UAE shoppers high demand for iPhones, sofas and laptops ahead of holiday season – report

Dubai’s year-end shopping season is driving strong activity across the UAE’s classifieds market, with residents turning to second-hand technology and household items as they prepare for holidays, gatherings and gifting.

According to new data from dubizzle, smartphones continue to attract the highest levels of interest, with iPhones ranking as the most sought-after items during the festive period.

Nearly 10 per cent of holiday shoppers on dubizzle viewed iPhones, reflecting their popularity as gifts and sustained demand for high-quality pre-owned devices. Laptops also recorded strong engagement, supported by demand from residents seeking work-friendly and travel-ready technology at more accessible prices.

Beyond electronics, home-related categories saw a notable rise in attention. Furniture such as sofas, beds, cabinets and dining sets emerged as seasonal favourites, as users upgraded living spaces ahead of year-end celebrations.

Major household appliances, including refrigerators and cooking ranges, also attracted increased interest, pointing to a broader wave of home refreshes across the country.

More traditional gifting categories remained prominent. Men’s watches featured among the most-viewed items on the platform while cats listed for free adoption also appeared in the top-viewed categories.

On the supply side, sellers mirrored these buying trends. Sofas and bed sets were among the most frequently listed items.

Home appliances and consumer electronics, particularly Apple and Samsung smartphones and laptops, also featured heavily among new listings, reflecting ongoing device upgrade cycles.

Men’s watches and electric scooters were also commonly listed, offering a wide selection of pre-owned gifting and lifestyle options for buyers.

dubizzle said the alignment between what users are buying and selling highlights the strength of its community marketplace and the increasing role of second-hand platforms in supporting more sustainable consumption. 

With greater participation from verified sellers, trust in pre-owned purchases continues to grow, encouraging residents to shop more consciously during the busy festive period.