Trolley’s IPO on Boursa Kuwait: Building the Market Case for Gulf Convenience Retail
Executive Summary Trolley General Trading Company, Kuwait’s leading convenience retailer, partnered with Redseer Strategy Consultants ahead of its listing on the Premier Market of Boursa Kuwait. Redseer delivered primary market research, competitive benchmarking, and IPO narrative support across both of Trolley’s core markets, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The work addressed three specific challenges: building credible […]
Kuwait’s Convenience Retail Moment: What Trolley’s IPO Says About Where Gulf Retail Is Heading
A FAST-GROWING CHANNEL THAT MOST INVESTORS HAD NOT MAPPED Trolley was listed on the Premier Market of Boursa Kuwait on 25 March 2026. Redseer was the market consultant on the transaction. Ask most institutional investors to describe Kuwait’s grocery retail market, and they will point to the cooperative sector. COOPs hold 42 to 47% of […]
UAE property market is entering a pause, not a panic
The UAE consumer has navigated uncertainty before. But not all shocks land the same way. Most external disruptions hit one part of the economy first. The 2008 financial crisis moved through jobs and credit. A pandemic reshapes mobility and channel behaviour. The Iran conflict is doing something more simultaneously: it is affecting sentiment, household finances and forward-looking decisions at the same time. Property […]
What Does the Current Geopolitical Situation Mean for the UAE Consumer Economy?
The UAE has seen external shocks before, but they do not all play out in the same way. Some hit confidence first, some hit spending power, and some change how people move and shop almost overnight. The right way to read the current moment is not to assume one broad outcome for the whole economy. […]
Dark Stores Can Be Profitable. GCC Is Where It Happens First.
Dark store profitability in GCC is emerging earlier than in many global markets as quick commerce players benefit from dense urban populations, strong consumer demand, and efficient delivery economics. This analysis explores the factors enabling sustainable dark store operations and why the GCC region is leading the path to profitability in quick commerce.
UAE Ramadan 2026: Steady mood, sharper channel choices, and community-led influence
UAE Ramadan 2026 reflects a steady consumer mood with more deliberate shopping behavior. As the festive season approaches, shoppers are becoming more selective about where and how they buy, with clearer channel preferences and stronger influence from community and social networks shaping purchase decisions.
Saudi Q-com Regulations: Ending the Subsidy Era?
Saudi Q-com regulations are bringing an end to subsidy-driven growth, forcing quick commerce players to rethink pricing, unit economics, and sustainability.
Three Consumer Shifts Shaping MENA’s Demand Landscape in 2025
An analysis of the key consumer shifts in MENA 2025, highlighting evolving behaviors, convenience trends and factors reshaping regional demand patterns.
Saudi Events: Ready for the Next Leap
Explore the Saudi events market and uncover the trends, growth drivers and opportunities shaping the future of events and entertainment in Saudi Arabia.
2026 and Beyond: The Next Exit Cycle for MENA’s Digital Leaders
MENA Digital Exits 2026 explores the upcoming trends, opportunities and strategies for digital-first companies navigating the region’s evolving exit landscape.
Value Retail: The Quiet Force Reshaping MENA’s Consumer Economy
Value retail has re-emerged as a central driver for MENA retail consumption. After a period where convenience, variety, and speed dominated purchasing choices, affordability has returned to the top of the hierarchy, reinforcing a structural shift in how demand is evolving across categories. Value has re-emerged as a leading decision driver for MENA consumers Our […]
Education: Missing Link for Cryptocurrency Adoption
The UAE is leading in cryptocurrency adoption, but consumer education remains the key to building trust and enabling mainstream use.
