E-commerce in the UAE is evolving fast, with new players, innovative tech, and changing consumer habits shaping the market. From all-in-one marketplaces to niche platforms, the country’s top Ecommerce platforms are redefining online shopping with fast delivery, secure payments, and AI-driven personalization. Whether it’s daily essentials, fashion, or luxury goods, shoppers now expect effortless digital experiences. In this blog, we break down the top 10 e-commerce platforms in the UAE, their latest developments, and why they dominate the market today. Stay ahead with the most up-to-date insights on online retail in the UAE!
Top 10 E-Commerce Platforms in Dubai, UAE 2025
InstaShop
Launched in 2015 in Dubai, InstaShop started as an on-demand grocery delivery service and quickly expanded into an online business offering pharmacies, pet stores, and specialty shops. Acquired by Delivery Hero (Talabat’s parent company) for $360 million in 2020, it continues to dominate the UAE’s online grocery sector and is rated as one of the leading online grocery stores.
Why is InstaShop Successful in the UAE?
Fast Delivery: Groceries arrive within 30 to 60 minutes.
Strong Partnerships: Works with major retailers like Carrefour, Union Coop, and Choithrams.
Expanded Services: Now includes pharmacies, pet stores, and organic food suppliers.
Localized Experience: Arabic-language support and region-specific deals for the best online shopping experience.
Current Standing in the UAE Market
Top Player: Among the UAE’s top three grocery shopping platforms.
User Base: 500,000+ active users.
Customer Feedback: Rated 4.4/5 for speed but faces occasional stock issues.
Revenue & Growth: Estimated $631 million GMV in 2024, with steady expansion.
Noon.com
Launched in 2017, Noon.com has swiftly emerged as a leading e-commerce platform in the Middle East, particularly in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Founded by Emirati entrepreneur Mohamed Alabbar, Noon.com offers a diverse range of products, including electronics, fashion, home goods, and groceries.
Why is Noon.com Successful in the UAE?
Local Focus: Tailors products to Middle Eastern consumer preferences.
Diverse Partnerships: Collaborates with local and global brands to expand selection.
Efficient Logistics: A 252,000m² fulfillment center in Abu Dhabi ensures fast delivery.
User-Friendly Experience: Offers multiple payment options and responsive customer service.
Current Standing in the UAE Market
Top Competitor: A leading e-commerce platform, rivaling Amazon.ae.
User Base: Nearly 15 million monthly visitors.
Customer Feedback: Praised for variety and localization, though delivery speed needs improvement.
Revenue & Growth: GMV reached $1.318 billion in 2024, reflecting strong market presence.
Amazon.ae
Amazon.ae is the UAE’s branch of the global e-commerce giant Amazon, launched in 2019 following Amazon’s acquisition of Souq.com in 2017. It offers a vast array of products, including electronics, fashion, home goods, and more, catering to the diverse needs of consumers in the UAE.
Why is Amazon.ae Successful in the UAE?
Trusted Brand: Benefits from Amazon’s global reputation for reliability and service.
Vast Selection: Offers a wide range of products across multiple categories.
Strong Logistics: Advanced fulfillment networks ensure fast and reliable delivery.
Customer-Friendly Policies: Flexible returns and responsive support enhance the shopping experience.
Current Standing in the UAE Market
Market Leader: The UAE’s #1 online marketplace, competing with Noon.com.
User Base: 22.6 million visits across desktop and mobile (Jan–Feb 2024).
Customer Feedback: High satisfaction due to efficiency and service, though exact ratings are undisclosed.
Revenue & Growth: Generated $793.8 million in e-commerce net sales in 2024, with electronics as the top category.
Namshi
Established in 2011, Namshi has positioned itself as a premier online fashion and lifestyle retailer in the Middle East, catering to men, women, and children. The platform offers a wide array of products, including clothing, footwear, accessories, beauty items, and homeware, featuring both international and local brands.
