When you say UAE; skyscrapers, monuments, cars, beach, desert, and gigantic shopping malls come in mind. UAE is a brick and mortar retail experience so at times convenience and comfort take a back seat. However, over the years, the growing e-commerce is seeping in and while the rate of growth is slow compared to other cities, e-commerce is expected to boom in the course of the next few years. In fact, according to the Middle East B2C e-commerce market 2018 report, e-commerce sales could reach $20 billion by 2020. As of today, UAE stands as the e-commerce leader among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States.
Since we are still on the growing journey it is imperative to understand what exactly is e-commerce and what are the growing stores in the country. It will all come in handy in the near future.
What is e-commerce?
E-commerce stands for electronic commerce, a transaction that happens on the internet. The activity of buying and selling things online is basically e-commerce. E-commerce has made the world a much smaller place since the internet allows people to do business online where distance and time is not a limiting factor.
Now that we know what e-commerce is, let us look at the leading online shopping sites in UAE and consider what makes the top.
Best online shopping site in UAE
Amazon
When Amazon entered UAE early this year, the world’s largest e-commerce retailer was bound to take over. Soon enough it was clear that Amazon’s competition in the country was a fierce one. The country known to be a global shopping destination has seriously amped its e-commerce shopping experience as well. Say Noon.com, for example. Emaar Properties backed e-commerce site caters across MENA which is not the case with Amazon. It is confined only to UAE. Added to that there are a number of leading e-commerce sites in UAE and it won’t be long till we state that the country may qualify to have the best online shopping sites and experience as well.
Noon
Hands down the toughest competitor to Amazon and a leading e-commerce site in the UAE, Noon.com founded by Mohamed Alabbar in 2017 is an ever-so-growing brand. From electronics to fashion to groceries, Noon has it all. Its uber-fast delivery of the items makes it a fan-favorite. Sometimes the items are delivered within 6 hours!
One of the main reasons why customers love Noon.com over everything else is because the price of electronics is at its finest. There are chances you get a gadget at 50% less price compared to the market price. There’s also an option to buy a refurbished item if you are short on finance. What’s excellent about Noon is the much-appreciated customer service. Prompt and easy, you can chat with customer care on the website itself. The hassle-free return policy and warranty services have come a long way for Noon. Not to forget the Cash On Delivery with no extra charge.
VoucherCodesUAE has the best Noon offers which are revised every now and then. With guaranteed 10% off on all sites and a free gift card on shopping over AED 300, Noon.com not only becomes affordable but also very addictive.
Namshi
When it comes to dressing, fashion, and footwear, Namshi tops the list in the Middle East. The brand that launched in 2011 boasts hundreds of top brands including Top Shop, Nike, Puma, Emporio Armani, Calvin Klein, Forever 21, Polo Ralph Lauren and more. The reason why it became customers’ favorite is because of the inventory, an attractive site and easy-to-navigate feature. The items are neatly sorted, so if you know what you are exactly looking for, you get that.
Added to that, the regular discounts and offers, make the site a must-visit on a daily basis. VocherCodesUAE gives irresistible Namshi coupon codes such as 10% off across the site and AED 100 off on the first purchase.
Sivvi
Launched in 2014 by Rashid Alabbar, Sivvi is an ultimate shopping destination for international and regional brands. As soon as the start-up kickstarted, it gave fierce competition to Namshi, which had already amassed loyal customers. The next-day free delivery of Sivvi helped to garner their own set of loyal fan follows. Fast forward to 2019, there are news reports stating that Sivvi has been taken over by Noon. But even if that is the case, it still belongs to Emaar Properties. Namshi, on the other hand, was founded by Muhammed Mekki and three others, and Emaar Malls acquired 100% of the shares earlier this year. Sivvi currently delivers in UAE, Saudi, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait and they are still fashion-forward as it can be for men, women and kids. Leading brands on the site include Adidas, Mango, High Streets, Steve Madden and more.
VoucherCodesUAE guarantees 20% off on all items and a special 40% off on women’s clothing.
Mumzworld
Dubai-based Mumzworld is reviewed to be the best site for new moms and kids. E-commerce is extremely helpful for mothers since it saves time and energy to order necessities from home. Be it diapers, baby clothes, stationaries, or anything kids and moms related, Mumzworld is the place to shop. Launched in 2001, Mumzworld is believed to be the pioneer of e-commerce for mothers and babies and it has grown exponentially over the years. The expansion of Mumzworld across the globe and delivery to 20+ countries prove that the innovation and easy-to-use experience of the brand have been rewarding.
While the delivery is prompt and hassle-free, the amazing coupon offers for Mumzworld make it a top ecommerce websites in UAE.
VoucherCodesUAE gives 50% off on baby feeding products and 10% off on all items.
Amazon
Amazon’s entry into the Middle East market is definitely a game-changer for e-commerce sites in the region. Two years ago, Amazon spent over $500 million to acquire Souq, the then-largest e-commerce platform in the Arab world, founded in 2005. However, Amazon took over Souq despite it being its most expensive acquisition to date. Given that Amazon is the world’s largest e-commerce giant, it deserves a spot here because it is bound to grow. The Middle East is reported to be Amazon’s next big market so we won’t be surprised if the expansion is rampant in the region. Amazon has already blended in with the Middle East customers with their browser in the Arabic language.
Amazon is currently on a festive season sale offering over 40% off and VoucherCodesUAE is giving an extra 15% off on home items. There’s also a free delivery service for products above AED 100.
