With evolving online shopping preferences across the globe, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is no exception. The industry is expected to continue growing in the country over the next years. This growth is supported by high internet and
rates and a strong infrastructure and logistics network. Dubai is home to one of the largest logistics hubs, Dubai Logistics City, which provides logistics services and facilitates the delivery of goods across the region. Moreover, government initiatives such as Dubai CommerCity - which provides free trade zone for e-commerce projects - are expected to push the e-commerce market growth.
Consumer preferences trends
Consumers in the UAE choose online shopping – whether for food and groceries or fashion – due to its convenience. E-commerce categories' growth varies according to the current climate. Interestingly, categories such as
pet food and accessories, continue to grow, unlike
fitness equipment or puzzles. When it comes to online shopping, the UAE consumer has high expectations. Around half of online shoppers expected
online orders to arrive in less than two hours.
Online shopping outlook
The UAE witnessed a behavioral shift among consumers, who now opt for online shopping for food. Particularly during Ramadan, when many consumers are fasting, most respondents in the region reported that they adopted
shopping for groceries online. The
fastest-growing e-commerce category was snack foods. This could potentially be due to the fact that with a young population, consumers are more likely to opt for convenience when it comes to their food shopping. Retailers in the country have recognized the importance of digital shopping features and invested in creating a seamless shopping experience. Providing an excellent digital experience has become a competitive imperative for retailers in the UAE.
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