Nearly Eight out of 10 Emirati consumers prefer gift cards over a traditional gift

More than three out of five (66%) of UAE consumers have bought or received a gift card in the previous six months or more.
Three out of five (62%) UAE consumers prefer gift cards over traditional gifts.
Sixty-eight percent of UAE employees prefer receiving gift cards to traditional corporate gifts from their employers.
Seventy-seven percent of Emirati employees and 67% of expatriate employees said they prefer gift cards over conventional corporate rewards.

Dubai, UAE – A recent survey conducted by YOUGotaGift, the leading marketplace for digital gift cards in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), in partnership with YouGov, reveals a growing preference for gift cards, particularly digital ones, among consumers in the UAE.

The survey, which involved over 1,000 UAE respondents, found that nearly 77% of Emirati consumers prefer a gift card over a traditional gift, with 64% showing a stronger inclination for an eGift card over a physical one. It also highlighted that 62% of UAE consumers favored receiving gift cards from a preferred brand over traditional gifts.

YOUGotaGift CEO, Husain Makiya, commented on the findings, stating that gift cards have grown in popularity over the years due to their versatility, convenience, and ease of use among consumers and businesses. He added that the survey provides valuable insights into the evolving gift card preferences among UAE nationals and expatriates, demonstrating a strong preference for new-age digital gifting solutions.

The survey also revealed compelling findings in the corporate domain, with 68% of employed respondents indicating their preference for receiving gift cards rather than traditional corporate gifts from their employers. This presents organisations with an opportunity to explore innovative employee engagement, recognition, and rewards centred around gift card offerings.

Makiya further added that the UAE, home to a burgeoning youth population that is highly digitally savvy, must adapt to the country’s evolving rewarding patterns and preferences. He suggested that digital gift cards present an excellent avenue to drive innovative, engaging employee rewards programs that resonate with this tech-forward workforce.

The survey also delved into various demographic segments, uncovering nuanced gift card preferences. It found that the appetite for gift cards was particularly pronounced among males (64%), married individuals (65%), and working professionals (64%). Notably, the results underscore a robust appetite for gift cards across all age groups in the UAE, with a pronounced preference towards digital gift card (eGift card) solutions.

As the gift card industry continues its global expansion, fuelled by changing consumer preferences and the unparalleled convenience of digital solutions, YOUGotaGift stands at the forefront of this transformation. The platform empowers businesses and individuals alike to deliver memorable, personalised gifting experiences through its meticulously curated catalogue of digital and physical gift cards from prestigious brands across diverse markets regionally.