E-Commerce News & Trends

TikTok Launches Digital Commerce Labs for Nigerian SMEs

TikTok, together with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), has launched the Digital Commerce Labs program, which aims to help small businesses in Nigeria participate more strongly in the digital economy. The first community event held in Lagos is considered an important step toward improving digital commerce skills in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The program was launched in cooperation with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF). The initiative aims to help small business owners, entrepreneurs, and digital content creators become more competitive in the digitalizing economy.

The Social Commerce Opportunity Is Growing with TikTok

The social commerce market in Nigeria is expanding rapidly. According to forecasts, the market is expected to reach $2.04 billion in 2025 and approximately $4 billion by 2030. For many businesses in the country, social media has surpassed physical stores and become the main sales channel.

According to GSMA data, 56 percent of Nigerian businesses sell exclusively through social media platforms. This picture shows that platforms such as TikTok are now positioned not only as entertainment channels, but also as tools for commerce and growth.

Digital Commerce Is Now a Necessity

Dr. Henrietta Onwuegbuzie from Lagos Business School emphasized in her speech at the event that digital commerce is not a future-oriented option for Nigerian businesses, but a necessity of today. According to Onwuegbuzie, businesses with the right digital skills are already achieving concrete results in growth and market access.

Tokunbo Ibrahim, Acting Head of Public Policy and Government Relations for Sub-Saharan Africa at TikTok, stated that the cooperation aims to deliver the benefits of digital transformation to all small business owners. Ibrahim said that tools such as TikTok make discovery and purchasing decisions easier, creating more balanced competitive conditions for businesses of different sizes.

Training, Financial Literacy, and Access to Funding

The Digital Commerce Labs program offers a two-stage learning model. Starting in July, participants will be able to access online modules prepared by local experts. The training will cover topics such as building a professional digital presence, producing effective content, and using AI-powered e-commerce tools.

These modules will be supported by virtual classrooms led by trainers. LSETF will provide additional support in business sustainability, financial literacy, record-keeping, and legal advisory services. Market-ready businesses that complete the program will be able to gain the opportunity to access SME funding by joining LSETF’s financial ecosystem.

NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi described the cooperation as an important step in terms of Nigeria’s digitalization goals. ICC Deputy Secretary General Julian Kassum also stated that the program will open new pathways for entrepreneurship and employment for small businesses. Entrepreneurs and business leaders who want to participate in the program can obtain information about upcoming modules and register through the official Digital Commerce Labs portal.

Alibaba Sues Pentagon: The Company Wants to Be Removed from the 1260H List

Chinese e-commerce and technology giant Alibaba has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Defense for placing the company on the “1260H” list, which identifies it as a “Chinese military company.” In its filing with the San Jose federal court in California, the company argued that the Pentagon’s decision has no factual or legal basis.

On June 8, the U.S. Department of Defense expanded the 1260H list and added major Chinese companies such as Baidu, BYD, NIO and WuXi AppTec, along with Alibaba. The Pentagon claimed that these companies contribute to China’s defense industrial base as part of China’s military-civil fusion strategy.

Alibaba, however, rejected these allegations and asked the court to remove it from the list. The company described the decision as “arbitrary and disproportionate” and stated that “these findings have no basis in fact or law.”

“Alibaba Is Not a Military Company” Statement

In the lawsuit filing, the company stated that Alibaba has no connection to the Chinese military, is not part of China’s military-civil fusion strategy and is managed by an independent board of directors. The statement emphasized that none of the board members has any military ties.

Alibaba stated that its products and services were developed not for weapons, defense or intelligence, but for retail, logistics and enterprise information technologies. The company also argued that its business relationships and reputation in the U.S. have been harmed by this classification.

Pentagon Did Not Comment

The Pentagon announced that it does not comment on ongoing litigation. Although being placed on the “1260H” list does not directly mean an official sanction, it can create serious reputation risks and business restrictions for companies. Under current regulations, the Pentagon will not be able to enter into direct contracts with companies on the list starting this month; from 2027, it will also not be able to purchase these companies’ products and services through third parties.