Unlocking the Next Wave of MENA E-commerce Growth
Summary: MENA’s digital economy has driven 20% of consumption growth over the past five years while accounting for 10% of consumption expenditure. Online retail is a key pillar within the digital economy that has been powering this, and our region is home to a uniquely democratic online retail market, where no single player truly dominates. […]
GCC’s Online Retail Market is Truly Democratic
The GCC online retail market is charting a distinctive path, one that sets it apart from global e-commerce giants. Unlike markets dominated by a handful of mega-platforms, the region presents a remarkably balanced competitive landscape – a truly democratic market. This unique ecosystem is characterized by three defining features: fashion leads the charge as the […]
Saudi Quick Commerce -Market Stabilizing in Q3’25
The Saudi Quick Commerce Market showed signs of cooling down for the first time in Q3, driven by summer seasonality and the waning impact of discounts, with basket values dropping below those of last year. Despite these headwinds, leading players have continued to innovate by scaling new verticals and forging strategic partnerships in search of […]
Black Friday in KSA: Still About the Thrill of a Good Deal
Black Friday in Saudi Arabia is shaping up to be a season defined by value-driven enthusiasm. From electronics to home essentials, shoppers are showing strong readiness to spend, driven by a mix of big-ticket discounts, trusted local brands, and attractive promotions. Across generations, consumers are engaging with deals in distinct ways, and flexible payment options […]
Black Friday 2025 is About Lifestyle Upgrades in UAE
Black Friday in the UAE is no longer just about chasing discounts; it’s about upgrading lifestyles. What was once a purely deal-driven shopping moment has evolved into a reflection of changing consumer aspirations. Shoppers are branching out across more categories, looking to elevate their homes, wardrobes, and everyday experiences. As deals become omnichannel, physical retail […]
KSA and UAE Tourism – A $250+ Bn Opportunity by 2030
Tourism has always been part of the Gulf story, but now it has moved from being a support act to one of the main characters. Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE have tied their economic futures to the success of this sector, putting tourism right at the center of their national transformation plans. This is […]
‘Quick’ Emerging as a Growth lever for Online BPC in KSA
When online Beauty & Personal Care (BPC) first took off in the GCC, growth was fuelled by increased digital adoption and wider product availability. Over time, however, the market has evolved with consumers embracing not just the convenience of online shopping but also the speed and reliability of newer channels. In Saudi Arabia, this shift […]
2026 To be A Bumper Year for MENA Tech IPOs
In our 5 Predictions for the MENA Digital Economy report last year, we expected 10 Tech IPOs in 2025. At mid-year, only three tech listings have materialized. While H2 typically carries heavier deal flow, a number of tech players are now likely to shift their listings into 2026 as they wait out geopolitical uncertainty. That […]
GCC Q-commerce: Expansion & Consolidation
The GCC food aggregator market has grown from $3 billion in 2019 to $14 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach $26 billion by 2030. Growth was driven primarily by increased consumer spending, rather than user growth, with new use cases emerging. Quick grocery added a new leg to this market’s growth, with expansion […]
Beyond Food & Grocery: Super App Path in KSA
The KSA market is evolving rapidly, driven by a large, tech-savvy population that actively engages with multiple online services across commerce, finance, and entertainment. Demand for super apps (platforms that consolidate multiple high-frequency services), is rising quickly. Several Q-commerce platforms, fintech solutions, and digital marketplaces are well-positioned to lead this shift, thanks to their large […]
Talabat’s strategic decisions shaped by Redseer strategy consulting
Executive Summary Talabat, a market-leading food delivery platform, partnered with Redseer Strategy Consultants and OC&C Strategy Consultants to develop a compelling IPO narrative backed by robust market intelligence. Through comprehensive market sizing, competitive benchmarking, and customer insights and advisory, our consortium enabled Talabat to articulate a differentiated growth story across core Gulf markets. This resulted […]
BNPL: A Key Growth Engine for Online Retail in KSA
When Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) first emerged in the GCC, it was closely tied to the growth of e-commerce. Over time, however, the BNPL model has expanded its footprint into offline retail, which has been driving more growth. Recent innovations like Tabby and Tamara cards, which make BNPL available across any Visa or Mastercard-accepting […]
KSA is the Online Fashion & BPC leader in GCC
When we talk about digital retail maturity in the GCC, the UAE often comes to mind as the front-runner. And while it does lead in several categories, such as electronics, grocery, and home, the story shifts when we look at fashion and beauty. Let’s dive into why KSA, not the UAE, is leading the way […]
Cross-border players grow, but trade shifts local
The GCC has long been a stronghold for cross-border e-commerce. Over the past few years, that momentum only grew stronger with the likes of Shein, Trendyol, and Temu doubling down on the region. But 2024 brought a surprising twist: Cross-border trade volumes declined, even as these players continued to perform well. So, what’s really going […]
