Black Friday sees brands around the world offer major discounts in late November. AFP
Black Friday sees brands around the world offer major discounts in late November. AFP
Black Friday sees brands around the world offer major discounts in late November. AFP
Black Friday sees brands around the world offer major discounts in late November. AFP

Black Friday 2019: when is it and what UAE deals will there be?


Sophie Prideaux
  • English
  • Arabic

If you've been thinking about making a big purchase, this is the week to do it as Black Friday arrives in the UAE, bringing with it a host of major offers and discounts on some of the world's biggest brands.
While Black Friday started out as an American concept, the phenomenon has gone global over the past few years, with countries around the world taking part in the shopping event.

Black Friday refers to the Friday after the American holiday of Thanksgiving, during which stores in the US have traditionally slashed their prices by up to 90 per cent and are opened from all hours. It is normal now for stores to hold Black Friday sales that can last over the weekend, or in some cases, throughout the whole month of November.

Black Friday traditionally takes place in America following the Thanksgiving holiday . Amy Sancetta / AP Photo
Black Friday traditionally takes place in America following the Thanksgiving holiday . Amy Sancetta / AP Photo

Typically, the best Black Friday offers can be found on electronics and household items, although fashion, beauty and sports brands also offer major Black Friday discounts.

This year, Black Friday will take place on Friday, November 29, although many stores will be holding discounts across the week.

In the UAE, there are a number of largescale sales, offering discounts of up to 90 per cent. Here are some of the best deals around: 

Sprii

Sprii.ae has announced a mega sale for Black Friday, which started on Friday, November 1 and lasts throughout the month. The online retailer is promising discounts of up to 90 per cent on more than 100,000 products on its site.

The parenting website will be offering deals on baby essentials and toys, as well as home and lifestyle items and school essentials.

Amazon

Amazon is known for its huge Black Friday offers, and with the launch of Amazon.ae this year, UAE residents will be able to get their hands on them for the first time. Bucking the trend, the mega-retailer will be hosting White Friday deals between Saturday, November 23 and Friday, November 29. There will be up to 70 per cent discount across big name brands, with electronics, daily essentials, fashion, baby products and toys all included.

Namshi 

Online retailer Namshi.com is hosting Black November, a month of discounts to mark the national shopping holiday. All month, those who spend Dh800 or more will get 35 per cent off, while there will be 20 per cent off for everyone all month with no minimum spend. There will also be a number of spotlight deals throughout November, as well as a competition entering those who shop into a prize draw to win a stay at Dubai's Armani Hotel.

Noon.com

Noon.com is hosting its annual Yellow Friday sale between Sunday, November 24 and Saturday, November 30. The online retailer will have discounts of up to 80 per cent across electronics, appliances, mobile phones, beauty, groceries and toys. It will also be dropping new deals each day throughout the day, and offering 10 per cent back for purchases made on credit cards.

Carrefour

Supermarket chain Carrefour is offering a week-long 'every day is Fri-yay' sale between Sunday, November 24 and Saturday, November 30. As well as daily exclusive deals in store and online, the retailer will be slashing prices by up to 60 per cent across household and garden goods.

ASOS 

Online clothing giant ASOS will be hosting its Black Friday sales between Friday, November 29 and Monday, December 2. While it is yet to announce its discounts, it has been hosting a number of warm-up sales offering up to 40 per cent off across specific brands and products.

Ounass 

Luxury retailer Ounass will be hosting Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals on Friday, November 29 and Monday, December 2. It will be slashing prices by up to 70 per cent across a number of luxury brands, including Stella McCartney, Self-Portrait, Chloe, and DKNY.

First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus 

David Haye record

Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4

What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE

Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer