Summary

GlobalData is carrying out weekly consumer surveys in 11 countries between 25th March and 31st May 2020, to track consumer sentiment and shopping behavior during the Coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic. The sample size is 500 respondents per country, per week.

The two countries in scope for Middle East & Africa are South Africa and UAE. Questions are consistent every week, and cover consumer opinions about COVID-19, buying behavior and product choices and impact of the Coronavirus (COVID19) outbreak on consumers' lifestyle and activities. This report summarizes the key findings from responses in week 3.

Key Highlights

- In South Africa the number of respondents extremely concerned by the outbreak of coronavirus is higher than the UAE at 73% compared to 59% (UAE).
- Amid global travel restrictions, changes to domestic and international travel have been felt by all destinations; South Africa and the UAE are no exceptions to this disruption. South Africans have a higher tendency to travel in comparison to the UAE, as both domestic and international trips were of greater value in 2019 thus disruptions of travel are more hard-felt in this destination. In the UAE, nearby regional destinations across the rest of the GCC will likely be affected by lockdown measures issued by government. As highlighted, family is central to South African culture thus the disruptions on domestic travel are slightly higher.
- Tips on personal health and well-being is without doubt what consumers in both South Africa and the UAE want to hear right now reflecting results on slide 3. News about the initiatives that brands are adopting during this pandemic is also sought after by over 50% of both markets.
- As time spent on social media has increased across both destinations, brands should be leveraging this opportunity to connect with consumers, through either touching base with existing markets or identifying opportunities for future potential. The way that a brand interacts with a consumer base during this time will be a critical area that will be assessed and likely affect future profitability in a post-pandemic environment.
- Local goods are clearly the area with the highest preference for travelers from the UAE which reflects on the popularity of domestic travel across the destination.

Scope

- This report provides an insight into how the coronavirus pandemic is shaping consumer sentiment in South Africa and UAE.
- It summarizes key findings from the survey ‘s responses and offers insight into how destinations and industry players can adapt to meet changing demands and needs.

Reasons to Buy

- Gain access to primary survey data results.
- Understand how the coronavirus pandemic is changing consumer attitudes.
- Assess how you can adapt your business plans and strategies to better meet these changing needs.