Union Coop’s blend of retail expansion, digital innovation, and community focus is paying off, with the cooperative posting record growth in the first half of 2025. The retail giant reported a net profit of AED 173.6 million for the first half of 2025, a 6.4% increase over the same period last year, underscoring steady growth in a competitive UAE retail landscape. Profit before tax reached AED 192 million, while total income climbed to AED 1.158 billion, led by retail sales of AED 1.03 billion alongside contributions from real estate and other income streams.
The performance reflects both scale and operational efficiency. Second-quarter profits alone rose 13% year-on-year, supported by a 30% jump in new customers and a 24% surge in online sales.
“In the first half of this year, we expanded our footprint with the opening of one new mall and three new stores, in Al Khawaneej, Nad Al Sheba, and Rukan Community, designed to the highest standards to cater to a wider audience,” said Mohamed Al Hashemi, CEO, Union Coop.
Additionally, a key growth lever marking the strong performance was digital innovation. The retailer added “Scan&Go” self-checkout in two stores and “Check&Go” lanes in seven outlets, poised to accelerate in-store transactions. These investments, paired with customer acquisition momentum, strengthened the cooperative’s positioning against regional rivals pursuing similar omnichannel strategies.
Union Coop also emphasized social impact, reporting a 35% Emiratization rate and the recruitment of 80 National Service members across 13 branches. The cooperative employs 721 women, reinforcing its inclusion agenda in the sector.
Union Coop’s achievements include recognitions like Most Admired Customer Experience at the IMAGES RetailME Golden Spoon Awards 2025. Conclusively, Al Hashemi credited these results to the trust of shareholders, the dedication of employees, and the loyalty of customers, reaffirming the cooperative’s vision for sustainable growth and market leadership in the UAE’s retail industry.
Looking ahead, Union Coop aims to build on this momentum with further expansion projects, deeper digital integration, and continued community engagement — signaling its intent to not only keep pace with, but actively shape, the future of UAE retail.