Retailers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are stepping up their efforts to cater to the growing demand for online shopping, with many investing in new technologies and strategies to enhance their digital offerings.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in demand for online shopping, as consumers increasingly turn to e-commerce platforms to purchase everything from groceries to clothing. This trend has been particularly pronounced in the UAE, where high internet penetration rates and a young, tech-savvy population have made the country a prime market for online retailers.
In response, retailers across the UAE are revamping their online and omnichannel strategies to meet the needs of their customers. These efforts range from investing in new e-commerce platforms to expanding their delivery networks and introducing new payment options.
One company leading the way in this area is Majid Al Futtaim, one of the UAE’s largest retail and leisure companies. The company has invested heavily in its online offerings in recent years, launching its own e-commerce platform and expanding its delivery network to reach more customers across the country.
Commenting on the company’s strategy, Majid Al Futtaim CEO Alain Bejjani said: “We are constantly investing in our digital capabilities to offer a seamless and convenient shopping experience for our customers. This includes everything from expanding our delivery network to introducing new payment options and enhancing our website and mobile app.”
Other retailers in the UAE are also taking steps to improve their digital offerings, with many introducing new technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to enhance the online shopping experience. For example, Dubai-based retailer Centrepoint recently launched a new AR feature that allows customers to try on clothing virtually before making a purchase.
“We are always looking for new ways to enhance the customer experience and make online shopping more convenient and enjoyable,” said Centrepoint CEO Simon Smith. “The introduction of AR and other technologies has been a major part of our strategy to achieve this.”
In addition to investing in new technologies, retailers in the UAE are also expanding their delivery networks to reach more customers across the country. This includes everything from partnering with third-party delivery providers to launching their own delivery services.
One company that has taken this approach is Carrefour, one of the UAE’s largest supermarket chains. The company recently launched its own delivery service, Carrefour Now, which allows customers to order groceries and other household items online and have them delivered to their doorstep within an hour.
“The launch of Carrefour Now was a major milestone for us in our efforts to enhance the customer experience and make online shopping more convenient and accessible for everyone,” said Carrefour CEO Hani Weiss.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, retailers in the UAE are optimistic about the future of online shopping in the country. With high internet penetration rates and a growing appetite for e-commerce among consumers, retailers are investing heavily in their digital offerings to meet the needs of their customers.
“We see tremendous potential for online shopping in the UAE, and we are committed to investing in our digital capabilities to meet the growing demand from consumers,” said Majid Al Futtaim CEO Alain Bejjani. “This is a key area of focus for us as we continue to grow and expand our business in the UAE and beyond.”
In conclusion, the surge in demand for online shopping in the UAE has led retailers to revamp their online and omnichannel strategies, investing in new technologies, expanding their delivery networks, and introducing new payment options to meet the needs of their customers. With high internet penetration rates and a young, tech-savvy population, the UAE is well-positioned to become a leading market for e-commerce in the region.
