Loyalty programs Ramadan 2026 are drawing significant attention across the GCC, as seasonal consumer spending accelerates and brands compete for deeper customer engagement during the holy month. Market data and executive commentary from Loylogic, a global rewards marketplace operator, point to record participation levels across retail, travel, and banking sectors.
GCC Loyalty Market Projected to Reach $3.27 Billion in 2025
The Middle East loyalty market is projected to grow 16.3% in 2025, reaching approximately US $3.27 billion, up from US $2.81 billion in 2024. In the UAE alone, loyalty programmes are expected to grow 16.1% to about US $490.8 million in 2025. Furthermore, the regional market is forecast to maintain a compound annual growth rate of approximately 13.8% through 2029, driven by digital, coalition, and personalized models.
Why Ramadan Shapes Consumer Loyalty Behavior
Ramadan drives intentional spending patterns across the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Mobile shopping peaks during Ramadan evenings as families prepare for iftar and suhoor, while search interest for offers and discounts rises sharply in the final days of the month. Loyalty initiatives — including gift cards, tiered rewards, points programs, and exclusive offers — serve as key tools for brands seeking to connect with consumers during this period.
“Ramadan isn’t a one-month campaign; it’s a strategic moment to reaffirm value with your most engaged customers. Loyalty performs best when integrated into a holistic incentive approach that respects cultural sentiment and rewards customer commitment with relevance and respect.”
Gabi Kool, CEO, Loylogic
Sector Performance: Retail, Travel, and Banking Lead Engagement
Retail loyalty programs, the largest contributor to regional activity, record heightened engagement as consumers shop for groceries, gifts, and fashion. App-based and mobile wallet integrations enable real-time rewards, while multi-brand coalition programs allow customers to redeem points across stores and e-commerce platforms. Meanwhile, the Middle East travel loyalty market is estimated at approximately US $1.14 billion in 2025, led by the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with airline and hotel programs offering tiered rewards and exclusive iftar experiences gaining traction.
In banking and financial services, banks and fintech platforms are encouraging card and digital wallet usage during Ramadan. Credit card rewards, buy-now-pay-later programs, and partner offers enable consumers to earn points on essential and seasonal purchases, boosting transaction frequency.
Loyalty Programs Ramadan Strategy: Key Drivers for 2026
Loylogic identified four primary factors driving loyalty market growth during Ramadan 2026. Coalition loyalty across multi-brand ecosystems is expanding customer reach, while artificial intelligence-driven personalization enables real-time, adaptive offers based on individual behavior and purchase history. Integration with mobile wallets and fintech partner ecosystems is also accelerating adoption. Additionally, experiential rewards in travel and hospitality are recording the highest redemption rates among programs that offer cross-industry perks.
“Today’s most effective loyalty strategies are built around meaningful engagement, not single reward categories. When brands design incentive ecosystems that combine experiential value, aspirational rewards, and seamless digital delivery, they create emotional connection driving both immediate engagement and sustained lifetime loyalty.”
Gabi Kool, CEO, Loylogic
About Loylogic
Loylogic operates a global rewards marketplace for loyalty and incentives management. The company has enabled over 200 billion points and miles transactions, delivered more than $1 billion in commerce, and shipped experiences spanning 100+ categories across 190 countries to more than 10 million loyalty members worldwide.