The beauty and personal care market in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is experiencing consistent growth, driven by changing consumer behavior, rapid digital adoption, and rising demand for online shopping. What was once considered a slow retail season during the UAE summer has now transformed into a thriving opportunity—largely due to the growing number of residents who now stay in the country year-round.
A High-Spending Digital Consumer Base
According to Gulf News, beauty and personal care products are among the most frequently ordered items online by UAE residents. In fact, UAE consumers spend an average of $1,648 annually per online shopper, making them the highest online spenders in the MENA region.
The UAE beauty and personal care market is currently valued at USD 1.13 billion and is expected to reach USD 1.52 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 6.13% between 2024 and 2029, as reported by Mordor Intelligence (source).
Similarly, IMARC Group projects the UAE beauty and personal care market to grow at a CAGR of 5.85% during 2024-2032, fueled by increased disposable income, demand for premium products, and social media influence (source).
Online Shopping Is King in the Beauty Space
A recent Khaleej Times report revealed that 70% of UAE consumers now use AI to enhance their shopping experience, a 44% increase from 2024 (source). AI-driven recommendations, virtual try-ons, and personalized marketing are transforming how consumers discover and purchase beauty products online.
Further supporting this trend, CNNB Solutions’ retail survey found that 52% of UAE shoppers now prefer buying beauty and personal care products online, driven by convenience, better pricing, and growing trust in digital payments.
Interestingly, this shift is not just about online convenience. In a YouGov survey commissioned by CNNB Solutions, more than 300 women in the UAE revealed a near-even split in shopping preferences. Around half preferred online shopping for beauty items due to extreme heat, while the other half favored in-store experiences during cooler weather.
Search First, Then Buy: The Omni-Channel Opportunity
One significant finding was that 50% of women research products online before buying them in-store. This “research online, purchase offline” behavior is even more prevalent among higher-income consumers earning AED 25,000+ per month, with 8 out of 10 following this pattern.
This represents a huge opportunity for beauty brands and retailers to unify their online and offline strategies—offering seamless experiences, consistent pricing, and exclusive promotions across all channels.
The same survey found that 75% of Emiratis prefer digital experiences when purchasing beauty products, and Western expats were the most likely to buy without prior research. High-income shoppers also tend to purchase directly through brand websites or online marketplaces, bypassing traditional retail stores.
Key Drivers of Growth in UAE’s Beauty Sector
- Youthful population with a high interest in grooming and self-care
- One of the highest internet and smartphone penetration rates in the world
- Advanced digital payments ecosystem and BNPL services
- High social media usage, influencing beauty trends and purchases
- Increasing adoption of AI in online shopping and personalization
How Paymennt Can Help You Tap into This Growing Market
At Paymennt.com, we empower small businesses and entrepreneurs to enter the booming beauty and personal care market with ease. Whether you’re launching your first product line or scaling your existing business, our tools help you sell online in minutes:
- Create a fully branded eCommerce store with your preferred design and integrated payment gateway.
- Accept payments instantly through WhatsApp, Instagram, and other social platforms.
- Manage subscriptions, recurring payments, and secure checkouts all in one place.
The UAE beauty market is evolving—fast. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to connect with a digital-first, beauty-conscious consumer base.
Contact Paymennt.com today to start your beauty eCommerce journey.
