Hobby & Leisure market in the UAE

The UAE Hobby & Leisure eCommerce market is predicted to reach US$573.0 million by 2024 and accounts for 8.5% of the total eCommerce market in the United Arab Emirates. It is expected to increase over the next years. The expected compound annual growth rate for the next four years (CAGR 2024-2028) will be 0.9%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$592.8 million by 2028. Within the Hobby & Leisure market ECDB considers the following twelve sub-markets: Media, Sports Equipment, Stationery, Crafts & Art Supplies, Pet Supplies, Toys, Bullion & Precious Metal, Camping & Adventure, Musical Instruments, Flowers & Gifts, Other Hobby & Leisure, Erotic & Adult, and Smoking Supplies.

Market development

eCommerce revenue development in the Individual Sports market in the UAE

The UAE Individual Sports eCommerce market is predicted to reach US$66.0 million by 2024 and accounts for 67.8% of the Sports Equipment eCommerce market in the United Arab Emirates. It is expected to decrease over the next years. The expected compound annual growth rate for the next four years (CAGR 2024-2028) will be -1.0%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$63.5 million by 2028. The Individual Sports eCommerce market is a sub-market of the Sports Equipment market. Further categories within the Sports Equipment market are: Team Sports.

eCommerce revenue development in the Individual Sports market in the UAE

in million US$

Note: Market revenue represents B2C sales of physical goods including VAT. It excludes B2B sales, C2C sales, returns, compensation for damaged or missing goods, any discounts granted and services. Data shown is using current exchange rates.

Source: ECDB analysis

eCommerce revenue growth in the Individual Sports market in the UAE

in %

Note: Market revenue represents B2C sales of physical goods including VAT. It excludes B2B sales, C2C sales, returns, compensation for damaged or missing goods, any discounts granted and services. Data shown is using current exchange rates.

Source: ECDB analysis

Net eCommerce revenue split by sub-category

in %

Note: Data shown is using current exchange rates.

Source: ECDB analysis

201720182019202020212022202320242025202620272028
Revenue (in mUS$)0.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.0
Growth (in %)26.368.078.716.457.944.115.244.4
as of Sports Equipment (in %)5.45.65.86.05.66.06.16.26.26.36.46.5

Market definition

Definition of the Individual Sports market within the Hobby & Leisure market

Market definition: Hobby & Leisure > Sports Equipment > Individual Sports The category Individual Sports includes the online trade of bicycles (e.g. road bikes, mountain bikes, bike accessories), hunting and weapons (e.g. hunting rifles, firearms, ammunition), fishing equipment (e.g. fishing rods, fishing reels, fishing lines) and fitness equipment (e.g. exercise machines, strength training equipment). This category does not cover activewear (e.g. joggers, tights, tricots), non-sport-specific footwear (e.g. running shoes, tennis shoes, basketball shoes) or non-sport-specific accessories (e.g. gym bags, water bottles, sporty hats and caps). All monetary figures refer to the annual gross revenue and do not factor in shipping costs.

In-scope

  • Bicycles (e.g. road bikes, mountain bikes, bike accessories)
  • Hunting and weapons (e.g. hunting rifles, firearms, ammunition)Fishing equipment (e.g. fishing rods, fishing reels, fishing lines)
  • Fitness equipment (e.g. exercise machines, strength training equipment)

Out-of-scope

  • Activewear (e.g. joggers, tights, tricots)
  • Non-sport specific footwear (e.g. running shoes, tennis shoes, basketball shoes)
  • Non-sport specific accessories (e.g. gym bags, water bottles, sporty hats and caps)
  • Fitness trackers

Market comparison

The UAE Individual Sports market in a global comparison

Market comparison by growth, online share, and revenue in 2023

in %

Source: ECDB analysis