The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region is one of those hidden gems that are often overlooked by businesses seeking international expansion. As one of the world’s fastest-growing economic zones, the GCC, which includes the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain, offers a dynamic retail environment for international brands who can benefit from both the region’s affluent local population and its strong influx of tourists.

Unlike more mature markets, the GCC benefits from rapid growth, a young and urbanized population, plus rising middle-class affluence.  The region’s population is projected to surpass 62.5 million by 2028, per FintEdu data.  Middle-class consumers in the GCC typically have a taxable average monthly salary between $2,000 and $6,500, with about 40 million people in this income bracket.