Retail sales across the GCC are projected to grow by $57.3 billion between 2025 and 2030, reaching $386.9 billion from $329.6 billion, according to a report by investment banking advisory firm Alpen Capital.
The market is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 3.3%. Food retail is forecast to grow faster than non-food retail, at 4.1% compared with 2.7%.
The region could add around 4.6 million square meters of organized retail space by 2030, assuming 80% of planned developments are completed. Total organized retail space would then reach about 27 million square meters, up from 22.8 million in 2025.
Saudi Arabia is expected to remain the GCC’s largest retail market, with sales forecast to reach $166.6 billion by 2030. The UAE is set to record the fastest growth, with sales projected to reach $129.5 billion at a 3.6% annual growth rate.
Retail expansion is increasingly centered on mixed-use destinations that combine shopping with dining, entertainment and leisure. Alpen Capital also said retailers are adopting AI and advanced analytics to personalize recommendations, automate decisions and improve efficiency, while expanding services such as buy online, pick up in store and same-day delivery.
Source: Fast Company Middle East
