in the UAE due to their 
convenience and speed, and many have 
found them to be an invaluable addition to 
their shopping habits.
https://www.desertcart.ae/
 How Are UAE Shopping Habits Changing in a Post-Covid World?
Increased Focus on Health and 
Wellness
The pandemic has made people more aware of their own 
health and well-being. Consequently, the online shopping 
habits of consumers have changed accordingly.
People are now more likely to purchase products that are 
beneficial to their physical and mental health, such as healthy 
snacks, organic and natural products, and exercise 
equipment.
Additionally, people are looking to buy products that will help 
them care for their mental health, such as books, podcasts, 
and online courses. Consumer bhetthpas:v//iwowurw .tdreesnedrtsc airnt. aoen/ line 
shopping in the UAE have changed to reflect a greater focus 
on health and wellness.
     Final Words
In conclusion, the pandemic has 
created a sea change in the way UAE 
shoppers make purchasing decisions. 
Consumers are shifting their 
shopping habits to online and digital 
platforms, emphasizing convenience, 
cost-effectiveness, and safety.
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THANKS
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   +971 4 5616852
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