The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region’s ecommerce sector is experiencing robust growth, with the market reaching $34.5 billion in 2024 — a 13% year-on-year increase — and projected to expand to $57.8 billion by 2029.
This data comes from the fifth edition of the “E-Commerce Report in the MENA Region 2024,” released by EZDubai.
It value the ecommerce market in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at $8.8 billion in 2024. It also expects it to surpass $13.8 billion by 2029. That would reflect a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.4%. A tech-savvy, youthful population, advanced infrastructure, widespread internet access, and efficient delivery services has driven this growth.
MENA ecommerce market trends
In 2024, the top three product categories by value in the UAE were:
- Apparel and footwear
- Consumer electronics
- Home care
Payment preferences are evolving, with credit and debit cards remaining dominant. But digital wallet usage increased from 41% in 2020 to 53% in 2024. Alternative payment options like buy now, pay later (BNPL) are also gaining popularity, enhancing conversion rates and average basket values.
Across the MENA region, key trends include the rise of mobile commerce and cross-border transactions. The expansion of cross-border ecommerce is driven by increasing demand for international products, improved logistics and payment platforms, and more efficient customs processes. Food, beverages, and home care products have seen significant growth between 2019 and 2024, a trend expected to continue into other categories.
Mohsen Ahmad, CEO of the Logistics District at Dubai South, emphasized the UAE’s role in this growth, stating that the country’s forward-thinking policies, smart regulations, and sustained investments in digital transformation, logistics, and infrastructure are reinforcing its position as a leading ecommerce hub in the MENA region and a competitive global player in digital commerce.
Launched in January 2019 and located in the Logistics District of Dubai South, EZDubai is poised to contribute to the government’s vision and solidify Dubai’s stature as a regional ecommerce hub.
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