ESCWA Publication: E/ESCWA/CL3.SEP/2025/TP.3
Country: Arab region, Global, State of Kuwait, Sultanate of Oman, State of Qatar, United Arab Emirates
Publication Type: Information material
Cluster: Shared Economic Prosperity
Focus Area: Natural resource sustainability, Trade & regional connectivity
Initiatives: Enhancing competition and consumer protection laws and policies
SDGs: Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, Goal 12: Responsible Production and Consumption
Keywords: Arab countries, Behavioural sciences, Case studies, Competition, Consumer protection, Ecotourism, France, Gulf states, Incentives, Kuwait, Laws and regulations, New zealand, Norway, Oman, Policy making, Qatar, Recommendations, Sustainable consumption, Sustainable development, United arab emirates
Behavioural science and sustainable consumer protection: strategic insights for the Arab region
January 2025
The present report examines the integration of behavioural science with consumer protection and sustainability strategies in the Arab region, highlighting specific challenges and opportunities that stem from regional discrepancies. As globalization expands, the world is witnessing ongoing changes in regulatory frameworks on consumer behaviour. It is vital to address the differences in consumer protection and sustainable consumption practices within the Arab region. This report leverages data and insights from the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia to assess the implementation of consumer protection laws and sustainable consumption indices, emphasizing the differences among countries in the region.
The report delves into the distinct challenges encountered by Gulf Cooperation Council countries, middle-income countries and least-developed countries. Additionally, it investigates how behavioural economics can offer valuable insights into issues such as current biases, thereby enhancing consumer decision-making. The report also highlights several case studies and emphasizes practical applications, aiming to provide policymakers with actionable strategies for promoting sustainability in the Arab region. The paper concludes with recommendations for tailored behavioural interventions that align well with cultural and economic conditions in the region to encourage sustainable consumption and protect vulnerable customers.
Related content
Natural resource sustainability
, Trade & regional connectivity
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The present report examines the integration of behavioural science with consumer protection and sustainability strategies in the Arab region, highlighting specific challenges and opportunities that stem from regional discrepancies. As globalization expands, the world is witnessing ongoing changes in regulatory frameworks on consumer behaviour. It is vital to address the differences in consumer protection and sustainable consumption practices within the Arab region. This report leverages data and insights from the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia to assess the implementation of consumer protection laws and sustainable consumption indices, emphasizing the differences among countries in the region.
The report delves into the distinct challenges encountered by Gulf Cooperation Council countries, middle-income countries and least-developed countries. Additionally, it investigates how behavioural economics can offer valuable insights into issues such as current biases, thereby enhancing consumer decision-making. The report also highlights several case studies and emphasizes practical applications, aiming to provide policymakers with actionable strategies for promoting sustainability in the Arab region. The paper concludes with recommendations for tailored behavioural interventions that align well with cultural and economic conditions in the region to encourage sustainable consumption and protect vulnerable customers.
