Overconsumption in the UAE

C-BID partnered with the Presidential Court and worked with its newly established Behavioral Science Group (BSG) to explore and address overconsumption in the UAE using the latest behavioral science.

Overconsumption—excessive consumption of goods, services, or resources beyond sustainable levels—poses significant economic, financial, and environmental challenges, particularly in rapidly growing economies like the UAE.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasized the importance of restraint, stating:

"We have a habit of excess, which we need to restrain. Overspending for a good cause like charity is something good and we support it. But overspending for no reason is bad."

This initiative aimed to understand the root causes of overconsumption through proprietary quantitative and qualitative behavioral research across the seven Emirates. Using a pathbreaking method developed by C-BID, the study identified key drivers of overconsumption, providing evidence-based insights to inform policy solutions tailored to the UAE’s unique context.

C-BID and BSG are now exploring the implementation of behavioral interventions to encourage responsible spending, promote financial well-being, and reduce overconsumption.