From Vishu deals to flash sales, Gulf mall culture is going digital as Malayalis lead the shift

In the golden age of Gulf retail, malls weren't just places to shop – they were lifestyle hubs. Weekend visits to Dubai Mall, Doha Festival City, or Riyadh Gallery meant more than ticking off a grocery list. It was about the sensory indulgence of shopping, food courts, indoor theme parks, and weekend family bonding.

But something profound has shifted in the last few years. Accelerated by the pandemic, powered by mobile tech, and reinforced by the ever-connected Malayali diaspora, Gulf shopping culture has gone online – and with it, the bargain-hunting habits of the region's most value-conscious consumers have transformed.

Today, deals are hunted not in paper flyers but through apps and digital platforms like GC Coupons, a UAE-based powerhouse that's become a go-to for thousands of Malayali expats across the GCC.

Why Malayalis abroad prefer coupon apps over malls in 2025
The Gulf's retail scene has always been magnetically attractive to Malayalis. Whether it's shopping during Ramadan sales or sending gifts home during Vishu and Onam, spending patterns reflect deep cultural values: thrift, generosity, and celebration.

However, the modern Malayali NRI isn't necessarily heading to the mall every time there's a sale. Today, with skyrocketing e-commerce adoption and busier schedules, the savvy expat turns to digital couponing platforms to unlock the best deals — no parking queues, no crowds, and no guesswork.

Platforms like GC Coupons are leading this shift, offering verified and exclusive promo codes for trusted retailers across the region. From everyday essentials to luxury items, users find deals on everything from fashion to food delivery, including trusted names like Noon, Namshi, and Splash.

Inside GC coupons: Digitising the Gulf’s festival sales
Imagine preparing for Vishu in the UAE. You want to buy new clothes for the kids, send gifts to your parents in Kerala, and stock up on home essentials before hosting guests. Traditionally, this meant at least two visits to the mall.
Today, however, expats are leaning on coupon sites to plan their festival shopping. One example is the exclusive codes for Max Fashion, often available through platforms like GC Coupons, which help shoppers stay under budget while buying festive wear for the entire family.

The convenience of having discounts for Centrepoint, Bloomingdale's, GAP, and others in one place, especially during peak shopping periods, has changed the way NRIs approach traditional festivities.

5 Things GC coupons does better than the res
What sets GC Coupons apart from the hundreds of deal sites on the web? Here are five things that make it the preferred choice among Gulf-based bargain hunters:
1. Manual Code Testing: Every coupon is tested manually to ensure it works — a rare practice in an industry riddled with expired or fake codes.
2. Exclusive Partnerships: It has official collaborations with major retailers, which means early access and exclusive promo codes unavailable elsewhere.
3. Bilingual Interface: Recognising its diverse audience, the site supports both English and Arabic, improving accessibility.
4. Mobile Optimisation: With 90% of users accessing deals on the go, GC Coupons’ site is lightning-fast and mobile-first.
5. Focus on Regional Brands: Beyond global names like Temu and GAP, it also offers deals on regionally beloved platforms like Dabdoob, Styli, and Centrepoint.

It's not just a coupon site – it's become a savings toolkit for expats balancing quality and affordability. Over 2,50,000 users on GC Coupons have used Noon Coupons to save on the popular e-commerce site.

Festival-ready? How expats prepare for Onam and Eid online
Shopping for Onam, Vishu, Eid, or Christmas has become more tech-enabled than ever before. Couponing platforms often align their offers with the region’s shopping calendars. When major retailers run flash sales, frequent users know exactly where to look.

A Sharjah-based mother of two, for instance, recently picked up a pair of designer shoes using a Level Shoes promo code she found online — saving time, money, and the trouble of navigating a packed mall.
Convenience has redefined the shopping experience for many expat families. Deals once discovered by chance are now planned and shared, helping communities shop smarter together.

The new social currency: Sharing coupons in WhatsApp family groups
Malayalis have long mastered the art of community saving — whether it's chitty funds, gold schemes, or WhatsApp alerts about local fish sales.

In 2025, that same instinct is being digitized. It's now common to see discount codes passed around in family WhatsApp groups. A link to a 6th Street coupon might spark a flurry of activity, with cousins across the GCC grabbing footwear or activewear during weekend sales.
Couponing has become not just a saving tool but a way to connect across borders, with each family member contributing to shared financial wisdom.

What lies ahead: Smarter shopping, stronger community
The online shopping revolution is far from over. As the Gulf continues to embrace e-commerce with open arms, platforms like GC Coupons are evolving into complete savings ecosystems, offering users a reliable, fast, and personalised deal-hunting experience.

For the global Malayali community, especially those based in the GCC, coupon culture isn't just about saving a few dirhams. It’s about smarter living, honouring tradition while embracing innovation, and finding value not just in the product, but in the process.
So the next time you think of festival shopping in the Gulf, skip the traffic. Fire up GC Coupons instead — your pocket-sized mall with better parking.