The UAE is riding high in the Middle East children’s toy sector, with the retail value of toys and games in the Gulf country estimated to comprise 28 percent of the regional market by 2020, new research has revealed.
According to analysts Euromonitor International (EMI), consumers spent $869 million on toys, games and video games in the UAE in 2015, comprising nearly a third of the Middle East’s $2.9 billion retail value for the year.
Spending in the UAE is estimated to be worth US$1.1 billion by 2020, increasing by 6.2 per cent annually, while the Middle East market overall will be worth just under US$4 billion in the same year.
Growth rates remain healthy due to rising populations, increasing disposable incomes, and a boost in tourism according to EMI, while at $101 per capita, the UAE is one of the largest spenders per population of toys, games, and video games in the world.
This will come as good news to international manufacturers and suppliers which have their sights set on boosting exports to key emerging economies at the upcoming Playworld and Paperworld Middle East 2017 trade show in Dubai.
The seventh edition of the three-day event takes place on March 14-16, 2017 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, connecting exhibitors with more than 6,500 trade buyers from throughout the wider Middle East and African region.
New Capable from Hong Kong is among the manufacturers to have signed on at Paperworld Middle East 2017, and will use the annual platform to showcase a variety of toys, sport games, educational games, and children’s party items.
Returning exhibitors include Rockspring from Saudi Arabia, a supplier of children’s party items; and Yuhe Toys from China, a manufacturer of playground equipment and educational toys.
Debut exhibitors include Baby Mix from Poland, which covers a spectrum of baby items and Tigres, a Ukrainian manufacturer and distributor of children’s toys, baby bedding and clothing.

Source: Arab News