The internet has been a catalyst in changing our lives, whether it is about using online channels for education, entertainment, or online shopping. The Covid-19 pandemic, which led to lockdowns around the world, accelerated the move to digital services as consumers switched to eCommerce shopping and cashless payments.
For years, the UAE shopping scene is dominated by gigantic and luxurious malls. Today, this has changed. The UAE’s eCommerce market is growing significantly after the pandemic as more consumers turn to online shops for their shopping needs. The UAE is a cash-based economy, but during the pandemic, consumers became more comfortable using their debit and credit cards for online transactions. According to the Pattern’s UAE Shopper Report 2022, 74 percent of online shoppers said they would spend more on online shopping in 2022. Now, 3 in 4 consumers shop online in UAE.
Reasons for the Rise of Online Shopping Sites
The UAE eCommerce market is mostly driven by the younger population making online purchases. The shift in shopping behaviour is also evident in the older generations who have been urged by the pandemic to join the online shopping bandwagon.
Proactive government policies, trust in online payments, and advanced telecommunication infrastructure have contributed to the growth of online shopping sites in the UAE.
High possession of digital devices, rising incomes, and improving logistic advancements have resulted in the rise of both local and global eCommerce players in the UAE. Accessibility and convenience are now essential mainstays. People shop online in UAE from eCommerce sites that offer quick delivery, convenience, better user experience, secure payment gateways, and offers and deals. People in the UAE find it convenient to see all the specifications of a product at an online store. They can easily compare various products and their prices.
Another reason for the growth of online shopping in the UAE is price differences. There is a considerable difference in the prices when you shop online or shop at a brick-and-mortar store. You can buy a laptop for a much lesser cost online when compared to the price you need to pay at a local store.
Consumers also want fast delivery of their products, which is the USP of online shopping sites. 39% of online shoppers in the UAE want products delivered the next day or quicker. 20% want products delivered to them the same day they order them.
Top Fastest-Growing Categories
UAE’s fastest-growing categories show a blend of consumer shopping trends. Consumer electronic products such as laptops and smartphones are the most popular category in the UAE. Foods and groceries are the top growing categories as people got accustomed to the convenience of ordering them online.
The fastest-growing sectors in the online shopping industry are homewares and home furnishings, food and beverage, and media products.
The UAE, which has more than 639 public schools and 580 private schools with a combined 1.08 million enrolled students, has a high demand for school supplies and stationery. Schools, colleges, universities, and parents have now started to order stationery in Dubai and the UAE from online sites as they can find a premium range of notebooks, stationery, and accessories at a lower price than malls and local stores.
Benefits of Shopping Online in the UAE
Online shopping is a boon of technology that people prefer these days over the conventional method of going to stores and purchasing things. Read further to know several benefits of online shopping in the UAE.
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The convenience of shopping 24/7
When you shop online in UAE from popular sites like ConditionUAE.com, you don’t have to stand in queues or roam around crowded malls to buy things. And the best part is online shopping is available 24*7.
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Wide variety of products in one place
At online shopping sites, you get different categories of products at one place- be it fashion, clothes, accessories, consumer electronics, home décor items, stationery, food, and more. It saves time and energy spent on browsing different brick-and-mortar shops.
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Better prices
The online websites offer lucrative deals & discounts from time to time. You can also compare the prices of different brands and find yourself a better deal.
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Cashless payment
Many online shopping sites offer cashless payment options. When you check products, compare them, and make a purchase online with your debit/credit card.
Conclusion
With the growing demand for eCommerce in the UAE, several different companies are thriving and flourishing. In the future, we will see more companies getting involved in the eCommerce segment as people will continue to shop online in UAE. Consumers will prefer online shopping stores that offer quality products and services at low prices, a better customer experience, various payment options, and quick delivery. In summary, the ease and convenience of online shopping make it the preference of people in the UAE and across the world.
