UAE eCommerce Statistics

The UAE eCommerce market continues to grow rapidly, supported by high internet use, digital payments, and strong government initiatives. 

With nearly every sector including fashion, electronics, food, and home décor moving online, the country stands out as a leader in digital retail.

This report presents the latest UAE eCommerce statistics and consumer insights for 2026.

We have curated the data from trusted industry sources, and all source URLs are listed at the end of this article for reference.

• The UAE’s total eCommerce revenue is projected to reach US $7.5 billion in 2025.
• The market is expected to grow to between US $8.55 billion and US $20.54 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) ranging from 2.67% to 12.39%.
• Business-to-consumer (B2C) sales accounted for 68% of total online revenue in 2024.
• The fashion category leads the market with a 22% share and contributes 38.7% of total eCommerce revenue.
• Smartphones drive 79% of all eCommerce transactions, confirming the UAE’s mobile-first shopping behaviour.
• Digital wallets achieved 53% usage in 2024, while 67% of consumers prefer using credit or debit cards for online payments.
• 94% of online shoppers in the UAE are under 34 years old, and 82% are male, indicating a young and tech-savvy customer base.
• 58% of online purchases are made from international vendors, showing strong cross-border buying activity.
• Dubai’s same-day delivery services now reach 90% of the city’s urban population, setting a regional benchmark for logistics efficiency.
• Shopify powers 41.99% of all online stores in the UAE, followed by WooCommerce at 36.06%, making them the country’s two leading eCommerce platforms.

Experts project that total online revenue will reach around US $7.50 billion in 2025. This shows how more people are choosing to buy products and services online due to better internet access and trust in digital payments.

Between 2025 and 2030, the UAE’s eCommerce market is expected to grow at a 2.67 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR), reaching US $8.55 billion. The steady rise shows consistent consumer demand and support from the government for digital transformation.

Another forecast places the market value even higher, with US$11.05 billion in 2025 and a projected US $20.54 billion by 2030. This estimate, based on a 12.39 percent CAGR, suggests faster growth through strong consumer spending and ongoing investment in digital trade.

The Dubai Chamber of Commerce predicts that eCommerce sales will reach US $8 billion by 2025. The country’s internet and mobile access supports this growth, allowing customers to shop anywhere at any time.

In 2020, the UAE recorded a 53 percent jump in eCommerce sales, totaling US $3.9 billion. Online shopping made up 10 percent of the country’s total retail sales that year. This was a turning point that pushed more businesses to move online.

In 2024, business-to-consumer (B2C) sales made up 68 percent of the UAE’s total eCommerce revenue. This shows how most online activity comes from direct sales to customers through digital stores and apps..

The business-to-business (B2B) sector is growing even faster. It is expected to expand at a 19.5 percent CAGR by 2030. Many companies in the UAE are moving their procurement and supply processes online to save time and reduce costs. This shift shows that eCommerce is not just for retail customers but also for enterprises that want digital efficiency.

Fashion remains the largest product category in the UAE’s eCommerce market. It held a 22 percent market share and produced 38.7 percent of total revenue in 2024. Popular global and local brands, influencer marketing, and easy return policies make fashion one of the most active online segments.

Consumer electronics made up 19.9 percent of total eCommerce revenue in 2024. The UAE’s tech-savvy shoppers, especially young males, prefer buying gadgets and smart devices online because of better discounts, product variety, and reliable delivery.

The food and beverage category is expanding fast with a 15.2 percent CAGR expected through 2030. The rise of quick commerce, meal delivery apps, and social media food trends has encouraged more customers to order groceries and meals online instead of visiting stores.

The beauty and personal care segment is also growing and is expected to reach US $1 billion in online sales by 2025. This growth comes from increasing awareness of self-care products and the strong presence of international beauty brands online.

The real estate boom, marked by Emaar’s AED 19.3 billion (US $5.26 billion) property sales in the first quarter of 2025, has led to higher home-furnishing and décor purchases online. As more residents move into new homes, eCommerce platforms offering furniture and home essentials are seeing steady demand.

Smartphones are the main shopping device in the UAE. In 2024, they made up 79 percent of total eCommerce sales. Most online stores are now optimized for mobile screens, and many shoppers prefer quick purchases through apps instead of desktop sites.

Smart TVs, voice assistants, and other connected devices are slowly becoming new ways to shop online. This segment is expected to grow at an 18.1 percent CAGR, showing how smart homes and digital lifestyles are shaping the next phase of eCommerce.

While mobile dominates, desktop computers still play a key role in B2B transactions. Many businesses use desktop platforms for detailed catalogs, bulk orders, and comparison tools that are easier to manage on larger screens.

Digital wallets became more popular, reaching 53 percent penetration in 2024. The use of UAE Pass and biometric verification made online payments easier and safer. These tools reduce checkout steps and build user trust in digital payments.

UAE consumers say they prefer paying online using credit or debit cards is about 67 percent . The habit shows how digital finance has replaced cash in most transactions, especially for young and tech-friendly shoppers.

Trust plays a big role in payment adoption. Around 86 percent of people in the UAE feel confident about online payment safety. Secure gateways, encryption, and government-backed authentication systems have made digital payments reliable across platforms.

Around 58 percent of online shoppers in the UAE buy from overseas stores. Shoppers trust global websites because of secure payment systems, better product quality, and free or reliable international shipping options.

