UAE shoppers are getting a head start on holiday gifts — but why so early?

Dubai: UAE shoppers are pulling holiday purchases forward this year, with more residents determined to avoid last-minute delivery stress as sales events stack up from Black Friday through 12.12 and into the New Year.

Many buyers now plan their gifting calendar around tight work and travel schedules, wary of bottlenecks that can hit couriers and retailers during peak season. The goal is simple: lock in gifts early so they arrive well before office parties, school breaks, and year-end trips.

Shop 3-4 weeks in advance?

A global holiday-shipping study by Blue Yonder shows that 78% of consumers buying gifts for people outside their household plan to shop at least three to four weeks in advance.

“The shipping and logistics industry has faced a variety of challenges this year, and our 2025 Global Consumer Holiday Shipping Survey reveals how these disruptions are reshaping consumer behaviors,” said Ann Marie Jonkman, Vice President, Global Industry Strategies, Blue Yonder.

“Consumers across regions and generations are entering the holiday season with higher expectations around speed, affordability and sustainability. These shifting priorities could have major impacts on retailers and logistics service providers as we enter peak season—with the potential to influence year-end sales performance significantly.”

Shop early as deliveries grow

In the survey, more than half of respondents globally expect standard online orders to arrive within two to four days, including 54% of those in the Middle East. At the same time, Middle East consumers reported the highest confidence in on-time delivery, with 51% “very confident” their packages will arrive as promised.

Even with that confidence, shoppers in the region still choose to bring their buying forward. Across generations, Gen Z, Millennials and Gen X tend to target that three-to-four-week window, while close to half of Baby Boomers prefer to order more than a month ahead, aiming to avoid any risk around cut-off dates and courier capacity.

The shift also aligns with findings from PwC's recent report, where convenience is now described as “the baseline” for regional consumers. “Consumers increasingly favour quick, personalised options — convenience has become the baseline, not the differentiator,” said PwC. Alongside speed, cost remains a major driver: more than 49% of Middle East respondents list cost of living as a top concern, even as they continue to emphasise convenience and delivery flexibility.

Willing to pay for speed, value

Price still matters, but Middle East shoppers appear more flexible when delivery timing is crucial. Only 11% of respondents in the region say they are not willing to pay anything extra for expedited shipping — the lowest share among all surveyed markets. That contrasts with markets such as the UK and US, where far larger segments refuse to pay a premium for faster delivery.

In practical terms, that means a typical UAE shopper may chase free-shipping thresholds during major sales, yet still switch to paid express options if delivery dates clash with travel or key celebrations. For gifts heading to family abroad, paying to shave a few days off the delivery window can feel like an insurance policy against delays.

Supporting this, PwC’s data shows that 53% of regional consumers order takeaway at least once a week, indicating high comfort levels with on-demand services and rapid delivery. Adoption of multiple shopping channels is strong, with younger consumers in particular embracing digital convenience and delivery platforms. These behaviours help explain why UAE consumers are comfortable paying for speed when it matters — even while remaining cost-conscious.

Industries built for fast delivery

Major logistics providers are ramping up capacity in the Gulf to meet these elevated expectations. The Gulf serves as a key trade corridor between Asia, Europe and the US while also catering to regional online-shopping volumes. Investment in warehouse automation, regional fulfilment hubs and expanded last-mile networks is gaining pace.

Industry analysts forecast continued growth in warehousing and e-commerce logistics across the Middle East over the next several years, with higher demand for automated facilities and expanded delivery capacity as online shopping becomes more deeply embedded in consumer habits.

These developments help explain why UAE residents feel relatively confident about fast delivery, even when they still choose to begin their shopping earlier as a precaution.

Speed up your holiday shopping?

For shoppers, the message is clear: if you want the best mix of price, stock availability and reliable delivery, treat late November into early December as your sweet spot. Order early to avoid stock-outs or delivery delays. Set a budget now and pick key gift categories to secure ahead. If you’re sending gifts abroad, double-check cut-off dates and consider paying for express shipping if timing is tight.

For retailers and logistics operators, the survey data signals an earlier and potentially more extended peak, rather than a short final-week rush. Clear cut-off dates, accurate delivery promises and real-time tracking will matter as much as promotions, especially for UAE residents fitting online shopping around work, school calendars and travel.

The result is a holiday season where timing becomes part of the strategy. UAE consumers still expect two-to-four-day delivery and remain ready to pay for speed when it counts, yet they increasingly rely on planning ahead to keep festive gifting on track.