Quick Summary Of The Top 11 Best e-Commerce Platforms In The Middle East:

The Middle East Is Fast-Tracking E-Commerce Growth

In recent years, the global e-commerce market has skyrocketed, with Deloitte projecting a leap to $6.35 trillion in revenue by 2027. The Middle East, previously taking baby steps in this digital domain, has caught up at an astonishing pace, thanks to better internet, the rise of smartphones, and a newfound love for the ease of online shopping.

The pandemic played its part as the catalyst of MENA’s online shopping boom. With shopping from home becoming the new norm, the Middle East saw a dramatic pivot towards e-commerce, leading to a surge in demand for all things deliverable. Today, the sector is blossoming, set to hit a staggering $50 billion by 2025. The UAE market, a star in this digital constellation, is projected to grow from $10.37 billion in 2023 to $13.93 billion by 2027.

It’s clear that the e-commerce scene here is on a meteoric rise, backed by what has become near-total internet penetration and a digital payment preference shared by 70% of MENA consumers. While it’s difficult to predict who will emerge as the market leaders in the years to come, given the fast pace of technological innovation and shifting consumer habits, we know which e-commerce websites are leading the charge right now.

#1- Amazon.ae (Formally Souq)

Monthly Visits: 24.9 Million
Founded: 2019
Headquarters: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Product Category: General

Amazon.ae became what it is today thanks to the acquisition of Souq.com, once the largest e-commerce website in the entire Arab world. The US tech giant spent $580 million to integrate Souq.com under its banner. This move not only expanded Amazon’s reach but also upgraded the shopping experience for millions in the Middle East with its vast product selection.

Just like Amazon.com, the UAE-specific website offers everything from the latest tech gizmos to fashion finds, home essentials, and beauty products, and more. If you can name it, Amazon.ae likely has it. But it’s not just about the range; the platform is renowned for its user-friendly experience, reliable delivery, and customer service that’s got your back.

#2- Noon.com

Monthly Visits: 16.6 Million
Founded: 2016
Headquarters: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Product Category: General

With roots in the UAE and a reach that extends into Saudi Arabia and Egypt, Noon is a homegrown marketplace that brings a diverse array of products right to the doorsteps of the Middle East. Launched by business tycoon Mohamed Alabbar and backed by the hefty support of the Public Investment Fund, Noon has quickly made its mark since its inception in 2016.

The site is a bustling hub for electronics, fashion, home goods, and even groceries. In August 2022, it expanded its fashion footprint by acquiring Namshi, further cementing its status as a full-spectrum lifestyle shopping destination. For sellers, Noon.com offers its Seller Lab and Fulfillment program, which simplifies logistics and order fulfillment so businesses can focus on what they do best — selling quality products.

#3- Daraz

Monthly Visits: 12.4 Million
Founded: 2012
Headquarters: Karachi, Pakistan
Product Category: General

Daraz might have started as a modest online fashion retailer in Pakistan in 2012, but don’t let its humble beginnings fool you. This platform has quickly evolved into a leading e-commerce powerhouse in South Asia, serving not just Pakistan but also Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. With the backing of tech giant Alibaba since 2018, Daraz has widened its catalog and sharpened its technological edge.

What’s remarkable about Daraz is its keen understanding of the local markets. It’s more than a shopping site; it’s a community builder, connecting over 34,500 sellers to millions of customers. From the busy streets of Karachi to the remote valleys of Chitral, Daraz makes sure that no matter where you are, you can buy or sell just about anything. And with a young, tech-savvy population that’s rapidly embracing digital payments — Daraz is at the forefront of shaping a digitalized Pakistan.

#4- Desertcart

Monthly Visits: 3.8 Million
Founded: 2006
Headquarters: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Product Category: General

Established in 2014, Desertcart has become a go-to e-commerce platform in the UAE, known for sourcing products that locals might struggle to find. At its core, Desertcart’s approach is all about simplicity and service – think of it as a hybrid of Amazon’s expansive inventory and a personalized shop-and-ship solution, topped off with attentive customer support.

