As per the most recent research, the last quarter of 2009 saw the UAE consumer confidence declining notably.

Yesterday, the Nielsen Quarterly Global Consumer Confidence Survey Index was released, which showed a major fall of ten points, down from 102 points, in the fourth quarter of 2009.

The main concerns were job and financial security whereas 71% of UAE consumers surveyed believe they are still in downturn.

Himanshu Vashishtha, Nielsen regional director of consumer research, highlighting Dubai World's debt delay news as one such influencing factor, told, "With the volatility around them in the last 12 months, consumers have had a roller- coaster ride with respect to the perceptions about their own financial stability and have become sensitive to news of events especially if unfavorable and ambiguous."