Luxury consumers in the Middle East are showing the strongest spending appetite among established markets and are turning to generative AI before making purchases, according to a new BCG and Altagamma study.
The research found that the region’s net luxury spending appetite over the next 18 months is 6 percentage points above the global average. The figure rises to 19 points among top-tier clients, putting the Middle East ahead of Europe, the US, China, Japan and Korea.
The study, based on around 10,000 consumers across 11 markets, also found that 93% of luxury shoppers in the region use generative AI for research, compared with 79% globally. The Middle East figure combines consumers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Consumers are placing greater value on design, craftsmanship, exclusivity, limited editions and investment potential than on visible logos. Watches, jewellery and handbags were among the leading categories, while wellness, hotels, restaurants and design also attracted strong interest.
The findings were presented at The Luxury Edit by Instagram, a Meta-hosted event in Dubai. Meta said regional creators, culturally relevant storytelling and AI-powered tools are helping luxury brands improve discovery and customer engagement.
The company also highlighted WhatsApp as an increasingly important channel for product questions, personalised communication and sales across the region.
Source: Zawya
