MOSCOW, February 19. /TASS/. Nineteen Russian brands launched operations in Dubai in 2024, and around 20 more retailers are planning to enter the UAE’s market soon, analysts at the international consultancy in the segment of commercial and residential realty Nikoliers said in a statement.
"Nineteen Russian brands entered the Dubai market in 2024. Around 20 more domestic retailers and operators in the food service segment are planning to launch their business there in the coming future," the statement reads.
All in all, 79 retailers from Russia are present in the region, according to analysts. They specified half of all new businesses that came to Dubai last year were in the food service category (Sakhalin, Frank by Basta restaurants, The Market Island Food Hall food fall from Zemskiy Group and others). Coffeemania is reportedly planning to launch in Dubai as well. The homeware category accounted for 25% of the total number of openings last year (Fix Price, Kuchenland, Bork). In the cosmetics and perfume category, Russian chains Zolotoye Yabloko (Gold Apple in English) and L'Etoile made their initial foray into the Dubai market. The latter also opened stores in neighboring emirates Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ras al-Khaimah. Meanwhile only one retailer from the clothing and footwear entered Dubai, this being You Wanna.
This year should see Russia’s further expansion into the Dubai market, Vladimir Kalikin, commercial director of the property management department at Nikoliers, said.
"Despite the rapid development of the food service segment, Dubai’s shopping centers are waiting for Russian fashion operators to arrive," he was quoted as saying.
According to the analysts, more and more local and international brands are breaking into the UAE market. For example, the global retailer Primark announced plans to launch there in 2024.