GCC Food Aggregator: Regional Consolidation in Motion
The GCC food delivery space is moving toward consolidation as scale becomes critical in an increasingly competitive and fragmented market. Jahez’s acquisition of Qatar-based Snoonu marks a strategic step in that direction. Qatar’s food aggregator market, valued at $1.2 Bn, accounts for 10% of the GCC total. Snoonu has already scaled in Qatar and is […]
Jahez Acquires Snoonu — Regional Consolidation in Motion
The GCC food delivery space is moving toward consolidation as scale becomes critical in an increasingly competitive and fragmented market. Jahez’s acquisition of Qatar-based Snoonu marks a strategic step in that direction. Qatar’s food aggregator market, valued at USD 1 Bn, accounts for 10% of the GCC total. Talabat leads the market with a GMV […]
eSIMs Go Mainstream: Airalo Becomes a Unicorn
The global mobile telecom market is ripe for disruption, especially on the roaming plans, which have been lucrative for telecom operators. With physical SIM cards gradually being phased out, eSIM adoption is set to surge. This has resulted in a new category – eSIM aggregators such as Airalo, Nomad, Holafly, and MobiMatter. These eSIM aggregators […]
GCC Insurance Market in Transition: Digital Disruption and Rising Demand
The insurance sector in the GCC is entering a transformative phase, driven by rising awareness among consumers and the rapid digitization of services. Despite strong macros and growing demand, insurance penetration remains relatively low at around 3% of GDP. However, the region is now poised for steady growth, with life, health, and motor insurance lines […]
Sary Merges to become SILQ – Mohammed’s Decacorn vision beyond B2B e-commerce
A conversation between Sandeep Ganediwalla, Partner at Redseer, and Mohammed Aldossary, CEO/Founder of Sary Editor’s Note The MENA startup ecosystem witnessed a landmark moment with the merger of Saudi Arabia’s Sary and Bangladesh’s ShopUp to create SILQ, backed by $110 million in funding. This rare cross-border consolidation represents one of the region’s most ambitious plays […]
KSA’s Coffee Revolution: How Cafés Are Brewing Up a SAR 17 Billion Market
Saudi Arabia’s food services landscape is experiencing a remarkable transformation, with the sector growing from SAR 63 billion to SAR 111 billion between 2019-2024. One segment has emerged as the clear standout performer: cafés. What started as a modest SAR 7.5 billion market representing 12% of food services has turned into a SAR 17 billion […]
The Hidden Giant: KSA’s SAR 83 Billion B2B Wholesale Market Opportunity
1. Wholesalers form the backbone of KSA’s traditional value chain… Saudi Arabia’s traditional FMCG and HoReCa value chain runs through a five-tier structure, where wholesalers play a vital intermediary role connecting brands and distributors to the fragmented base of retailers and restaurants. Starting with manufacturers and brand-linked distributors, the chain flows into independent wholesalers who […]
Quick Retail Surges: Ninja Leads in KSA, Talabat and Noon Share the Lead in UAE
The GCC Q-commerce landscape is experiencing a fundamental transformation as platforms evolve beyond their food delivery origins into comprehensive retail ecosystems. While Quick Retail has emerged as a significant growth driver, the competitive dynamics remain highly fluid. This evolution presents both unprecedented opportunities and intense competitive challenges, with market leadership positions shifting frequently as new […]
MENA Drove 10% of Global IPO Proceeds in 2024
While global IPO markets collapsed by 75% in value since 2021’s peak, the MENA region has emerged as a notable outlier, maintaining momentum and actually increasing its market share during a period of widespread decline. This resilience tells a story of strategic market positioning, regulatory innovation, and the power of mega-deals in volatile times. 1. […]
KSA Food Aggregators Leap Ahead in Growth Journey
Food delivery has become a crucial part of the KSA economy, with 1 out of 5 meal orders now delivered online through aggregators. Platforms such as Hungerstation and Jahez established the model and helped build consumer habits. Now, emerging players like Keeta are trying to maximize value for consumers through differentiated offerings. These platforms are […]
KSA SME Digital Lending: Powering 20% of SME Credit by 2030
Saudi Arabia’s financial sector is undergoing a transformation, with digital lending emerging as a key enabler of growth. Fintech-driven solutions are bridging the credit gap by offering faster, more accessible financing tailored to SME needs. With increasing regulatory support and continued fintech innovation, digital lending is empowering SMEs, fostering entrepreneurship, and driving economic expansion. In […]
Q-Commerce 2.0: Why Quick Retail is the New Norm- Quick Retail to be a bigger opportunity than Food delivery
Quick delivery may have started as a niche, but it’s quickly becoming the norm. Food was the first category to go quickly, and it worked. UAE consumers embraced the ease of ordering meals from home, fueling the rise of unicorns like Talabat and strong, fast-scaling players like Noon and Careem (the region’s “Rhinos”). Then came groceries. […]
MENA Creator Economy
The MENA creator economy is undergoing a transformation driven by shifting consumer behaviors. While brands have historically leaned on celebrity endorsements to drive broad recall and long-term conversions, we are not witnessing a pivot towards content creators who offer an ability to create more personalized and targeted campaigns. This shift is underpinned by the growing […]
GCC Fashion Market Outlook: Momentum, Digital Shift & Cross-Border Competition