U.S.-China Technology Tension Deepens

The Alibaba lawsuit is considered a new link in the growing tension between the U.S. and China over technology, national security and data security. WuXi AppTec had previously filed a similar lawsuit against being placed on the list. The Chinese side, meanwhile, responded to the U.S.’s latest moves with trade restrictions targeting some American companies. This process shows that global technology and e-commerce companies such as Alibaba are facing not only commercial competition, but also geopolitical risks and national security debates.

Turkic States Prepare for a New Era in Digital Trade

The domestic approval process continues in the countries under the “Digital Economy Partnership Agreement among the Governments of the Member States of the Organization of Turkic States”, which aims to develop digital trade among Turkic states. Türkiye became the 3rd country to complete the domestic approval process after Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.

The “Digital Economy Partnership Agreement among the Governments of the Member States of the Organization of Turkic States” aims to facilitate e-commerce, digital trade services and cross-border data-based economic activities among the members of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS).

Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan’s Approval Will Bring It into Force

Türkiye has completed the domestic approval process for the digital trade partnership agreement among OTS members, bringing the bloc closer to a new framework for digital trade and economic integration. The law approving the ratification of the agreement was published in Türkiye’s Official Gazette.

Thus, Türkiye became the third country after Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan to complete the domestic approval process for the agreement. The agreement will enter into force after Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan also complete their domestic approval procedures.

What Does the Digital Trade Agreement Promise?

The “Digital Economy Partnership Agreement among the Governments of the Member States of the Organization of Turkic States”, which aims to strengthen digital trade and economic integration among the member countries of the Organization of Turkic States, stands out as a strategic step in terms of digital transformation in the Turkic world. The agreement was signed on November 6, 2024, at the 11th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

The agreement aims to reduce barriers in the fields of e-commerce, digital services and cross-border data-based economic activities. Within this scope, it is aimed to create a more integrated, predictable and common rules-based digital economy framework among the member countries.

The Digital Economy Partnership Agreement is expected to strengthen commercial and technological integration among Turkic states, facilitate businesses’ access to digital markets, encourage the use of innovative technologies and increase regional competitiveness.

The agreement covers many critical topics such as digital trade, paperless trade, electronic transactions, e-invoicing, electronic signatures, electronic payments, express delivery services, logistics, online consumer protection, personal data protection and commercial electronic messages. In addition, it is envisaged to increase cooperation in the integration of small and medium-sized enterprises into the digital economy, financial technologies, cybersecurity and competition policy.

The agreement also contributes to deepening economic cooperation in the Turkic world on the basis of shared values, while paving the way for Turkic states to gain a stronger position in the global process in which digital trade rules are being shaped.

Digital Integration Is Accelerating Among the Turkic States

Use of AI and Premium Logistics in E-Commerce Is Rapidly Becoming Widespread in the UAE

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), 51% of shoppers use AI-supported chat tools; 91% of businesses use AI on their e-commerce platforms; 84% expect to increase their use of AI; 84% prefer home delivery, while 73% prefer home collection for returns; 64% have a paid delivery/returns subscription; and 73% of businesses offer this subscription.

DHL eCommerce announced the key dynamics that will determine global e-commerce growth in 2026 and beyond. According to the data from the “E-Commerce Trends Report 2026”, which is based on a survey conducted with 29 thousand online shoppers and 5 thousand 800 e-commerce businesses in 29 countries, the future of online retail in rapidly digitalizing markets such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will be shaped by artificial intelligence, flexible delivery options, sustainable logistics, secure payment experience and easy return processes.

