The strong performance of Saudi Arabia and the UAE is driven by active consumer spending and e-commerce growth
E-commerce
Artificial intelligence
Dubai’s e-commerce startup qeen.ai raises $10mn in one of the largest seed investments in MENA
The funding was led by Prosus Ventures, with participation from existing investors including Wamda Capital, 10x Founders and Dara Holdings
E-commerce
Temu, EMX team up to elevate e-commerce fulfillment in UAE
Under the partnership, the two will expand the sea shipping capability and introduce ‘Pick-Up and Drop-Off’ services to ensure a seamless online shopping experience for Temu’s growing customers in the region
customer behaviour
The future of grocery and retail: Why 2025 is a pivotal year
By combining cutting-edge technology, deep consumer insights, and strong partnerships, organisations are building the future of retail one step at a time
Dubai
Arvato opens regional logistics HQ in Dubai CommerCity to expand e-commerce services
The company said its strategically located 3,300 sqm headquarters in Dubai CommerCity will ensure seamless connectivity and efficient transportation of goods within the region and beyond
BNPL
Tabby says no ‘new minimum’ as some online UAE stores set AED300 order threshold
New threshold targets larger transactions over smaller purchases
Amazon
Amazon set to launch Now service with delivery in minutes in UAE
Amazon Now to bring delivery-in-minutes service to the UAE
E-commerce
Saudi e-commerce sales with Mada cards climb 29.4 per cent to $4.6bn
Saudi Arabia’s Mada payment cards have seen significant increase to e-commerce sector
E-commerce
Online fashion retailer Shein plans London IPO by mid-2025: Report
The founded in China but now headquartered in Singapore company’s proposed initial public offering (IPO) could be completed as early as Easter, which is April 20
E-commerce
FedEx eyes slice of $50bn Middle East e-commerce market with new delivery service in UAE and Saudi Arabia
FedEx International Connect Plus offers shipping benefits to e-commerce retailers and customers in UAE and Saudi Arabia
delivery services
GCC quick retail market to see $15bn rise as Noon, Careem, Talabat and Super Apps change tack to gain consumer wallet shares
The sector is expected to see players increasingly shifting their business models to embrace multi-verticality
E-commerce
MENA online gifting market sees 62% jump in festive season sales: Report
The festive season fuels growth in MENA e-commerce platforms and gifting marketplaces, driven by special promotions, convenience, and rising interest in mobile shopping
E-commerce
On launches e-commerce platform in UAE with Seddiqi Holding’s Mizzen
The launch of On.ae fulfills a growing demand for premium performance and movement apparel in the region
E-commerce
South Asian fashion marketplace LAAM raises $5.5mn seed funding from investors led by Dubai-based Disrupt.com
The proceeds are to be used to fund the company’s regional expansion into the Middle East
Carrefour
Dubai’s Carrefour launches 24/7 delivery service as night shopping surges
The service is available exclusively through the Carrefour mobile application
Amazon
UAE e-commerce market tipped to reach $25bn by 2029
E-commerce is booming in the UAE and will pass $11bn in sales this year
E-commerce
MENA shoppers to increase spending by 10% in November mega sales: Study finds
The additional shopping spree is supported by an eight percent jump in the overall e-commerce spending in the region in 2024