Understanding UAE's Changing Consumer Preferences in 2025: A New Era for FMCG Brands

The UAE’s FMCG market is rapidly shifting towards modern trends as the country continues to grow at a fast pace. Consumer preferences and trends are changing as technology and digitization are becoming the driving force towards a brighter future. Early adopters who keep an eye on these trends and paradigm shifts are rewarded with an easier transition into a digital future. As brands undergo makeovers and change strategies to adapt to these trends, consumer perception of brand repositioning in the FMCG sector is beginning to evolve.

Health Consciousness is a Key Factor

Reports suggest that 60% of UAE shoppers now actively hunt for food that fuels their lives without slowing them down. They’re not just buying “organic” because it’s trendy. They want snacks they can grab between meetings, ready-to-eat meals that don’t skimp on nutrition, and pantry staples like cold-pressed oils that feel like a win for their bodies and their schedules.

At Al Maya Group, we’re actively adapting these consumer tastes and preferences. Our shelves are now stocked with plant-based burgers that even non-vegetarians can sneak organic produce that doesn’t cost a fortune into their carts, and labels so clear you don’t need a chemistry degree to understand them. There’s no fancy consumer preference theory we’re following here. All we’re doing is observing what people toss into their baskets week after week, then tweaking their offerings like a chef perfecting a recipe.

Sustainability That Actually Makes Sense

Remember when “eco-friendly” meant awkward compost bins and scratchy recycled paper? Not anymore. Over 60% of UAE shoppers, especially Gen Z and millennials now demand brands that walk the talk and demonstrably take sustainability seriously. Think brands that use recyclable materials for their packaging, and such.

Al Maya Group supermarkets are one step ahead of the market in this regard. We’ve swapped plastic for biodegradable materials, teamed up with local farms to cut down on food miles, and actively tweak and monitor our inventory management systems to reduce wastage. We’re not here to make any tall claims about “saving the planet” here. We’re simply talking about steps that add up, aligning with big-picture goals like the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 pledge.

The Digital Transition is Reshaping Consumer Preferences

Here’s a stat that’ll make you rethink how you determine consumer preferences: 6% of all FMCG sales in the UAE now happen online. But it’s not just about clicking “buy.” Shoppers want tech that feels human—like apps that remember their go-to coffee brand or let them “see” how a new sofa fits in their living room before buying.

How are we addressing this at Al Maya, you ask? It’s simple, really. We offer a souped-up e-commerce platform with same-day delivery for last-minute cravings, incorporating an AI that suggests products like a friendly store assistant, and augmented reality tools that turn the “Will this look weird in my kitchen?” dilemma into a five-second decision. It’s tech that doesn’t forget the human behind the screen.

When Budgets Tighten, Value Shines

Time for a reality check. Inflation’s made everyone a little pickier. Half of UAE shoppers are trimming non-essentials, but here’s the twist. They’ll still splurge on things that feel worth it. Think ethically sourced chocolate, premium olive oil that elevates a simple salad, or bulk buys that stretch budgets without skimping on quality.

At Al Maya Group, we’re offering more private-label products that rival big brands on taste (but not price), loyalty programs that feel like we’re actually rewarding you, and pricing that flexes to match different wallets. It’s not about cheap vs. expensive, it’s about giving people choices that don’t force trade-offs. You’re getting what you pay for, at the end of the day and that is your money’s worth.

A Market as Diverse as Its People

The UAE’s magic lies in its mix of cultures, and shoppers here don’t all want the same thing. Walk into one store and you’ll find Japanese matcha kits and Polish pickles; another focuses on Emirati spices and meal kits for busy families.

Al Maya supermarkets act like a neighborhood store chain, not a monolithic giant. They tweak inventories based on who’s shopping, stocking Filipino condiments in areas with large expat communities or adding kid-friendly snacks near schools. It’s retail with a local heartbeat.

What’s Next? Tech That Feels Human

By 2025, the UAE’s FMCG market could hit $38 billion. But Al Maya Group isn’t just throwing cash at robots and blockchain for the sake of it. Our investments, like AI that predicts shortages before they happen, or “dark stores” that act as hidden hubs for lightning-fast deliveries, are all about solving real problems. How do we get fresher produce to shelves faster? How do we prove this coconut oil really came from a sustainable farm?

The bottom line? The future isn’t about shiny gadgets or empty buzzwords. It’s about blending convenience with conscience, tech with touch, and global ideas with local flavors. Al Maya Group’s recipe? Listen harder, adapt faster, and never lose sight of the people filling their carts, be it online or offline.

This isn’t a corporate manifesto. It’s what happens when a brand decides to evolve with its customers, not just chase them. And honestly? It’s working.