Middle East and Africa Duty-Free Retail Market by Sector Analysis, Tourism Landscape, Innovations, Key Players and Forecast to 2026

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Middle East and Africa (MEA) Duty-Free Retailing Market Overview

The MEA duty-free retailing market size was valued at $3.2 billion in 2022. The market witnessed a significant growth in 2022 mainly driven by the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions and an increase in consumer confidence to travel. The duty-free market will recover further in the next few years, helped by the expansion of airports, the inauguration of new airport terminals, and significant new retail space.

MEA Duty-Free Retailing Market Overview (2022-2026)

MEA Duty-Free Retailing Market Overview (2022-2026)

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MEA duty-free retailing market report provides an overview of the Middle East and Africa duty-free retailing which includes Market & Category Expenditure and Forecasts, Trends, and Competitive Landscape.

Market size (Year – 2022) $3.2 billion
Key Sectors ·       Cosmetics and Toiletries

·       Drinks

·       Jewelry and Watches

·       Food

·       Tobacco

·       Accessories

·       Womenswear

·       Communications Equipment

·       Consumer Electronics

·       Menswear

·       Children Wear

·       Computer Hardware & Software

Key Countries ·       Egypt​

·       Israel​

·       Saudi Arabia​

·       South Africa​

·       United Arab Emirates​

Key Retailers ·       Dubai Duty Free

·       James Richardson

·       DFS

·       Egyptair Duty Free

·       Aelia Duty Free

·       DUFRY

·       Duty Free Americas

·       Chalhoub

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MEA Duty-Free Retailing Market Drivers

The expansion and development of airports, government initiatives to improve tourism, focus on convenience and personalization, and improvement in in-store experiences are some of the drivers that will push up duty-free sales in the MEA region. Expansion and development of airports in the region is a key driver of growth in duty-free retail. For instance, Tunisia has been constructing a new international airport in Tunis, which is due for completion in 2030. Likewise, Abu Dhabi International Airport plans to open a new terminal by the end of 2023.

Furthermore, retailers are introducing initiatives to make consumers’ shopping journeys simpler. For instance, Dubai Duty Free has begun accepting digital currencies, expanding payment options for consumers. Also, Duty-free retailers in the region have enhanced their online retail and home delivery capabilities over the last three years. Additionally, visually appealing storefronts, immersive shopping experiences, multi-sensory trial sessions, and omnichannel marketing campaigns are being introduced to attract consumers to stores and drive in-store shopping.

MEA Duty-Free Retailing Market Segmentation by Countries

Egypt, Israel, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and United Arab Emirates are the key countries in the MEA duty-free retailing market. The UAE is the largest duty-free market in the MEA region,. The country’s duty-free market is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of more than 10% between 2022 and 2026, driven by factors such as rising tourism, increasing disposable incomes, and expanding airport infrastructure. The UAE’s also benefits from a well-developed infrastructure and business-friendly environment.

Furthermore, Saudi Arabia is forecast to be the fastest growing in duty-free sales during 2021–2026. The country’s strategic location and growing tourism industry, along with government support to attract foreign investment, are contributing to its growth as a key player in the global duty-free market.

MEA Duty-Free Retailing Market, by Country (%)

MEA Duty-Free Retailing Market, by Country (%)

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MEA Duty-Free Retailing Market Segmentation by Sectors

The key sectors in the duty-free retailing market are cosmetics and toiletries, drinks, jewelry and watches, food, tobacco, accessories, womenswear, consumer electronics, communications equipment, menswear, children wear, and computer hardware & software. Cosmetics and toiletries had the highest share 2021, and food is anticipated to be the fastest growing category by 2026.

MEA Duty-Free Retailing Market, By Sectors (%)

MEA Duty-Free Retailing Market, By Sectors (%)

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MEA Duty-Free Retailing Market Segmentation by Retailers

The key retailers in the duty-free retailing market are Dubai Duty Free, James Richardson, DFS, Egyptair Duty Free, Aelia Duty Free, DUFRY, Duty Free Americas, and Chalhoub. Dubai Duty Free led the market in 2021.

MEA Duty-Free Retailing Market, By Retailers (%)

MEA Duty-Free Retailing Market, By Retailers (%)

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Segments Covered in the Report

MEA Duty-Free Retailing Market Outlook by Country

  • Egypt
  • Israel
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • United Arab Emirates

MEA Duty-Free Retailing Market Outlook by Sectors

  • Cosmetics and Toiletries
  • Drinks
  • Jewelry and Watches
  • Food
  • Tobacco
  • Accessories
  • Womenswear
  • Communications Equipment
  • Consumer Electronics
  • Menswear
  • Children Wear
  • Computer Hardware & Software

Reasons to Buy

  • Gain a comprehensive knowledge on MEA Duty-Free market and develop a competitive advantage.
  • Investigate current trends in the MEA duty free market to identify the best opportunities to exploit
  • Analysis of key duty-free players operating in MEA region.
  • Explore novel opportunities that will allow you to align your product offerings and strategies to meet demand by analyzing the key consumer and technology trends influencing the duty-free market in MEA region.
  • Analyze the recommended actions to align your marketing strategies with the crucial trends influencing consumer behavior.
  • Analysis of key international players operating in MEA Duty Fee retail market — including store counts and revenues that give you a competitive edge and identify opportunities to improve your market share.

Dubai Duty Free
James Richardson
DFS
Egyptair Duty Free
Aelia Duty Free
DUFRY
Duty Free Americas
Chalhoub

Table of Contents

Executive Summary

Regional Analysis

Country Analysis

Sector Analysis

Tourism Landscape

Key Trends

Key Retail Innovations

Competitive Landscape

New Opportunities

Appendix

Frequently asked questions

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