Dubai: As the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) enters its busiest gifting season, AliExpress has launched its annual Super Friday sale, running from November 20 to December 3, offering discounts of up to 80% across thousands of products.
The campaign coincides with changing consumer habits in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, revealed in a recent YouGov survey commissioned by AliExpress. According to the study, shoppers in both countries are planning purchases earlier, focusing on value and choosing more meaningful gifts for the winter festive period as well as the upcoming Ramadan and Eid seasons.
The survey shows that gifting remains a major priority, with consumers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia allocating 35–36% of their seasonal budgets for gifts. Around 39% of shoppers in the UAE and 36% in Saudi Arabia plan to increase their spending on gifts this year.
Online retail is playing a key role in this shift. In Saudi Arabia, 54% of shoppers prefer buying gifts online, while UAE consumers are evenly split between online and in-store shopping. Discounts remain a key motivator, with 48% of UAE shoppers citing promotions as their main reason for purchasing, while nearly a third of Saudi shoppers prefer to complete gift purchases weeks ahead of major occasions.
The research also highlights who GCC consumers prioritize when buying gifts. Mothers top the list in both countries, followed by spouses. Self-gifting is also growing, especially in Saudi Arabia, where 40% of shoppers purchase items for themselves during major sales periods.
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Popular categories include luxury beauty and skincare devices, smart home technology, jewelry, watches, personalized accessories, and home appliances. AliExpress has aligned its Super Friday offers with these trends, targeting key consumer demands.
During the two-week sale, customers will benefit from platform-wide coupons, bundle deals, new user offers, free shipping, easy returns on selected items, and faster delivery services, including Local+ delivery within three days and guaranteed delivery within 12 days.
AliExpress has also introduced its Brand+ channel, which features a curated selection of global brands offering authentic products at competitive prices for customers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
With GCC shoppers looking to maximize value without compromising on quality, AliExpress aims to position Super Friday as the go-to destination for affordable and meaningful gifting during the region’s biggest shopping season.
