Covid impact could last another year, say UAE consumers DUBAI, 7 hours, 48 minutes ago As spending habits continue to evolve, UAE consumers are staying cautious, with 46% expecting the effects of the pandemic to last at least another year, according to a study commissioned by global consultancy Kearney. Increased vaccinations (47%) and continued protective and social distancing measures (28%) will be key to rebuilding UAE consumers’ confidence to visit public places (stores, restaurants and supermarkets) moving forward, said the study, the third in a series of surveys exploring consumer shopping habits since the onset of the pandemic. It also highlights that expenditure on essential items (which constitutes of food and beverage (F&B) as well as non-F&B items) has shown a sustained increase, while spending on non-essentials (clothes, bags and accessories) continues to decline.