Fashion retail in the GCC is thriving, fueled by economic strength, global attention, and evolving consumer preferences. Currently valued at $ 85 Bn, the market is expected to grow at a steady 7% CAGR, reaching $ 127 Bn by 2030. Together, the UAE and KSA account for nearly 80% of the total market, highlighting their […]
The Future of Online Classifieds in MENA
MENA’s online classifieds sector is rapidly evolving, with strong growth driven by increasing digital adoption and advertising expenditure. While platforms have traditionally relied on seller-paid advertising for revenue, the next wave of value creation lies in facilitating transactions and offering value-added services. As classifieds expand their role from listings to full-service marketplaces, they are unlocking […]
Opensooq’s 100m Journey: A Conversation with Adey
An interview between Sandeep Ganediwalla, Partner at Redseer, and Adey Salamin, Co-founder of OpenSooq Introduction MENA startup ecosystem typically spotlights success stories from UAE and Saudi Arabia. OpenSooq offers a compelling alternative narrative. Boasting 100+ million users and generating billions of monthly page views, the classifieds platform strategically deprioritized these premium markets in its initial […]
UAE’s Next Frontiers of Online Retail Growth
The UAE’s online retail market has grown tremendously over the past 5 years, quadrupling in size and surpassing AED 50 Bn in 2024. Online penetration now exceeds 15%. However, the next wave of growth is just beginning. In this edition, we explore what the future growth drivers would be for the online retail market in […]
The Rise of E-commerce Enablement SaaS
Saudi Arabia’s e-commerce ecosystem is undergoing a transformation, with SMBs increasingly looking to build their digital presence, yet still facing many barriers to entry. Traditional web development remains costly and complex, leaving many small businesses offline. E-commerce Enablement SaaS (E-com SaaS) platforms are stepping in to bridge this gap, offering all-in-one solutions that simplify launching […]
Local Champions: Noon now holds the leading position in the UAE’s online retail sector!
Noon now holds the leading position in the UAE’s online retail sector! Noon has rapidly captured significant market share in the UAE’s e-commerce space, with its rapid delivery experience emerging as a standout differentiator. This convenience-first approach has helped Noon win market share from other players, particularly in high-frequency categories like grocery, personal care, and […]
The TikTok Effect: Fueling Economic Growth and Social Vibrancy in Saudi Arabia
Since its launch in Saudi Arabia in 2019, TikTok has rapidly gained popularity, becoming a place to inspire creativity and bring joy to its users. In recent years, TikTok has solidified its position as a key platform for entertainment, brand engagement, and creative expression in Saudi Arabia. It has emerged as a powerful catalyst for […]
Mozark: Pioneering Proactive AI-enabled Digital Experience Monitoring
A seamless digital experience is a strategic imperative in today’s world. In an era where customers have zero tolerance for glitches, businesses must ensure flawless interactions. To meet this need, the digital experience monitoring industry has been helping companies track and optimize user experiences for many years. This space, however, is evolving rapidly. With AI […]
Winning in the Digital Era: The Strategic Imperative of Observability
As businesses scale their digital operations, real-time monitoring and automated issue resolution have become critical. Traditional observability tools struggle to keep pace with complex, hybrid environments, creating inefficiencies and reactive workflows. AI-driven observability is now emerging as the next frontier, enabling predictive insights, autonomous remediation, and seamless digital experiences. In this report, we explore how […]
The Rise of Dark Cafés: The Next Frontier in Q-Commerce
Q-Commerce has rapidly evolved from restaurant and grocery aggregation to dark stores, fulfilling a growing demand for ultra-fast delivery. Now, the latest addition to this ecosystem—dark cafés—is redefining how consumers access ready-to-consume beverages and snacks. Pioneers like Zepto Café have demonstrated rapid adoption, scaling to 100K daily orders within just six months. In the UAE, Shot by […]
Digital Advertising in Transition
MENA’s Digital Advertising Landscape is continuing to evolve in step with consumer behaviour shifts. In previous editions, we have explored the opportunities that in-app advertising and MENA’s digital advertising landscape hold. In this edition, we explore how the digital advertising landscape is evolving with changing consumer behavior. Specifically, despite social media’s strong influence on MENA’s […]
Heightened Ramadan excitement this year is set to drive $10 billion in retail spending
Ramadan Kareem! We extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. This sacred time brings together people worldwide in a shared journey of reflection, fasting, and prayer. In anticipation of Ramadan, we conducted a comprehensive study to understand consumer needs, motivations, and preferences during this period. This year, we see a dynamic intersection […]
Ramadan Rush: Increased Excitement Set to Fuel Spend in UAE
As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, consumers across the UAE are gearing up for a season of reflection, generosity, and celebration. This period not only holds deep cultural significance but also presents a unique opportunity for businesses to align with evolving shopping behaviors. Consumer excitement for Ramadan is at an all-time high, with a […]
Keeta has gained ~10% market share in KSA— what’s next?
