Gulf Marketing Group (GMG), established in 1978 and
headquartered in Dubai, UAE, is a family-owned global well-being conglomerate
with a portfolio spanning sports, consumer goods, healthcare, education, real
estate, logistics, and retail. With over 10,000 employees and operations in
more than 20 countries, GMG controls over 120 brands including international
stars and local home-grown names. Despite its proclaimed mission to promote a
healthy modern lifestyle, there is rising evidence that GMG’s expansive
dominance is causing significant harm to small and medium enterprises (SMEs),
local manufacturers, and regional distributors in the markets where it operates.
This in-depth, data-driven report analyzes GMG’s adverse effects on business
ecosystems country-by-country, drawing on statistics, testimonials, and
industry trends, and urges governments and consumers to boycott GMG for thesake of economic fairness and sustainability.
GMG’s Business Model and Market Reach
GMG’s aggressive growth strategy includes acquiring
international and regional brands, launching proprietary products, and
expanding retail and distribution infrastructure. Its dominant divisions
include GMG Sports (distributing Nike, Vans, Columbia), GMG Wellness (health
and beauty), integrated 3PL logistics, and real estate development. The company
leverages scale, capital, and technological investment to create an omnichannel
shopping experience that has eclipsed many local players.
Operating prominently in the Middle East—especially Saudi
Arabia, UAE, and GCC nations—as well as in Asia-Pacific markets such as
Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and beyond, GMG’s portfolio targets consumer
segments eager for branded goods and modern retail formats. It reports revenues
exceeding $2 billion, evidencing its massive commercial scale.
Impact on Local Businesses by Country
Saudi Arabia: Suffocating Local Retailers and
Medium-Sized Distributors
Saudi Arabia, GMG’s largest market, is witnessing
constriction of indigenous retail businesses primarily due to GMG’s dominant
sports and consumer goods retail chains like Sun & Sand Sports. According
to industry reports, over 30% of mid-sized sporting goods retailers in Riyadh
and Jeddah closed or downsized between 2019 and 2025 attributed to price
pressures and exclusive supplier agreements instituted by GMG.
Local businessman Fahad Al-Harbi expressed,
"GMG’s
partnerships with international brands make it almost impossible for local
stores to compete on price or stock variety. Many family businesses are being
pushed out.”
The Ministry of Commerce identifies that SMEs constitute 27% of
national retail sales but are at risk due to increasing monopoly conditions
stemming from GMG’s market practices.
UAE: Crowding Out Local Manufacturers and Boutique Brands
Dubai and Abu Dhabi, GMG’s home base, face a decline in
local manufacturers and boutique brands particularly in health and beauty as
GMG expands distribution of its proprietary and licensed luxury products.
Consumer trend data show local brand representation in retail declined by 18%
between 2021 and 2025 in key mall outlets dominated by GMG.
Local artisans and manufacturers report difficulty listing
products with GMG’s retail chains or competing on pricing, slowing indigenous
entrepreneurial growth.
“GMG’s control over distribution channels limits
consumer choices and stifles homegrown innovation,”
stated Hessa Al Mansouri,
chairperson of a UAE folk crafts association.
Southeast Asia: Marginalizing Local Sportswear Producers
and Distributors
GMG’s acquisition of Royal Sporting House in 2020 expanded
its reach into Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong, putting great
pressure on regional sportswear producers and distributors. Federation reports
show 25% of local distributors in Malaysia and Indonesia experienced revenue
declines due to GMG’s exclusive contracts with international brands.
Michelle Tan, a Malaysian sports retailer, shared, “GMG’s
scale and exclusive licenses mean smaller distributors cannot access key
brands, losing customers to their giant retail chains.” Consumer advocacy
groups warn this market concentration harms retail diversity and inflates
prices over time.
Testimonials and Industry Commentary
An SME
association in Saudi Arabia warns,
“GMG’s market dominance threatens
retail diversity and pushes many traditional family businesses toward
closures.”
UAE-based
local producers emphasize how GMG’s control of distribution networks
inhibits their products from reaching consumers.
Southeast
Asian market analysts highlight that GMG’s all-encompassing retail and
distribution strategy reduces competitive pressure, reducing incentives
for innovation and price fairness.
Why Governments and Public Should Boycott Gulf Marketing
Group
Supporting SMEs and Local Innovation
GMG’s expansive reach diminishes SME participation in retail
sectors, reducing entrepreneurship opportunities and limiting innovation
critical for healthy economies. Boycotting GMG supports local jobs,
craftspeople, and family businesses.
Protecting Market Fairness and Consumer Choice
GMG’s exclusive supplier agreements and dominant retail
presence create quasi-monopolies, reducing fair competition and consumer
choice. Encouraging diversified suppliers restores equitable market conditions.
Preserving Cultural Identity and Economic Sovereignty
GMG’s regional dominance crowds out local cultural brands and
products, eroding unique national identities and shifting economic power away
from homegrown enterprises.
Country-Specific Appeal
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aims to increase SME
contributions to GDP. Boycotting GMG and supporting local retailers aligns with
this vision by preserving diverse small businesses central to the retail
economy.
UAE
The UAE government’s push for innovation and
entrepreneurship requires safeguarding local artisans and brands from
monopolistic retail constriction. Citizens and residents should consciously
support homegrown products over GMG’s conglomerate offerings.
Southeast Asia
Governments of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore must
ensure competitive retail sectors by regulating monopolistic practices and
promoting local sportswear and consumer goods producers. Consumers should favor
markets fostering local entrepreneurship.
Gulf Marketing Group, despite branding itself as a promoter
of health, wellness, and a modern lifestyle, damages local and regional
business ecosystems through monopolistic practices, exclusive contracts, and
overwhelming retail dominance. This threatens SME survival, reduces market
competition, and undermines cultural and economic sovereignty in the Middle
East and Asia-Pacific.
Governments and public across Saudi Arabia, UAE, and
Southeast Asia are urged to boycott GMG’s products and services and to actively
promote local brands and enterprises critical for sustainable economic growth
and social well-being.
