UAE residents’ Eid Al Fitr spending stays resilient, but high-value gifts fall out of favour|JINHAN FAIR Weekly News

2026.03.26

Despite the ongoing tensions in the region, many UAE residents are returning to normalcy for the Eid holidays. According to the global research and insights firm Toluna, 50 per cent of residents say they expect to spend more money on Eid shopping than this year compared with 2025.

Forty-five per cent of residents expect to spend more on socialising and 41 per cent on entertainment, while 39 per cent say they will spend more on dining out and 36 per cent on ordering in. Taken together, the findings suggest that Eid remains a strong consumption moment in the UAE, particularly where social and experiential spending intersect.

At the same time, Eid gifting remains widespread, though the number is a little lower from 2025. In 2026, 84 per cent of UAE residents planned to give Eid gifts, down from 90 per cent the year before. Chocolates, dates, and sweets are the most popular gift choices at 43 per cent, with fragrances at 40 per cent, money at 36 per cent, fashion clothing at 36 per cent, and toys and games at 34 per cent.

On the other hand, higher value gifts were less popular this year. The share planning to give gold and diamond jewellery has fallen to 22 per cent from 29 per cent last year, while technology and electronic gadgets have declined to 17 per cent from 27 per cent, and small home appliances to 15 per cent from 20 per cent.

The study also found that gifting remains largely focused on immediate family members. Among residents planning to give gifts this year, 64 per cent said they will buy for their children, 59 per cent for their spouse and 47 per cent for their parents. A smaller share (40 per cent and 35 per cent) said they plan to buy gifts for friends or for themselves.

Price sensitivity is also shaping some spending decisions. Among residents who said they expect to spend less on Eid gifts this year, 37 per cent cited higher prices as the main reason, while 30 per cent said they want to save money. Another 29 per cent said their personal finances have worsened compared with last year.

Commenting on the findings, Danny Mandonca, managing director for Middle East and Africa at Toluna, said the results show that while consumers remain eager to celebrate Eid, they are becoming more selective in their spending.

“Consumers still want the family, dining and shopping experiences that define the season,” he said. “But they are placing greater emphasis on value and prioritisation.”