Saudi Arabia’s food delivery sector has undergone rapid transformation over the past five years, evolving into one of the most dynamic and profitable markets in the region. With high consumer adoption, high purchasing power, and sustained profitability, the industry continues to attract new challengers. Yet, growth is far from over. As the market matures, competition […]
BNPL Driving the Future of FinTech
KSA’s BNPL landscape is thriving, propelled by a young, tech-savvy population, low credit card penetration, and strong regulatory support. While BNPL players elsewhere have encountered hurdles—from funding crunches to regulatory clampdowns—Saudi Arabia’s ecosystem has proven remarkably resilient, positioning the Kingdom as a regional fintech leader. In this edition, we’ll explore the key trends shaping BNPL […]
MENA to see 10 Tech IPOs in 2025
MENA has witnessed a significant surge in IPO activity, with 2022 and 2023 marking the peak, each hosting approximately 50 IPOs. However, a closer examination of the 2024 figures reveals a shift: the growing prominence of digital-first companies in the IPO landscape. Explore this edition to discover the key trends shaping MENA IPOs: The share […]
MENA Q-Com a $6 Bn Opportunity in 2025, >10% of Online Retail
Quick Commerce (Q-Com) is transforming the retail landscape by providing ultra-fast delivery and convenience, often in as little as 10 minutes. By 2025, it’s projected to represent a $6 billion market in MENA, surpassing 10% of the region’s online retail share. With rapid growth across categories, evolving consumer preferences, and innovations in delivery modes, Q-Com […]
5 Predictions for MENA’s Digital Economy in 2025
As we step into 2025, the MENA region stands at the threshold of a digital transformation that promises to reshape its economic landscape. The convergence of technology, changing consumer behaviors, and robust digital infrastructure has set the stage for unprecedented growth in the digital sector. We predict five major shifts that will characterize MENA’s digital […]
Age of Intelligent Learning Incoming
The landscape of media and communication has undergone a fundamental transformation with the advent of digital technologies. Pre-digital communication was confined to scheduled face-to-face meetings and calls. The post-digital era enabled constant connectivity, with communities engaging continuously across time zones. Traditional localized groups have expanded into extensive global networks. Digital platforms facilitate connections across geographical […]
Redseer delighted to support Nice One’s IPO
We are excited to congratulate Nice One on its recent IPO debut on the Saudi Exchange’s Main Market (Tadawul). As the leading online platform for cosmetics, personal care, and fragrances, Nice One continues to set benchmarks in the industry. This marks a pivotal moment for the online Beauty & Personal Care Retail Market & also […]
5 Predictions for MENA’s Digital Economy in 2025
Redseer Strategy Consultants is proud to present its top five predictions for MENA’s digital economy in 2025, building on a transformative 2024. With consumer demand for digital services expanding across new sectors like Quick Commerce and a record-breaking $10 billion IPO by Talabat, the region’s digital landscape is poised for unprecedented growth. Our analysis predicts […]
Digital First Companies Driving IPO Momentum in MENA
2024 was a pivotal year for MENA IPOs, marked by both continuity and change. Digital-first companies took center stage, with a notable increase in both the proceeds and the number of IPOs compared to 2023. In this newsletter, we explore some key trends shaping the MENA IPO market in 2024. Read on to learn more: […]
Redseer Celebrates Talabat’s Historic Tech IPO
We are delighted to congratulate Talabat on its successful debut on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM), raising an impressive $2.04 billion. As the leading on-demand delivery platform in MENA, Talabat serves over 6 million monthly active customers across eight countries, addressing a population of over 71 million. Its online marketplace provides a convenient, personalized way […]
5 trends Reshaping Ecommerce in MENA
The e-commerce landscape in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is undergoing a rapid evolution, shaped by rising internet penetration, a young population, and growing consumer confidence in online shopping. This report provides a detailed exploration of the region’s dynamic market shifts, highlighting five key trends set to redefine the future of online […]
KSA-Hyperlocals: Moving Towards Multi-Verticality
The KSA hyperlocal market is positioned for significant growth, presenting substantial regional opportunities. While the total addressable market is estimated at SAR 600 billion, the current market size remains underpenetrated at SAR 23 billion, indicating considerable room for expansion. This report provides an analysis of the hyperlocal landscape, examining its current structure, growth potential, and […]
