Consumer spending in the UAE, which amounted to nearly $183 billion in 2016, is forecast to rise at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5 per cent over the next five years to exceed $261 billion in 2021, a report released by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry showed.

The analysis, based on recent data from Euromonitor International, revealed that consumer expenditure per household during 2016 was highest in the UAE when compared to other GCC countries, amounting to around $103,000, followed by Bahrain ($96,000).

Housing was identified as the top spending category for UAE consumers with $75.7 billion recorded for 2016, accounting for 41 per cent of total consumer expenditure during the year. Food and non-alcoholic beverages was the second-largest category with $24.8 billion worth of spending during the same year, followed by transport ($16.7 billion).

“The UAE's consumer market is largely being driven by a fast-growing population with relatively high incomes, which are key economic fundamentals that support a robust long-term outlook for spending growth in the country,” said Hamad Buamim, president and CEO of Dubai Chamber.

Buamim pointed out that the UAE’s predominantly young and diverse population is attracting the interest of international brands and a growing number of e-commerce companies that are targeting tech-savvy consumers. He noted that the country’s booming tourism market continues to drive consumer spending, especially within the retail, tourism, hospitality, and transport sectors.

Several new mega developments are expected to be completed over the next four years in the UAE, which should enhance and diversify the country’s mix of retail and entertainment offerings, and further capitalise on the expected growth in consumer spending, he added.

Communication was identified in the analysis as the fastest-growing category for UAE consumer spending with a CAGR of 10.2 per cent expected through 2021. This trend will likely be supported by the country’s high penetration of Smartphones and other digital devices. The growing popularity of mobile applications, and Dubai’s adoption of smart city solutions are also expected to boost spending in this area.

Health goods and medical services was named as the second fastest-growing category for spending with an expected CAGR of 8.2 per cent over the same period, followed by hotels and catering (CAGR of 8.1 per cent). Education and leisure were also included among the fastest-growing categories, with projected CAGRs of 8 per cent and 7.7 per cent, respectively.

Going forward, high incomes, changing lifestyles, and increased health consciousness are expected to fuel consumer demand for goods and services in family-focused spending categories, such as education, and transport, as well as premium household products and services.

In addition, the analysis showed that consumer spending accounted on average for about 45 per cent of the UAE’s GDP, compared to a 39 per cent average for the GCC region, 45 per cent for developing Asia, 56 per cent for the EU, and 68 per cent for the United States.