{"id":25454,"date":"2020-06-17T16:50:31","date_gmt":"2020-06-17T14:50:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intellias.com\/?p=25454"},"modified":"2024-04-26T14:40:38","modified_gmt":"2024-04-26T12:40:38","slug":"five-dominant-technology-trends-shaping-the-future-of-online-retail-in-the-middle-east","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/intellias.com\/five-dominant-technology-trends-shaping-the-future-of-online-retail-in-the-middle-east\/","title":{"rendered":"Five Dominant Technology Trends Shaping the Future of Online Retail in MENA Region"},"content":{"rendered":"

With the total number of internet users in MENA region surpassing 150 million, it continues to be one of the world\u2019s most underrated \u201cemerging\u201d economies. This region that has almost as many digital buyers as India \u2013 a country with more than 1 billion people \u2013 remains the fastest growing for eCommerce globally.<\/p>\n

A run-through the MENA eCommerce market in 2020<\/h2>\n

Considering the climbing internet penetration rates (including the aggressive expansion of 5G networks), and dynamic young population, MENA countries have extraordinary online spending power. Additionally, e-government initiatives integrated with online payment platforms are building user confidence and trust in transacting online, which is helping develop consumer awareness and maturity.<\/p>\n

Thanks to advanced technologies helping people in MENA countries shop and buy online, innovative retailers may plug into the region\u2019s untapped eCommerce spending potential.<\/p>\n

The government of Dubai anticipates that eCommerce growth is likely to continue, as the authorities are pumping their dollars ($870 billion to be precise) into Dubai Commercity<\/a>, a free-trade zone for e-commerce retailers set on 2.1 million square feet of retail space.<\/p>\n

Online retail sales in the region are still relatively modest compared to the USA or China and, currently, MENA region only captures a fraction of its e-commerce potential. Nevertheless, the revenue numbers show steady and prominent growth, from $18 billion in 2015 to the forecast $48.8 billion in 2021 (Deloitte<\/a>).
\n\"Five<\/p>\n

Online retailers pushing the envelope in MENA countries<\/h2>\n

Online selling has become one of the top priorities for the local and international retailers that seek to boost their profits from online sales in the region.<\/p>\n

The burgeoning MENA market has already caught the attention of global eCommerce players, such as Amazon, eBay, and Walmart, and international retailer brands like Zara, H&M, Lacoste, Sephora, and Carrefour. Brick-and-mortars in the region are launching online stores on their own or forging distribution partnerships with the local eCommerce pure players to establish their online presence faster.<\/p>\n

Here are the most disruptive brands in the region that are leading the charge in online retail:<\/p>\n