UAE e-commerce market expected to touch $9.2bn by 2026: Dubai Chamber of Commerce

UAE e-commerce market expected to touch $9.2bn by 2026: Dubai Chamber of Commerce

According to new findings published by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, the value of the UAE e-commerce market could touch $9.2bn in 2026, with the sector’s share of total retail sales in the UAE expected to reach 12.6 per cent by the same year.

The study, based on data from Euromonitor, showcased several factors boosting e-commerce activity and growth opportunities in the UAE.

Total e-commerce sales in the UAE registered significant growth in 2021, reaching $4.8bn during the year, compared to $2.6bn in 2019.

Smartphones and tablets accounted for most e-commerce transactions last year, as the mobile retail market reached $2.6bn, accounting for 44 per cent of the total e-commerce market value.

Mobile retail sales are expected to record a compound annual growth rate of 15.6 per cent over the 2022-2026 period to reach $4.6bn.

The study showed that more than a third of consumers in the UAE purchased a product or service using their smartphone at least once a week, which is above the global average of weekly online purchases.

Key trends supporting the strong growth in mobile e-commerce transactions include the availability of apps, which has increased pricing transparency, the study said.

The growing number of loyalty rewards programmes offered by online retailers also drove