Digital Media Channels to Power Black Friday This Year
Black Friday has emerged as one of the most important events in retail in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), owing to the wide array of deals and discounts spread out over the 5–6 week festive period. As retail traffic is set to be high, retailers in the region need to be cognizant of […]
Middle East Tourism Surge: Driven by Strategic Policies and Visionary Planning
The Middle East has emerged as a leader in the global recovery of international tourism, boasting a 31% growth above pre-pandemic levels, as reported by the UNWTO. This success underscores the region’s strategic vision, driven particularly by the UAE and Saudi Arabia’s focused policies. Such proactive efforts, including ambitious 2030 tourism objectives and expanding domestic […]
The Evolution of Saudi Arabia’s Fashion Landscape
From the evolving retail landscape to the booming e-commerce sector, Saudi Arabia’s fashion industry is undergoing significant transformation. In this newsletter, we’ll explore how these dynamic changes are reshaping the Kingdom’s fashion ecosystem, with a special focus on the sector’s growth from 24% of retail share in 2019 to a projected 27% by 2028. What […]
MENA Grocery IPOs – A $100 Bn Unlock for the Ecosystem
Traditionally, the grocery sector has been perceived as relatively stable and predictable, characterized by steady growth, incremental changes, and a limited pace of innovation. The industry’s focus has often remained on consistent product offerings, standard pricing structures, and familiar customer experiences. However, this landscape is evolving rapidly. Firstly, the way consumers are shopping with convenience […]
$100 Bn in IPOs on the Horizon
The MENA grocery sector, now exceeding $100 billion in value, and accounts for 25% of regional consumer spending. Between 2019 and 2023, grocery sales grew by 16%, with forecasts for 2024 projecting a CAGR of 5%. This growth reflects both the market’s resilience and the evolving needs of its consumers. What was once a space […]
UAE’s Tourism: Boosting Retail, Hospitality, and Economic Gains
UAE continues to redefine the global tourism landscape. Tourism has positively impacted the overall GDP, especially in key sectors such as hospitality and retail. There is also an immense opportunity pool for retailers in the region, generated by catering to international visitors. Our associate partner, Akshay, was recently quoted on the UAE’s tourism sector, which […]
Digital Rhino’s to drive >30% of IPOs in the region
In recent discussions about the MENA region’s digital economy, two common notions emerge: the perceived scarcity of unicorns and the limited availability of growth capital. The idea that MENA lacks unicorns—companies valued over $1 billion—has been frequently highlighted and is partly true. This article aims to challenge these misconceptions. Here’s what to expect: 1. There […]
Multi-Verticality shaping the future of Q-commerce
The Q-commerce (quick commerce) landscape in the UAE is undergoing rapid transformation. What started as a niche food delivery service has evolved into a diverse, multi-vertical ecosystem catering to various consumer needs. With increasing expectations for speed and convenience, platforms are expanding their offerings beyond food delivery, shaping the future of on-demand services. This article […]
Reshaping E-Commerce in MENA
As the MENA e-commerce landscape continues to evolve, we’ve been tracking key trends that seemed unstoppable just a short time ago. But recently, we’ve noticed a reversal — from the rise of omnichannel players to the comeback of cross-border shopping and, most notably, a return to price sensitivity. These changes are reshaping the region’s retail […]
Online drives KSA Fashion Industry
From the evolving role of women in society to the booming e-commerce sector, the fashion landscape has been anything but static. In this article, we’ll explore how these dynamic changes are reshaping the Kingdom’s fashion industry, with a special focus on the sector’s impressive growth and future prospects. What to expect in this article: Read […]
MENA IPOs: Oasis in the Desert
2024 has been a transformative year for global markets, and we’ve seen a number of critical shifts since our last update. From rising interest rates to fluctuating oil prices, the investment landscape has been anything but stable. In this article, we’ll explore how these economic headwinds are reshaping capital markets, with a special focus on […]
KSA Q-com Roundup – Buckle up for the ride
H1 2024 has been an active period for quick commerce in KSA. We’ve already discussed some of these ongoing changes in our previous quarterly update on food delivery and also covered the rapid rise of quick commerce in online grocery in the kingdom. Today, we are doing a quick commerce roundup for the kingdom as […]
Quick Delivery to Drive KSA Online Grocery Market