DHL eCommerce’s 2026 E-Commerce Trends Report research revealed that the UAE e-commerce market is undergoing a rapid transformation with artificial intelligence, social commerce, marketplaces and premium logistics solutions. According to the research conducted with 29 thousand online shoppers and 5 thousand 800 e-commerce businesses, the UAE stands out as one of the most advanced markets in the adoption of AI-supported shopping tools.

AI Use in the UAE Is Becoming Central to E-Commerce

According to the report, 51% of online shoppers in the UAE use AI-supported chat tools while shopping. On the business side, the picture is stronger: 91% of e-commerce businesses in the UAE already use AI on their platforms. In addition, 84% of businesses expect AI use to increase further in the next 5 years.

According to DHL data, 52% of shoppers in the UAE expect to shop more through retailer websites in the next 5 years. 51% state that they will shop more on online marketplaces, 47% on mobile applications, and 37% through AI-supported chat or virtual assistants.

Delivery Preference in the UAE Remains Home-Oriented

The delivery experience plays a critical role in purchasing decisions in UAE e-commerce. According to the report, 84% of shoppers in the UAE prefer home delivery, while 73% prefer home collection for returns. However, out-of-home delivery options are also developing; 12% of shoppers use parcel lockers for delivery, while 23% use them for returns.

Premium logistics has also become mainstream in the UAE. In the UAE, 64% of shoppers have a paid delivery and returns subscription. While 73% of businesses already offer this service, 24% also plan to introduce this model.

Social Commerce Is Growing Increasingly in the UAE

On the business side, the data is as follows;

68% of UAE companies expect more customer activity through social media, 65% through applications, 64% through online marketplaces, and 59% through AI-supported chat or virtual assistants.
68% of shoppers in the UAE have made purchases through Facebook, 67% through Instagram, 57% through TikTok and 41% through YouTube.
82% of businesses have sold through Facebook, 75% through Instagram, 73% through TikTok and 52% through YouTube.
Amazon was identified as the most popular online marketplace for both shoppers and businesses in the UAE.

The UAE’s Strength Comes from a Digital Society and Strong Connections

DHL Express Middle East and North Africa CEO AbdulAziz Busbate stated that the UAE’s strength in the e-commerce market comes from high digitalization, strong global and regional connections, and a consumer base that rapidly adopts new online shopping habits. Busbate emphasized that digital platforms, flexible payment options and delivery expectations continue to shape the market, and stated that the growth foundation for businesses in the UAE is strong.

According to the report, the new competitive field of e-commerce in the UAE will not only be product price or campaign; it will be AI-supported customer experience, omnichannel sales, reliable delivery, easy returns and localized logistics solutions.

New Return Requirement for Online Stores in Europe: One-Click Cancellation Era Begins

A new return regulation for online stores in the European Union entered into force on Friday, June 19, 2026. Under the new practice, e-commerce businesses selling online to consumers in the EU will be required to provide a clearly visible and easily accessible “withdraw from contract” button on their websites or mobile applications.

The regulation aims to make consumers’ right of withdrawal in online shopping more accessible. This will allow consumers to cancel an order or initiate the contract withdrawal process as easily as they purchase a product.

The Return Button Must Be Easily Accessible

Under the new rule, online stores will not be able to require consumers to contact customer service, fill out lengthy forms, or navigate through complex menus. The return or withdrawal function must be presented to consumers in a clear and understandable manner.

The button or equivalent digital function must be labeled “withdraw from contract” or with a clear expression carrying the same meaning. When the consumer clicks this button, they will be directed to a confirmation page where they can view the relevant order or contract information. In the final step, there will be a second confirmation function similar to “confirm withdrawal.”

Which Legal Provisions Does the New Regulation Rely On?

The regulation is based on amendments to Directive 2011/83/EU, known as the EU Consumer Rights Directive. Directive (EU) 2023/2673 added a new Article 11a to this legislation. Article 11a makes it mandatory for consumers to be able to exercise their right of withdrawal through a digital function in distance B2C contracts concluded via an online interface.

