Entering the Middle East home gift market at this time, the "peace dividend" is within reach

The recent restoration of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, facilitated by China, has opened a favorable window for a series of Middle East reconciliation processes. In recent days, the Arab League held an urgent foreign minister-level meeting in the Egyptian capital Cairo, announcing the decision to restore Syria's membership in the Arab League. This milestone marks a further weakening of the United States' influence in the Middle East, as Middle Eastern countries are formulating independent policies separate from the Western world.

Iran's Foreign Minister, Abdolrahman Shaya, has expressed that cooperation between Middle Eastern countries will increase in the near future, ushering in a new era of collaboration in the region.

Significant Growth in China-UAE Trade

China has consistently been one of the UAE's largest trading partners, with bilateral trade volume showing rapid growth year after year. In 2022, China-Arab bilateral trade reached an impressive $99.269 billion, marking a remarkable 37.16% increase compared to the previous year. China's exports amounted to $53.862 billion, exhibiting a significant growth rate of 22.92%, demonstrating a clear upward trend.

Expanding Home and Gift Market

Data indicates that the UAE's home and gift market has surpassed $2 billion. The local large middle-class population provides ample market space for Chinese home and gift enterprises. Benefitting from the Middle East reconciliation and the following policies and cultural factors, this market is set to further accelerate its expansion.

Advancements such as the "2030 Vision" Plan, the "Belt and Road" Initiative, free trade agreements, government support, and consumer upgrading have all contributed to the rapid expansion of the home and gift market in the Middle East.

China's Home and Gift Advantage

China's comprehensive range of home and gift products and mature manufacturing processes are well-loved by Middle Eastern consumers.

Kitchenware, thermal mugs, and daily essentials have shown outstanding export volumes and growth rates. This indicates a growing demand among Middle Eastern consumers for these products, highlighting China's competitive advantage in this market.

In terms of product selection, Chinese home and gift companies can promote similar products in the Middle East market due to the shared demand from countries radiating from the UAE, such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain. This approach can achieve economies of scale and reduce market promotion costs.

2023 UAE Homelife EXPO

Dates: June 13 - June 15, December 18 - December 20

Venue: Dubai World Trade Centre

The 2023 UAE Homelife EXPO provides an efficient trade platform for gift companies, wholesalers, and retailers from around the world to showcase samples and engage in cooperative discussions.

In the 2022 13th edition of the exhibition, 1,029 exhibitors gathered in Dubai, successfully engaging in 15,501 business negotiations, with an average of over 15 business opportunities per exhibitor.

Exhibit Categories

Home Goods: Kitchenware, bakeware, cleaning products, home decor, tabletop decorations, glassware, plastic products, ceramics, metal products, bathroom supplies, packaging, headwear, umbrellas, shopping bags, air fresheners, essential oils, etc.

School Supplies: Stationery, pens, plastic/metal folders, notebooks, calendars, etc.

Festive Supplies: Various festival-related items, entertainment products, magic props, etc.

Gifts: Eyewear, crafts, medals, badges, souvenirs, customized badges, gift keychains, photo frames, tourist souvenirs, photo frames, clocks, greeting cards, etc.

Toys: Educational toys, plastic toys, electronic toys, children's seating, plush toys, etc.

Sports and Leisure Products: Leisure sports equipment, water sports equipment and devices, beach leisure series, camping and leisure products, etc.

Camping Equipment: Sunglasses, tents, hammocks, luggage, fitness equipment, sauna equipment, fitness equipment, horse equipment, equestrian sports equipment and clothing, etc.

Garden Products: Garden furniture, decorations, sports and gaming equipment, camping and leisure products; garden care: grass pruning tools, wire mesh, generators, water pumps, lawn maintenance equipment; garden barbecues: barbecue equipment, various ovens, etc.

Star Buyers at the Expo

HOME BOX – Leading Group's Newest Home Concept Store

Annual Procurement Amount: $300 million

Purchased Products: Kitchenware, home decor, etc.

Introduction: Home Box is one of the latest furniture and home concept stores of the Leading Group, one of the four major groups in the Middle East, offering affordable furniture, home furnishings, and decor for daily life at economical prices. It currently has 42 stores in seven countries with a total area of 900,000 square feet.

"We have gained tremendously from this exhibition, and the Chinese products truly impressed us. We had comprehensive discussions with Chinese exhibitors, and it has been a fantastic exhibition experience."

Tavola – UAE's Leading Kitchenware Chain Store

Annual Procurement Amount: Approximately $5 million

Purchased Products: Cooking utensils, tableware, bakeware, kitchen appliances, etc.

Introduction: Tavola offers a wide range of high-quality kitchenware and tableware from internationally renowned brands, including cooking utensils, ovens, pots, knives, and more. Tavola's products are widely used in both home and professional kitchens, catering to various customer needs.

"We have gained immensely from this exhibition, and the Chinese products have truly caught our attention. Our extensive interactions with Chinese exhibitors have made it a wonderful exhibition experience."

CamelBak – Renowned UAE Insulated Mug Brand

Annual Procurement Amount: Approximately $5 million

Purchased Products: Insulated mugs

Introduction: CamelBak specializes in designing and manufacturing high-quality outdoor water products. Their insulated mugs use advanced insulation technology to maintain liquid temperatures for several hours. CamelBak's insulated mugs are popular among sports enthusiasts, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

"The exhibition experience has been excellent; it's our first time at Homelife Expo, and we've encountered a range of exceptional products that stand out. The Chinese exhibits have pleasantly surprised us."

Ansar Group – Dubai's Leading Chain Hypermarket

Annual Procurement Amount: $500 million

Purchased Products: Home goods, clothing, snacks, fresh produce, etc.

Introduction: Ansar Group operates 17 large chain hypermarkets in the Gulf region, specializing in retailing home goods and clothing. Established in 1980, the company has a history of nearly half a century in the Middle East and is a trusted brand among people in several countries in the region.

"Homelife EXPO enjoys a high reputation in Dubai, and our company places great importance on this exhibition. We have witnessed many high-quality exhibitors on-site and look forward to the exhibition continuing."

Previous Exhibition Scenes