The online grocery market in Saudi Arabia is on the cusp of significant expansion, with the market expected to reach SAR 10 Bn by 2028. The market already generates 100K daily touchpoints with consumers, supported by over 20K drivers. Increased demand, developing supplier ecosystem, and government initiatives drive this growth. As consumer behavior shifts towards […]
GCC Goes Flexitarian – A $500 Mn Opportunity in GCC
In our previous newsletter, we explored the rapid growth of the plant-based protein market in the UAE and GCC, driven by evolving consumer preferences and health-conscious trends. This follow-up interview provides further insights into the dynamic shifts and opportunities within this emerging sector. Read on for an exclusive conversation with Edward Hamod, Founder and CEO […]
GCC goes Flexitarian
UAE consumers are growing more health conscious. Their behavior towards health-friendly options is becoming stronger, leading to more frequent choices of nutritious foods. This shift towards healthier lifestyles is creating a higher demand for plant-based meat alternatives and healthier food options. The trend also extends to the fast-food industry, where conscious indulgence is gaining traction. […]
MENA Rhinos on the Charge: Powering $50 Bn in Market Cap
The MENA region is quietly nurturing a unique breed of companies, “the Rhinos,” which are set to create over $50 billion in market capitalization over the next five years. These Rhinos, characterized by $100 million+ valuations, a path to profitability, and steady 15%+ growth, are challenging two prevalent myths about the region: a scarcity of […]
Plant Based Protein Perspective
The plant-based protein market in the UAE and GCC is rapidly emerging due to shifting consumer preferences and health trends. Despite the GCC’s $17 billion meat market, with chicken dominating, 10-15% of consumers want to cut back on meat due to health concerns. In the UAE, around 15% of consumers are seeking to reduce meat […]
Last Mile Delivery is a Key Enabler to Online Retail
Consumers in Saudi Arabia continue to adopt online shopping. This means that more products than ever are delivered to end consumers (i.e., last-mile logistics). With the delivery driver now the only physical touchpoint with consumers, this segment is both critical and fast-growing. With the need for the last mile continuing to accelerate, the industry is […]
The Power Shift: From Brand to Retailer
In the UAE’s grocery sector, established brands continue to enjoy robust profit margins, yet retailers are increasingly facing significant challenges due to intensified competition and evolving consumer preferences. However, within these challenges lies a silver lining of growth opportunities. A notable trend is the rising strategic focus on private labels among grocery retailers. Private labels […]
MENA’s IPO Landscape: Technology to Drive Metamorphosis
Over the past five years, the MENA region has navigated global financial challenges with resilience. Mega-deals, strategic privatizations, and the growth of B2C consumer companies have laid a strong foundation for IPOs. Looking ahead, this report explores key shifts shaping the MENA IPO landscape, introducing an IPO readiness index that highlights the Technology sector’s potential. […]
Loyalty Programs – The secret sauce driving UAE online retail
The UAE e-commerce landscape is witnessing a surge in the influence of loyalty programs. While constituting just 30% of the overall online consumer base, online loyalty program members drive almost 50% (>$5.5 billion) of the UAE’s online retail market. This highlights the importance for e-commerce businesses to strategically design their loyalty programs to capture a […]
BNPL Boom in UAE & KSA
In today’s fast-paced world, flexibility and convenience in payment options have become increasingly important. In the years following the pandemic, consumers have become more price-sensitive than ever, whilst their aspirations to purchase goods and services are constantly growing. Enter Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) Services – transforming the way consumers shop and manage their finances. […]
Private Labels: Driving Power Shift from Brands to Retailers
In UAE’s grocery sector, while legacy brands in UAE’s grocery sector continue to enjoy healthy profit margins, retailers are facing a set of challenges. Amidst intensifying competition and shifting consumer preferences, the challenges for retailers are rising. Yet, within these challenges lie growth opportunities. A notable trend emerging is the strategic focus on private labels […]
Shifting Sands: 3 Anticipated Shifts in MENA’s booming IPO market
There was a time when Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region were a rarity. From only a handful of IPOs taking place annually a few years ago, we currently see around 50 IPOs in the region on an annual basis looking at the data from the previous 2 […]
In-app advertising – Next frontier in digital marketing?