The rule will apply to the sale of goods, services, digital content, digital services, and financial services within the scope of the regulation. The legislation covers not only EU-based businesses but also non-EU businesses selling to consumers in the EU.

Risks Are Increasing for Non-Compliant Businesses

Failure to comply with the new return regulation may have serious consequences for e-commerce businesses. According to assessments cited in the sources, if businesses fail to provide the required withdrawal button, the consumer’s 14-day withdrawal period may be extended. In addition, sanctions by national consumer protection authorities, administrative fines, and coordinated enforcement processes for cross-border infringements may come into play.

E-commerce businesses need to update their return policies, post-purchase processes, website interfaces, and application interfaces in line with this new regulation. According to experts, this step will strengthen consumer rights in Europe while increasing operational compliance pressure on online retailers.

Dubai CommerCity Joins UNIEF as Founding Member from the UAE at WORLDEF Istanbul 2026

Dubai CommerCity, the first free zone in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, dedicated to digital commerce, and a joint venture between the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) and Wasl Properties, has officially joined the United E-Commerce Federation (UNIEF), an international, non-profit organisation registered in Geneva, Switzerland and headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, as a founding member. The membership marks a key milestone in strengthening international cooperation in e-commerce, digital trade, and cross-border commerce.

The membership agreement was signed during WORLDEF Istanbul 2026 on 13 June, in the presence of Ms. Amna Lootah, Director General of Dubai CommerCity, UNIEF President Ömer Nart, and UNIEF Secretary General Burak Yalım.

As part of the membership, Arjun Sarkar, Vice President of Digital Ecosystem and Partnerships at Dubai CommerCity, has been appointed as the organization’s representative to UNIEF. In this role, he will support the federation’s international activities and contribute to its global network of e-commerce stakeholders.

Dubai CommerCity’s founding membership reflects the growing role of the UAE as a strategic hub for digital commerce, innovation, and cross-border trade. As one of the region’s leading digital commerce-focused free zones, Dubai CommerCity is expected to deliver significant value to UNIEF’s mission of connecting global e-commerce ecosystems, fostering international collaboration, and promoting sustainable growth in digital trade.

Ms. Amna Lootah, Director General of Dubai CommerCity, welcomed the membership and underlined the importance of international collaboration in the digital economy.

“We are pleased to become a founding member of the United E-Commerce Federation, reaffirming our commitment to advancing the UAE’s position as a global hub for digital commerce. This milestone reflects Dubai CommerCity’s ongoing efforts to foster innovation, strengthen cross-border trade, and support the development of a connected and future-ready digital economy. As e-commerce continues to transform the way businesses connect, compete, and grow, partnerships such as UNIEF play an important role in strengthening international cooperation, advancing industry best practices, and accelerating sustainable growth across the global digital trade ecosystem,” Lootah said

Speaking on the significance of the membership, UNIEF President Ömer Nart emphasized that Dubai CommerCity’s participation represents a strategic milestone for the federation’s global vision.

“Dubai CommerCity is one of the most important digital commerce hubs in the region. Its participation as a founding member from the UAE will add strong value to UNIEF’s international network and support our mission to create a more connected, inclusive, and sustainable global e-commerce ecosystem,” Nart said.

Arjun Sarkar, who has been designated to represent Dubai CommerCity within UNIEF, said the membership would create new opportunities for knowledge exchange and international cooperation.

“We look forward to contributing to the federation’s global initiatives and working closely with international partners to support the future of e-commerce,” Sarkar said.

UNIEF Secretary General Burak Yalım also highlighted the federation’s growing international momentum, noting that UNIEF has received strong interest from countries across different regions.

“UNIEF is growing with a strong global vision. We have held talks with representatives and stakeholders from 39 countries and received very positive feedback. Fourteen of these countries have already joined UNIEF as founding members. This shows that there is a real need for a global platform that brings together the key actors of e-commerce and digital trade,” Yalım said.