When the pandemic hit, Desertcart’s relevance soared, with the platform tripling its business. This surge was driven by its effective system that simplifies the complexities of international shopping. For customers looking for products from across the globe, Desertcart stepped in to streamline the process, managing the logistical hoops of shipping, customs, and after-sales service, which proved to be invaluable, especially when international supply chains were disrupted and local availability limited.

#5- Digikala

Monthly Visits: 3.6 Million
Founded: 2006
Headquarters: Tehran, Iran
Product Category: General, Digital Goods

Digikala has etched its name as Iran’s premier online marketplace, offering a one-stop-shop for an array of products, with a sweet spot for electronics and digital goods. It’s the brainchild of two brothers, Hamid and Saeid Mohammadi, who, fueled by their frustrating experience trying to purchase a digital camera, decided to create a solution. With just $10,000 from their savings, they launched Digikala in 2006, and it’s been on an upward trajectory ever since.

Key to securing customer trust are Digital’s consumer-centric features, like a 7-day return policy and an express delivery service. The platform has adopted various innovative strategies, including a pay-per-sale commission model, to stay afloat during economic downturns and continue serving millions of Iranians, even in the most remote villages.

#6- Namshi

Monthly Visits: 2.7 Million
Founded: 2011
Headquarters: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Product Category: Fashion, Footwear, Accessories, Beauty

Namshi has been turning heads in the Middle East’s online fashion scene since its inception in 2011. Based in Dubai, this e-commerce platform has made a name for itself as the go-to destination for those looking to spruce up their wardrobe with the latest trends.

Namshi has smartly leveraged technology to simplify operations and manage the hefty traffic it garners, especially during sales and seasonal promotions. Because of its success across all fronts, Namshi was acquired by Noon in 2022, but it continues to operate as a distinctive brand within the e-commerce landscape. This acquisition has allowed Namshi to leverage Noon’s extensive regional infrastructure, enhancing its reach and operational capabilities.

#7- Jumia Egypt

Monthly Visits: 2.4 Million
Founded: 2012
Headquarters: Lagos, Nigeria
Product Category: General

Jumia Egypt, part of a broader Pan-African e-commerce pioneer, launched in 2012. It’s like a bustling digital marketplace that brings together a variety of sellers and products, ranging from tech gadgets to fashion, and everything in between. As a tech company, Jumia has knitted a complex web of logistics and payment services, simplifying the online shopping process for millions. While its roots are in Nigeria, Jumia’s branches stretch across the continent, with Egypt being one of its biggest markets.

Behind the scenes, Jumia is continually refining its technological backbone. In 2021, the company ramped up its tech center in Egypt, aiming to supercharge its services across Africa. And when COVID-19 hit, accelerating digital transitions, Jumia Egypt was ready, providing a lifeline to both consumers and entrepreneurs, including a substantial number of women who run businesses on the platform.

#8- Mumzworld

Monthly Visits: 1.4 Million
Founded: 2011
Headquarters: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Product Category: Mother, Baby, Child Essentials

Mumzworld offers a huge selection of baby and childcare products to Middle Eastern shoppers. Founded in 2011 by a team of experienced parents and entrepreneurs, the website quickly established itself as a comprehensive one-stop online shop for everything a parent might need — from newborn essentials to toys for toddlers and gear for pre-teens.

At Mumzworld, the focus is on variety, quality, and the ease of having it all in one place. It’s got a clear edge with its extensive product range, hosting over 120,000 items from more than 600 top global brands. Whether you’re after a bottle that’s just right for your baby or the safest car seat for your growing toddler, Mumzworld offers it all, coupled with insightful customer reviews and competitive pricing.