Why is Namshi Successful in the UAE?
Fashion-Focused: Specializes in fashion and lifestyle, setting it apart from general e-commerce platforms.
Diverse Brand Selection: Features 1,800+ brands, including Nike, Adidas, and Calvin Klein.
Seamless Shopping: Intuitive website and app with easy navigation and high-quality product visuals.
Customer-Friendly Policies: Offers cash on delivery, fast exchanges, and guaranteed genuine products.
Current Standing in the UAE Market
Top Fashion Platform: A leading fashion e-commerce site in the UAE.
User Base: Attracts a large monthly audience of fashion-conscious shoppers.
Customer Feedback: Well-rated for product variety and reliable delivery, though specific ratings aren’t disclosed.
Acquisition: Sold to Noon in 2022 for $335.2 million, strengthening its market presence.
Carrefour UAE (carrefouruae.com)
Carrefour UAE, operating under carrefouruae.com, is the regional branch of the global retail giant Carrefour, managed by Majid Al Futtaim in the Middle East. Established in the UAE, Carrefour has seamlessly integrated its extensive network of physical stores with a robust online platform, offering a comprehensive range of products from groceries to electronics.
Why is Carrefour UAE Successful in the UAE?
Multi-Channel Shopping: Strong online and offline presence with flexible shopping options.
Widespread Reach: Operates 28 hypermarkets and 43 supermarkets, serving 200,000+ customers daily.
Diverse Product Range: Offers everything from groceries to electronics, meeting various customer needs.
Customer-Focused: Prioritizes efficient supply chain management, responsive service, and tailored promotions.
Current Standing in the UAE Market
Top Retailer: A leading player in both physical and online retail.
User Base: Attracts a significant number of monthly visitors.
Customer Feedback: Praised for variety and reliability, though specific ratings aren’t disclosed.
Revenue & Growth: Generated $369 million in e-commerce sales in 2024, with continued expansion.
Lulu Hypermarket Online (luluhypermarket.com)
Why is Lulu Hypermarket Online Successful in the UAE?
Trusted Brand: A well-established name in UAE retail, trusted by millions.
Omnichannel Presence: Integrates hypermarkets with a strong e-commerce platform.
Diverse Selection: Offers groceries, fresh produce, electronics, home appliances, and fashion.
Competitive Pricing: Attracts budget-conscious shoppers with frequent promotions and discounts.
Reliable Delivery: Ensures timely home deliveries with flexible scheduling.
Current Standing in the UAE Market
Top Competitor: Competes with Carrefour and other major supermarkets.
User Base: Handles thousands of daily online orders.
Customer Feedback: Praised for affordability and variety, though peak seasons may cause delays.
Revenue & Growth: Expanding digital operations with new fulfillment centers and enhanced services.
Talabat
Talabat, founded in 2004 in Kuwait, has evolved into one of the Middle East’s leading food and grocery delivery platforms. Operating in countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, and Egypt, Talabat connects users with a wide array of restaurants, grocery stores, pharmacies, and other retailers. In 2015, Talabat was acquired by Delivery Hero, a global leader in online food delivery.
Why is Talabat Successful in the UAE?
Massive Restaurant Network: Partners with thousands of restaurants and retailers for diverse options.
Seamless Ordering: A user-friendly app with real-time order tracking.
Beyond Food Delivery: Expands into groceries and pharmacy deliveries for added convenience.
Localized Service: Adapts to cultural preferences and market needs.
Current Standing in the UAE Market
Market Leader: A top food and grocery delivery app, competing with Zomato and Deliveroo.
User Base: Over six million active users across the Middle East, with strong UAE presence.
Customer Feedback: Highly rated for variety, timely deliveries, and customer service.
Major IPO: Raised $2 billion in its December 2024 IPO, one of the UAE’s biggest.
