It’s that time of the year when the gifting tradition takes over, with people scrolling through social media and checking what’s the best way to share a gesture and token of love with their families, either living in the UAE or different parts of the world. Experts believe the region’s gift-giving traditions are deeply rooted in its rich cultural tapestry, adding another layer of significance to the celebrations.
Slava Bogdan, CEO and co-founder of Flowwow, said, “Gifting is deeply ingrained in Emirati culture, reflecting the nation’s strong emphasis on hospitality and generosity.”
“It’s interesting that the growing expat community is driving the demand for both domestic and cross-border e-gifting. Our recent study, analyzing data from January to September 2024, revealed a 22% increase in overall gift purchases in the UAE, with 20.1% of these gifts being sent abroad,” Slava continued.
He also compared this to previous years, where the increase was 7% in 2022 and 11% in 2023 during the same period. “However, domestic orders within the UAE accounted for a substantial 80% of total sales, reflecting the region’s rich hospitality and gifting traditions,” Bogdan noted.
The leading destination for international gift deliveries was the United Kingdom, which comprised 13% of international sales, with an impressive average spend of AED 505: “This can largely be attributed to the significant number of UK expats residing in the UAE — around 240,000 British citizens.”
The most significant influx in gifting typically occurs during major festivals and holidays: It can be Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, Christmas, Black Friday, Mother’s Day, or Valentine’s Day. However, gifting has also evolved into a year-round tradition, especially for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, promotions at work, and other personal celebrations.
“Whether it’s a birthday bouquet from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah or a festive wreath from Turkey to London, Flowwow makes long-distance gifting easy,” noted Bogdan.
Flowwow’s expansive reach across 30+ countries and 1200+ cities consistently creates opportunities for meaningful connections. While maintaining long-distance relationships has traditionally been a challenge, the company focuses on delivering with joy and ease. More so, it believes in the power of thoughtful gestures to bring people closer, offering a seamless way to strengthen bonds across the globe.
Central to its success are the 15,000+ local shops that form the heart of the business, offering unique gifts that cater to diverse cultural and personal preferences. This approach not only provides a personalized gifting experience but also supports local entrepreneurs globally.
“In business, a well-chosen gift can strengthen relationships by demonstrating mutual understanding. Gifting is an essential part of social interaction and community bonding in the UAE, often symbolizing respect and affection,” believes Slava Bogdan.