#9- The Luxury Closet

Monthly Visits: 924,000
Founded: 2012
Headquarters: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Product Category: Pre-Owned Luxury Goods

This Dubai-based platform, launched in 2012, has quickly risen to prominence by providing access to coveted high-end brands at significantly reduced prices. In 2021, The Luxury Closet successfully raised $14 million to expand its reach and solidify its position as a leader in sustainable luxury commerce. Here, fans of luxury can indulge in the likes of Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Rolex, brands that are renowned for their reluctance to discount their wares. The Luxury Closet makes these aspirational labels more accessible, offering an average discount of 60% off retail.

Beyond the allure of savings, The Luxury Closet is driven by a mission to extend the lifecycle of luxury items, promoting a sustainable approach to fashion that resonates with a growing base of eco-conscious consumers. It’s a place where the past prestige of designer items meets the present desire for value and virtue.

#10- OUNASS

Monthly Visits: 616,000
Founded: 2016
Headquarters: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Product Category: Luxury Fashion, Beauty Products, Home Goods

Since its inception in 2016 by the Al Tayer Group, OUNASS has become one of the go-to destinations for luxury fashion, beauty products, and home goods in the Middle East, offering over 300 opulent brands.

OUNASS promises 2-hour delivery within Dubai and same-day dispatch across the UAE, so shoppers with deep pockets don’t have to wait to wrap themselves in the luxury they’ve purchased. This level of service is complimented by potential savings, as OUNASS often features deals that allow for a more accessible foray into the world of high fashion without the steep price tags.

#11- Sivvi

Monthly Visits: 132,000
Founded: 2014
Headquarters: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Product Category: Fashion

Born in 2014 and now powered by the e-commerce giant Noon, it’s quickly become a high-traffic destination for fashionistas in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Sivvi dishes out a mix of high-street and luxury brands, serving up the latest trends and wardrobe staples for women, men, and kids alike. With over 2,000 brands under its belt, the platform delivers everything from casual tees and denim to designer dresses and activewear, not to mention accessories and beauty products to tie your look together.

With an intuitive app, shopping is a breeze, offering personalized recommendations, easy-to-navigate categories, and a wishlist to bookmark those must-have items. And if you’re impatient for your fashion fix, Sivvi’s got you covered with fast delivery options, including same-day service in Riyadh and next-day in many KSA and UAE cities. What seals the deal are their customer-friendly policies like free returns within 14 days and a range of payment methods.

Conclusion

Our exploration of the top e-commerce websites in the Middle East has highlighted everything from sprawling generalists like Amazon.ae and Noon.com to online stores such as Namshi and Sivvi. As the region continues to embrace the digital revolution, with a young, tech-savvy population and increasing internet penetration, e-commerce is set to flourish even further.

Note: Traffic data for the e-commerce websites listed comes from SimilarWeb.

The post Top E-Commerce Websites In The Middle East In 2024 appeared first on Tech Magazine.

“This collaboration with WEE Marketplace signifies a major step forward in our mission to revolutionize e-commerce through digitalization in the UAE and GCC, making market entry and operations smoother both for customers and businesses. With this partnership, we’re able to extend the reach of brands to a wider audience,” explained Leo Dovbenko, CEO of Yalla!Hub.

Meanwhile, new partner WEE is uniquely positioned in the UAE and already well known for fast delivery services. The company’s WEE Marketplace will soon feature goods from Yalla!Hub on their platform, empowering Dubai shoppers with 1-hour delivery windows and a next-day service across the rest of the Emirates.

“WEE Marketplace and Yalla!Hub are absolute leaders of the UAE fast e-commerce market, and this partnership opens new horizons for brands, allowing them to enter at once both platforms. We choose the brands very carefully, aiming to give the best products to our customers,” said Anastasia Kim, CEO and co-founder of WEE marketplace.

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The Emirati e-commerce market has now reached a value of nearly $13 billion and is expected to grow to $20 billion by 2027. Express deliveries account for 5.5% of total merchandise turnover, which currently stands at around $700 million. Among the express delivery categories, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, flowers, and groceries lead the way.

The post Yalla!Hub Forms New Partnership With WEE Marketplace appeared first on Tech Magazine.