Advertising budgets tend to mirror shifts in consumer behavior. Our readers would be aware of how the digital ad spend is already higher than traditional channels in the UAE. And as consumers increasingly turn to digital channels, it’s only natural that advertising dollars would follow suit. However, Digital ad spending needs to adapt to match […]
UAE & KSA Markets: Same Same or Different?
At Redseer, we delve deep into various Consumer Internet sectors across the GCC region, drawing on over 10+ years of experience. While the pandemic drove rapid adoption of the digital economy, purchase decision criteria have evolved significantly in recent years. Through our brand and industry trackers, we closely examine the factors influencing decisions in the […]
MENA e-commerce: A unique ecosystem, in a period of transition
Amidst the turbulence of the pandemic, the digital economy surged globally, but nowhere more profoundly than in the MENA region. This is because we were still in the period of customer acquisition where the marketing spending was extremely high. The pandemic helped leapfrog these days, placing our region on a pedestal of growth. Now, as […]
KSA food aggregators to deliver a million smiles
The food service sector in Saudi Arabia is currently a massive SAR 100 Bn market that has displayed resilience and rebounded swiftly. The market witnessed a COVID-led decline because of reduced mobility/ operational hours and restaurant closures. During this time, an emerging trend of in-home consumption emerged which created a unique opportunity for food delivery […]
From Sand to Spectacle: KS Ramakrishnan on Building in GCC for the World, through the Lens of Leisure & Entertainment
GCC has been at the forefront of building global companies in the hydrocarbon industry. However, more recently we are seeing tech companies starting out of GCC or making it their base for global expansion. Today, we are excited to be talking to a leader who has built a niche and profitable services company in the […]
KSA Digital Economy
KSA’s economy has witnessed the fastest GDP growth rate during the 2021-22 period, driven by pro-business reforms and rising oil prices. Continuous improvement in ease of doing business, social and economic liberalization, and initiatives to attract talent and global businesses will pave the way for future growth. KSA has a thriving tech enabler ecosystem with […]
Saudi Arabia’s Rise to Global Entertainment Dominance
In the aftermath of the global pandemic, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is experiencing a remarkable transformation across various facets of society. Swift advancements in social, economic, and cultural realms underscore Saudi Arabia’s aspiration to become the hub of the region and the world. This transformative phase is driven by a growing acceptance of […]
Ramadan: Homebound in UAE, Outbound in KSA
The holy month of Ramadan is around the corner, and we did a recent study to understand consumer needs, motivations, and preferences during the period. Some interesting trends have emerged, and stark differences exist between the expected behavior in the UAE and KSA. 1. Ramadan at Home in UAE, Out and About in KSA Celebrations […]
Resilience or Dry Spell in MENA’s Startup Funding Ecosystem?
As we step into 2024, we’re excited to share insights into the trends that defined the past year and the signals shaping the landscape ahead. In our latest article, we delve into the resilience of the MENA startup ecosystem amidst global funding challenges. 1.Globally, startup funding has been difficult, however MENA has been impacted lesser… […]
Massive USD 31 Bn Food Services Market in KSA to get an L&E uplift
The Food Services Landscape in KSA is witnessing significant growth powered by a thriving food delivery segment. This comes at a time when the kingdom is investing significantly into leisure and entertainment infrastructure to attract tourism, both international and domestic. The intersection of food services and L&E offers attractive opportunities for brands catering to these […]
Is Singles Day the New-Black Friday?
Its that time of the year! Black Friday has had a significant impact on the buying behaviour of consumers and now has become integrated in the retail calendar in UAE. This year Black Friday’s market growth is anticipated to stabilize as compared to last year, however it has now evolved into a festive last quarter […]
Navigating the UAE’s Super-App Market Landscape
The e-commerce landscape in UAE is witnessing a decline in the number of shopping apps used by consumers due to their increasing preference for streamlined app usage. Super-apps have emerged as a response to this trend, as major brands like Careem, Talabat, Noon Food, and Amazon expand to become comprehensive one-stop solutions for diverse consumer […]