Sales of outdoor clothing and footwear in the UAE are rising. Outdoor climbing, hiking and running are becoming popular in the country in the winter months. Sales are likely to grow by 15 per cent month-on-month from October to February.

The outdoor apparel and footwear market in Dubai is up six per cent year-on-year mainly driven by increasing awareness of health and wellness. Another factor driving sales of outdoor goods is the government’s investments in new running and cycling tracks, which encourage people to take part in outdoor activities.

This year, outdoor apparel is projected to amount to around 70 per cent of total demand. In the last few years sales of outdoor apparel and footwear in the country have increased due to rising consumer per capita disposable income, coupled with more health-conscious individuals, an increase in the population of the UAE and major international sporting events and championships being held in the country.

However while sales of outdoor goods will increase in the cooler months, they are expected to be softer than last year, as the retail sector’s growth slows down this year. The strong dollar, to which the UAE dirham is pegged against the euro and the rouble, has lowered spending of European and Russian tourists.