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Digital Gifting & Corporate Rewards: Set to Transform in 2025

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Digital gifting is revolutionizing the way people in the Middle East celebrate, connect, and express gratitude, blending cherished traditions with the ease of modern technology. As highlighted by YOUGotaGift, this trend has taken center stage in 2024, reshaping everything from heartfelt cultural milestones to thoughtful corporate gestures. Whether it is a personal celebration or a professional token of appreciation, digital gifting and rewarding redefines how connections are made, and memories are shared across the region. This trend is set to continue in 2025.
Seasonal occasions like Ramadan, Eid, Teachers’ Day, and Christmas hold deep cultural significance, and gifting during these times is on the rise. According to YOUGotaGift, in Saudi Arabia, Eidiya gifting during Ramadan and Eid is 50% higher than in the UAE, underscoring the importance of these traditions. Meanwhile, in the UAE, the festive period thrives due to its diverse expat population, making Christmas gifting a major event and at par with the Eidiya season.
Teacher gifting has emerged as a unique trend in the UAE, with parents and students increasingly using group gifting platforms to create meaningful, personalized gifts for educators. These thoughtful gestures highlight how gifting strengthens bonds in communities and institutions alike.
Husain Makiya Co-founder and CEO of YOUGotaGift said “As we approach Ramadan, we see the gifting market flourish, particularly with the growing adoption of digital gifting. The shift to e-gift cards is not just a trend – it’s a transformation in how people connect and celebrate. With the Middle East’s tech-savvy and younger population, increasing adoption of digital payments, and a dynamic e-commerce infrastructure, the region is uniquely positioned to lead this digital gifting revolution. This is an exciting time for both consumers and businesses to embrace innovation and make gifting and rewarding more seamless, personal, and impactful.”
Digital gifting isn’t just for consumers- corporate gifting and rewarding are booming too. Currently accounting for 25% of e-commerce transactions in the region, this segment is projected to grow by an impressive 150% by 2025. Companies are increasingly using digital gift cards to reward employees, thank customers, and celebrate achievements. The convenience and flexibility of these cards make them an appealing option for businesses aiming to foster goodwill and strengthen relationships.
Group gifting is having a moment, especially in Saudi Arabia. In 2024, it has seen a 100% year-on-year growth, becoming a preferred way to bring people together for shared celebrations . Whether for birthdays, anniversaries, or teacher appreciation, group gifting’s innovative and collaborative nature makes it an easy and inclusive choice for many.
Today’s consumers want gifts that resonate. Digital gifting platforms are rising to the challenge, offering customisable eGift Cards and user-friendly interfaces that make the whole gifting and rewarding experience seamless. Personalisation is particularly appealing to Gen Z and Millennials, who value flexibility and the ability to make thoughtful choices . This shift towards tailored experiences reflects the growing emphasis on making every gift special and relevant.
In Saudi Arabia and the UAE, traditions and technology merge, digital gifting is more than a trend – it’s a reflection of the region’s evolving lifestyle. Whether celebrating holidays, appreciating teachers, or rewarding employees, digital gifting is making meaningful connections easier and more impactful than ever before .

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Yango Ads and Dr Nutrition partner to personalise health retail through AI-powered ad solution

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Yango Ads, the ad tech division of Yango Group, has announced a strategic partnership with Dr. Nutrition, one of the Middle East’s leading health and wellness retailers. The collaboration brings Yango Ads’ 360° Retail Media platform to Dr. Nutrition’s digital ecosystem, unlocking new revenue streams while delivering hyper-personalised customer engagement in a fast-growing, data-driven healthcare retail market.
Powered by first-party data and real-time targeting, the full-stack integration includes ad management, ad serving, inventory support, audience augmentation, user analytics and exclusive operational oversight by Yango Ads. The solution ensures customers receive product recommendations, content, and highly relevant offers on their online wellness shopping journey.
“In today’s research-driven consumer market, precise timing and highly relevant messaging make all the difference. Retail media can help brands connect with today’s health-conscious consumers,” said Evgenii Pavlov, General Manager at Yango Ads MEA. “With Dr. Nutrition, we’re combining AI-driven precision and deep consumer insight to create a smarter, more meaningful advertising experience. Through our partnership, the brand can better meet its customers’ needs, offering the most relevant recommendations and support at the right moment. The Middle East is one of the most exciting markets for this transformation, with 44% of consumers now shopping online daily or weekly, well above the global average.”
Dr. Nutrition, with over 200 stores across 10 countries in the GCC and North Africa, is increasingly focused on personalisation to meet the evolving expectations of today’s consumer. The new solution will allow the brand to deliver targeted product suggestions and wellness advice in real time, enhancing each user’s experience while reinforcing its leadership in the health and supplements sector. As the UAE’s eCommerce revenue is projected to reach $8 billion in 2025, the partnership puts Dr. Nutrition in a strong position to leverage this growth with highly tailored digital engagement.
“In a competitive and rapidly changing health sector, retail media gives us the tools to differentiate in a more personalised way,” said Ashraf Gamal, Head of E-commerce at Dr. Nutrition. “At Dr Nutrition, our mission is to make health and wellness more accessible, relevant, and tailored to each individual. Instead of broad messaging, Yango Ads’ data-driven insights enable us to connect with people based on real interest and intent. It helps us reinforce our role as a trusted wellness partner who understands the unique goals of every customer and supports them across every stage of their health journey.”
Also commenting on the partnership, Yuliya Kim, Head of Partnerships at Yango Ads MEA, added: “We’re seeing more regional brands adopt retail media to bridge the gap between awareness and conversion. With Dr. Nutrition, the focus is on building a high-performance customer-centric advertising experience, turning data into actionable insights to drive long-term value for both the brand and its users.”
The collaboration also aligns with public health initiatives like the UAE’s National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031, which emphasises the importance of personalised wellness approaches. As investment in retail media networks is expected to reach $140 billion globally by 2026, Yango Ads is positioned to offer retailers a single platform that integrates ad serving, audience segmentation, measurement, and creative management.
By harnessing Yango Ads’ advanced adtech capabilities, Dr. Nutrition can dynamically adjust messaging to suit individual customer goals, whether they’re starting a new supplement plan or optimising their fitness routine.