The signing at WORLDEF Istanbul 2026 also underlined the event’s role as a global meeting point for e-commerce leaders. Bringing together public institutions, retailers, marketplaces, brands, technology providers, logistics companies, and digital trade enablers from different regions, WORLDEF Istanbul continues to serve as a platform for high-level partnerships and international business development.

Through Dubai CommerCity’s participation as a founding member from the UAE, UNIEF further strengthens its international network and reinforces its commitment to advancing collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth across the global e-commerce and digital trade landscape.

Türkiye Became Europe’s Fastest-Growing E-Commerce Market

Türkiye ranked first in terms of growth expectations in the European e-commerce market. According to the projections of Germany-based e-commerce data company ECDB for the 2025-2029 period, Türkiye became Europe’s fastest-growing e-commerce market with an expected average annual growth rate of 12.9 percent.

In the prepared top 10 list, Bulgaria followed Türkiye with an expected growth rate of 12.5 percent. Bosnia and Herzegovina and Malta shared third place with an annual growth forecast of 10 percent. Russia ranked fifth on the list with an expected growth rate of 9.8 percent, while Poland was also shown among the countries representing stable e-commerce expansion in Central Europe.

Türkiye’s Young and Digitally Open Consumer Base Played a Role in Its Ranking at the Top of the List

Türkiye’s ranking at the top of the list was driven by the country’s population of approximately 86 million, its young and digitally open consumer base, its developing marketplace ecosystem, logistics infrastructure, and the rapid spread of online shopping habits. It was stated that online spending in Türkiye reached approximately 86 billion euros last year and recorded 16 percent year-on-year growth.

It is noteworthy that the strongest e-commerce growth in Europe is concentrated particularly in Eastern and Southeastern European countries. In these regions, the fact that e-commerce is still in the development phase, digital infrastructure investments, the expansion of marketplaces, and consumers’ increasing adaptation to online shopping are among the main factors supporting growth.

Türkiye’s rise to a leading position in European e-commerce growth strengthens the country’s potential to become a regional hub in digital trade. Its rapidly growing domestic market, cross-border sales opportunities, logistics capabilities, and strong marketplace structure make Türkiye a strategic market for both local brands and international players.

E-Commerce Volume in Türkiye Exceeded 115 billion USD

WORLDEF ISTANBUL 2026 welcomed 22,000 visitors from 82 countries

WORLDEF ISTANBUL 2026, which focused on the e-commerce, retail and artificial intelligence ecosystems, concluded with strong participation and significant international representation. The event brought visitors from 82 countries together in Istanbul. Brands shaping digital commerce, technology companies, retail leaders, logistics players, entrepreneurs, investors and decision-makers came together under one roof. WORLDEF CEO Omar Nart said, “WORLDEF ISTANBUL 2026 was not merely a trade fair or a conference; it became a powerful platform that enabled the e-commerce, retail, artificial intelligence and digital commerce ecosystems to grow together.”

WORLDEF ISTANBUL 2026 hosted 22,000 visitors over three days between June 11 and 13, 2026. At the event, 187 brands from different sectors exhibited at booths, while 250 speakers took part in the stage programs. Foreign visitors accounted for 35 percent of participants. As a result, WORLDEF ISTANBUL became a strong meeting point for the regional and global e-commerce and retail ecosystem.

At the event, which featured companies operating in e-commerce, retail, artificial intelligence, technology, logistics, fintech, SaaS, digital marketing and cross-border e-commerce, new collaborations, strategic meetings, brand gatherings and networking opportunities stood out. WORLDEF ISTANBUL 2026 brought together not only brands in Türkiye but also companies seeking to expand into global markets with international stakeholders.