In 2024, 94 percent of UAE’s online shoppers were under 34, and 82 percent were male. This young and tech-aware group drives demand for fashion, electronics, and entertainment products. Their digital habits strongly influence how the eCommerce market grows.

The UAE’s expatriate population makes up 88 percent of the total population. Many of them are high-income professionals who buy luxury goods, electronics, and eco-friendly products online. Their spending power and preference for premium brands keep the high-value segment active.

Spending rises sharply during Ramadan, National Day, and other festivals. Retailers use these times to launch promotions, flash sales, and product bundles. These cultural and national events encourage customers to shop more online.

Shopify leads the UAE eCommerce platform market, powering 41.99 percent of all online stores. Its simple setup and wide range of themes make it popular among small and mid-sized businesses looking to sell products quickly.

WooCommerce, which works with WordPress, powers 36.06 percent of UAE online stores. Many businesses use it because it offers flexibility, easy customization, and strong integration with local payment gateways.

About 7.12 percent of online stores in the UAE use custom-built shopping carts. Large retailers and enterprise brands prefer custom systems to get better control over website performance, design, and data management.

Wix powers 4.84 percent of stores, and MakanE hosts 3.68 percent. These platforms are growing because they provide affordable and user-friendly options for new online sellers in the UAE market.

The UAE eCommerce market covers a wide mix of industries. From fashion and home goods to beauty, electronics, and food, almost every sector has built a digital presence. The distribution of online stores shows which areas attract the most sellers and buyers.

• Apparel: Around 6.52K stores, accounting for 17.7 percent of all online stores. Fashion leads the market due to strong youth demand and social media influence.
• Home and Garden: About 5.37K stores (14.6 percent). Growth comes from rising home ownership and interior design interest.
  Beauty and Fitness: Around 4.25K stores (11.5 percent). The segment benefits from increasing awareness of health and personal care.
• Food and Drink: Nearly 3.11K stores (8.45 percent). Quick-delivery apps and online grocery platforms continue to expand.
• Business and Industrial: Around 2.36K stores (6.39 percent). Many B2B suppliers now sell products and materials through eCommerce platforms.
• Other Sectors: The remaining 22.33 percent include categories like electronics, travel, autos, and healthcare. This share shows how diverse and competitive the UAE online retail space has become.

The UAE eCommerce market features a few strong players that shape online retail growth. These companies lead in sales, logistics, and digital innovation. Their wide product ranges and trusted delivery systems make them household names across the country.

• Amazon.ae earned about US $499 million in revenue in 2024, holding a strong position as the largest online marketplace in the UAE.
• Namshi recorded US $249 million in sales in 2024, mainly from fashion and lifestyle products.
• Noon achieved US $169 million in revenue and secured US $2 billion in new funding to improve its same-day delivery network and product range.

Other major players include Noon AD Holdings Ltd, Sharaf DG LLC, LetsTango.com, Amazon Inc. (Amazon.ae), and Namshi General Trading LLC. The UAE market remains moderately concentrated, with these few brands accounting for most online sales, while smaller niche stores continue to grow through social and mobile channels.

Deliveries outside major cities can absorb 15 to 25 percent of the total order value. The higher cost comes from longer routes, fewer fulfillment centers, and limited transport options in remote areas.

In major urban centers, such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, delivery costs are lower—only 3 to 5 percent of the basket value. Dense populations and optimized delivery routes make city logistics more efficient and affordable for eCommerce firms.

Dubai leads the region in delivery speed. Same-day delivery now covers 90 percent of the city’s urban population. This has been made possible through advanced AI routing systems and local fulfillment hubs supported by free-zone incentives.

The UAE government aims to cut procedural and logistics costs by 20 percent as part of its digital economy plan. These improvements are designed to attract more eCommerce companies and make operations smoother for both local and international sellers.

The UAE’s population is 10.48 million, and 64 percent are male. This imbalance shapes online shopping trends, as male consumers dominate categories like electronics, automotive accessories, and fitness products.

About 82 percent of people in the UAE fall within the 15–64 age group. This working-age population is highly active online and contributes to consistent digital spending across multiple product categories.

The UAE has almost full internet and mobile coverage, giving residents easy access to eCommerce platforms. High smartphone use, fast 5G networks, and affordable data plans encourage people to shop, compare prices, and pay online with confidence.

The UAE’s eCommerce market in 2025 stands out as one of the strongest and most digitally advanced in the Middle East. Almost every sector—from fashion and electronics to food delivery and home décor—has built a stable online presence supported by high internet use and consumer trust in digital payments.

Mobile commerce continues to dominate, while card and wallet payments remain the top choices for most shoppers. Young, tech-driven consumers and high-income expatriates are shaping shopping patterns, pushing brands to offer faster, safer, and more personalized experiences.

The government’s ongoing focus on logistics efficiency, innovation, and cost reduction is helping both local and global companies grow online. With strong digital infrastructure, supportive policies, and rising consumer confidence, the UAE’s eCommerce market is set for steady expansion and deeper integration into everyday life.

• https://www.statista.com/outlook/emo/ecommerce/united-arab-emirates
• https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/united-arab-emirates-ecommerce
• https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/united-arab-emirates-ecommerce-market
• https://www.aftership.com/ecommerce/statistics/regions/ae#united-arab-emirates-total-online-stores-by-industry
• https://knowledge.antom.com/the-uae-e-commerce-payment-trends-report-where-expat-wealth-meets-digital-innovation