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Circular Packaging Association Participates as Knowledge Partner at Sustainability in Packaging MENA 2025

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The Circular Packaging Association (CPA) participated recently as a knowledge partner at the Smithers Sustainability in Packaging MENA Summit 2025, held in Dubai. The two-day event convened industry leaders, policymakers, and sustainability experts to explore the latest trends, policies, and innovations shaping the future of sustainable packaging in the region.

CPA board members and representatives from leading industry and trade organizations took part in dynamic discussions that addressed a range of critical topics, including the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in the UAE as well as similar dynamics in the region, single-use plastic rationalization, and the broader regulatory landscape driving circularity across the MENA.

During the sessions on EPR, speakers underscored the essential role of EPR schemes in accelerating reduction, reuse, and recycling. Emphasis was placed on the value of harmonized regulations—not only within national borders but across the wider region—to enable scalable systems, reduce market fragmentation, and streamline trade.

Industry participants reiterated their commitment to supporting co-design mechanisms, implementing harmonized reporting structures, and working with government stakeholders to build future-ready, effective EPR systems.

“Public-private collaboration is not a luxury; it’s a necessity,” said Sara Jackson, Technical Director at the CPA. “A circular packaging future requires inclusive systems built on two-way dialogue between regulators and private sector players. We must come together to co-create solutions that are technically sound, economically viable, and socially inclusive—aligned with the UAE’s vision for a circular economy.”

The summit also covered key themes such as global frameworks to tackle plastic pollution, the role of advanced recycling technologies in the MENA region, and how brands are leading the way in sustainable packaging. Panel discussions and case studies explored the intersection of policy and innovation, offering attendees actionable insights on driving system-wide transformation.

As the region looks to align environmental goals with economic resilience, the CPA continues to champion evidence-based policy engagement, industry and trade capacity building, and knowledge sharing to support a circular, sustainable  future.

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Al-Safa Group Opens the Newest VERO MODA Store in Saudi Arabia

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Al-Safa Group has announced the official opening of a new VERO MODA boutique in Riyadh.
Located in Cenomi Al Nakheel Mall, the store marks an important milestone for VERO MODA, offering customers an immersive shopping experience that reflects the Danish brand’s philosophy: delivering high-quality fashion at accessible prices, with modern, comfortable designs that celebrate women’s confidence and elegance. With the new store, VERO MODA now spans three locations across the Kingdom: two in Riyadh at Al Nakheel Mall and Al Qasr Mall and one in Jeddah at The Village Mall.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on Wednesday, 21 May, and was attended by Mr. Amro Al Swayeh, Board Member and Chief Executive Officer – Retail Division, Al-Safa Group and Mr. Anshuman Anand, Chief Executive Officer, Al-Safa Brands, as well as distinguished guests, media representatives, and social media influencers.
“We are thrilled to open this new branch in Cenomi Al Nakheel Mall, a vibrant market with a customer base that values contemporary style and quality,” said Mr. Al-Swaih. “The store allows us to move even closer to our customers and deliver a unique, enjoyable shopping experience. This opening is more than just a new location; it is a celebration of the confident, modern woman. We look forward to welcoming everyone and showcasing our latest collections, which reflect global fashion trends while staying true to VERO MODA’s distinctive style.”
Mr. AlSwayeh reaffirmed Al-Safa Group’s commitment to delivering exceptional value through its portfolio of exclusive brands. “Our labels embody our dedication to quality and excellence, thoughtfully designed to meet the diverse needs of our valued customers. Innovation drives our growth, and we continually introduce products that align with the latest trends and the highest standards,” he added.
Founded in 1987, VERO MODA quickly became one of Europe’s leading women’s fashion brands, renowned for its wide range of on-trend apparel, spanning relaxed casualwear to standout dresses and evening pieces, along with accessories and footwear that complete the look.
The new store features VERO MODA’s latest collections of elegant, high-quality garments curated to suit every taste. With carefully selected assortments and personalised service, customers can expect an inspiring, effortless shopping experience.

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