Kibsons
Kibsons is a family-owned business that has evolved into a leading online platform for fresh produce delivery in the UAE. Specializing in fruits, vegetables, meats, and other grocery items, Kibsons has built a reputation for quality and reliability.
Why is Kibsons Successful in the UAE?
Direct Sourcing: Works directly with farms and suppliers for fresh, competitively priced produce.
Sustainability Focus: Uses biodegradable packaging and actively reduces food waste.
Customer-Centric Service: Offers flexible delivery options and an easy-to-use online platform.
Current Standing in the UAE Market
Trusted Name: A leading fresh produce and grocery provider, competing with major online platforms.
Loyal Customer Base: Popular among health-conscious shoppers seeking high-quality ingredients.
Customer Satisfaction: Known for freshness, reliable deliveries, and strong customer support.
Steady Growth: Expanding product range and logistics, though revenue figures remain undisclosed.
Deliveroo UAE
Deliveroo, a UK-based food delivery service, entered the UAE market in 2015 and quickly became one of the top players in food delivery. The company partners with thousands of restaurants, offering users a seamless ordering experience through its app and website.
Why is Deliveroo Successful in the UAE?
Fast & Premium Service: Deliveroo Editions’ “dark kitchens” help restaurants expand without physical locations.
Strong Restaurant Network: Partners with local favorites and high-end dining spots.
Subscription Model: Deliveroo Plus offers free deliveries for a monthly fee, increasing customer loyalty.
Current Standing in the UAE Market
Top Contender: Among the UAE’s top three food delivery apps, competing with Talabat and Zomato.
Widespread Reach: Serves millions of users across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other major cities.
Customer Feedback: Praised for reliability, though some find pricing on the higher side.
Sharaf DG
Sharaf DG is a leading electronics and home appliances retailer in the UAE, with a strong online presence complementing its physical stores. Established in 2005, it has grown into a trusted name for electronics, offering competitive pricing and a wide product range.
Why is Sharaf DG Successful in the UAE?
Electronics Specialist: Offers a wide range of gadgets, laptops, TVs, and home appliances.
Competitive Pricing: Price-match guarantees and frequent promotions attract tech shoppers.
Omnichannel Experience: Combines online shopping with in-store pickup and after-sales support.
Current Standing in the UAE Market
Market Leader: A top electronics retailer competing with Amazon.ae, Noon.com, and Jumbo Electronics.
Strong Customer Base: Millions of shoppers online and in physical stores.
Customer Feedback: Trusted for genuine products and warranties, though delivery times can vary.
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FAQS (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I set up my own store on UAE’s eCommerce platforms?
Yes, platforms like Noon, Amazon.ae, and Sharaf DG allow businesses to create seller accounts. You’ll need a UAE trade license and comply with platform-specific requirements.
How can sellers ensure secure payment processing on eCommerce platforms?
Sellers should integrate PCI-compliant payment gateways like PayTabs, Telr, or Stripe. Enabling SSL encryption and fraud detection tools also enhances security.
How do I optimize my eCommerce store for search engine visibility in the UAE?
Use Arabic and English keywords, optimize product pages with SEO-friendly descriptions, and leverage local backlinks. Fast loading speed and mobile optimization are also crucial.
What are the expected delivery times for eCommerce products in the UAE?
Standard delivery takes 1–3 days, while express services from platforms like Noon, Amazon.ae, and InstaShop offer same-day or 1-hour delivery in major cities.
What are the security considerations when using an eCommerce platform in the UAE?
Ensure the platform uses SSL encryption, two-factor authentication, and PCI-compliant payment processing. Regular security audits help prevent data breaches.
What features should I look for in an eCommerce platform in the UAE?
Key features include multilingual support (Arabic & English), local payment gateways, mobile optimization, reliable logistics integration, and strong customer support.
How to get a trade license in Dubai for eCommerce?
Apply through the Department of Economic Development (DED) for a mainland license or a free zone authority for 100% ownership. Costs and requirements vary by jurisdiction.
