Budget-Smart Ramadan Gifting: Why UAE Families Are Planning Early
DUBAI 23-03-2026 In the UAE, the weeks leading up to Ramadan are marked by calm preparation and quiet intention. Families begin adjusting routines, refreshing their homes, and thinking carefully about how they want to enter Ramadan and Eid: organised, considered, and calm.
Rather than last-minute purchases, many households prefer to plan ahead, focusing on practical choices that support daily life during Ramadan and create a sense of readiness. This pre-Ramadan period referred to at AliExpress as Golden Days has increasingly become a time for thoughtful decisions that balance value, usefulness, and meaning.
According to a recent YouGov study commissioned by AliExpress, nearly a quarter of UAE shoppers begin festive shopping well in advance, while many others shop gradually throughout the year. This reflects a growing desire to approach Ramadan feeling financially prepared and mentally at ease, rather than rushed.
Thoughtful Gifting, Chosen with Care
In the UAE, gifting ahead of Ramadan is closely tied to appreciation and family connection. YouGov research shows that mothers remain the top gifting priority (62%), followed by spouses or partners (56%), highlighting the importance of recognising those who anchor the household.
UAE shoppers are increasingly drawn to items that feel personal yet practical, gifts that integrate naturally into everyday routines. Clothing and footwear lead gifting choices (44%), reflecting a preference for useful, wearable pieces that can be enjoyed throughout Ramadan and beyond. Jewelry and watches also remain a popular option, valued for their lasting significance and suitability for meaningful occasions.
Technology continues to play a role as well. Phones, accessories, and small tech upgrades are frequently chosen as gifts that support connection, convenience, and daily efficiency, particularly important during a month when schedules shift and evenings become more active.
Preparing Homes for Ramadan Living
As Ramadan approaches, homes across the UAE become spaces of gathering, reflection, and shared meals. Preparation today is less about excess and more about small upgrades that make daily routines smoother.
Seasonal décor such as lanterns, moon-and-star ornaments, and subtle table accents help set the tone without overwhelming the space. Hosting essentials from elegant serving trays to simple organisers allow families to welcome guests comfortably while keeping preparation stress low.
Many households also focus on refreshing everyday essentials, whether through storage solutions for organised kitchens or soft lighting that creates a calm evening atmosphere. These choices reflect a broader trend toward intentional living, where every purchase serves a clear purpose.
AliExpress as a Partner in Calm Preparation
AliExpress supports families by offering a wide range of products at accessible price points. From everyday fashion and meaningful gifts to home upgrades and practical tech, the platform allows shoppers to prepare gradually and confidently.
With strong online shopping habits in the UAE, where nearly three in ten consumers shop several times a week, AliExpress fits naturally into how families plan and purchase today. The ability to browse, compare, and shop at one’s own pace supports a balanced approach to Ramadan preparation.
What This Means for UAE Families
For families in the UAE, Ramadan preparation is about entering the month feeling ready. Planning ahead allows more time for reflection, togetherness, and generosity—the values at the heart of the season.
As Golden Days unfold ahead of Ramadan, gifting becomes less about obligation and more about care—choosing items that support loved ones, simplify routines, and contribute to a calmer month ahead.
By offering variety, value, and convenience, AliExpress helps UAE households prepare in a way that feels intentional, respectful, and aligned with how they live, turning preparation into a quiet act of care.
About AliExpress:
Launched in 2010, AliExpress is a global e-commerce platform dedicated to creating a better shopping experience for hundreds of millions of consumers in more than 200 countries and regions. In addition to the English version, the AliExpress platform is available in 15 other languages. AliExpress is part of Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group.
Deema Kabrawi
Manager – Communications Consultancy
T:+971 56 831 0612
Dubai Media City, Building 11, PO Box 7534, Dubai, UAE