Dubai, UAE – UAE residents are among the region’s highest spenders on Valentine’s Day gifts, with shoppers in the country spending an average of $95 (nearly Dh350) on gifts this year, according to the UAE-based gifting marketplace Flowwow.
This places the UAE as the second-highest spending nation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, following Kuwait, where average spending reached $126 (Dh460).
Trending Valentine’s Day Gifts in the UAE
The most popular categories for 2025 Valentine’s Day gifts include:
- Fashion
- Electronics
- Home and garden products
- Beauty and personal care items
- Car accessories
- Toys
Rising Trends in Gifting
According to Slava Bogdan, CEO of Flowwow, Valentine’s Day remains a key shopping period, with a 15% increase in overall gifting sales this year. The confectionery category, in particular, has seen a 10% growth compared to last year.
“The MENA region has a deep-rooted culture of expressing love through meaningful gifts,” Bogdan noted. “As long as people continue to cherish special moments, the gifting industry will thrive, especially on occasions like Valentine’s Day, where expressions of affection hold great importance.”
A Billion-Dollar Shopping Season
Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest retail periods in the UAE, with many residents purchasing gifts for loved ones. Across the MENA region, consumer spending for Valentine’s Day is expected to hit a record Dh101 billion, according to the National Retail Federation.
In the UAE, luxurious flower bouquets—especially in shades of red, pink, and white—remain a top choice. Large arrangements featuring classic and peony roses continue to be bestsellers, with bouquets of 101 or 109 roses becoming increasingly popular for special occasions. The average order value for flower bouquets in the UAE currently stands at Dh275.
Shifting Consumer Behavior
Despite strong spending trends, overall Valentine’s Day sales in the MENA region declined 5% in 2024 compared to the previous year. Analysts attribute this drop to residents prioritizing spending for Ramadan, which is fast approaching.
“Consumers have been less active in making Valentine’s Day purchases compared to Ramadan,” said Anna Gidirim, CEO of Admitad. “However, with the growth of e-commerce in the region, we expect a 5% increase in total online orders by the end of 2025.”
A Growing E-Commerce Market
With the continued expansion of digital shopping platforms, analysts predict that online sales will help drive growth in the UAE’s gifting industry. As purchasing habits evolve, e-commerce is expected to play a bigger role in shaping future spending patterns for seasonal celebrations like Valentine’s Day and Ramadan.