Omar Nart: It became a powerful platform that enabled digital commerce ecosystems to grow together

WORLDEF CEO Omar Nart stated that WORLDEF ISTANBUL 2026 achieved significant success for the e-commerce, retail and artificial intelligence ecosystem, saying: “WORLDEF ISTANBUL 2026 was not merely a trade fair or a conference; it became a powerful platform that enabled the e-commerce, retail, artificial intelligence and digital commerce ecosystems to grow together. Welcoming 22,000 visitors from 82 countries in Istanbul once again demonstrated Türkiye’s potential to become a regional trade hub. The collaborations and connections established throughout the event generated highly valuable and productive results for brands seeking to expand into global markets.”

Omar Nart also underlined WORLDEF’s global vision, stating: “Digital commerce has now become an ecosystem that transcends borders, is strengthened by technology and grows through collaboration. As WORLDEF, our goal is to carry brands emerging from the MENA region and Türkiye to the world, bring global brands together with the region’s strong players, and build a sustainable business network that shapes the future of e-commerce and retail. The strong interest we witnessed at WORLDEF ISTANBUL 2026 shows that this vision has been strongly embraced by the industry.”

It offered new opportunities for the e-commerce, retail and artificial intelligence sectors

Stage sessions, panels and special meetings held as part of the event addressed artificial intelligence, digital transformation, next-generation retail, cross-border e-commerce, logistics technologies, marketplace strategies, customer experience and global growth models. Leading speakers from the industry shared their experiences and future visions regarding the transformation of digital commerce with participants.

With its exhibition booths, stage programs, special networking events and global participant profile, WORLDEF ISTANBUL 2026 offered new opportunities for the e-commerce and retail sectors. The event stood out as an important platform where trends shaping the future of digital commerce were discussed, brands evaluated their strategies for entering new markets, and international collaborations were developed.

WORLDEF’s next event will be held in Antalya

WORLDEF will continue to support brands’ growth journeys through events that bring the e-commerce and retail ecosystems together on a global scale in the coming period. WORLDEF’s next event will be the “WORLDEF PRIME Matchmaking Summit,” which will be held in Antalya between December 8 and 10, 2026.

The summit, which will bring together e-commerce and retail professionals from around the world, is positioned as a special matchmaking platform designed to establish important connections among decision-makers, brand executives, investors, technology providers and industry leaders. The organization, to be held at Antalya Kremlin Palace, will bring together industry representatives from more than 50 countries. One-on-one meetings and strategic sessions held throughout the event will contribute to the expansion of global e-commerce networks.

“ECOM BRANDS 100” Honored the Most Successful E-Commerce Brands

“ECOM BRANDS 100” Honored the Most Successful E-Commerce Brands

The global e-commerce, retail and artificial intelligence event WORLDEF ISTANBUL honored the most successful e-commerce brands. For the “ECOM BRANDS 100” awards, 365 e-commerce brands across 33 categories were evaluated and awards were presented to the 100 most successful e-commerce brands.

As part of WORLDEF ISTANBUL 2026, the “ECOM BRANDS 100” awards ceremony was held at Yenikapı Event Area for the most successful e-commerce brands. Organized with Sürat Kargo as the main partner, the ceremony brought together leading representatives of the e-commerce ecosystem on WORLDEF ISTANBUL’s Future Commerce Stage.

Launched to highlight brands that demonstrate real performance in digital commerce, ECOM BRANDS 100 made Türkiye’s successful e-commerce brands visible as a category-based competition and voting platform. With a performance-oriented evaluation approach, the platform focused not on perception, but on real growth, scale, impact and the success achieved in digital commerce, and honored the sector’s leading brands.

Ömer Nart: This Was Our Responsibility Toward the Sector

Senior guests from e-commerce brands, sector representatives, business partners and important stakeholders of the digital commerce ecosystem attended the awards ceremony. While the music, dance and illusion performances held throughout the ceremony added color to the night, the award-winning brands received great applause on the Future Commerce Stage.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, WORLDEF CEO Ömer Nart pointed out that companies maintaining their presence in digital had not previously been honored in such an organization and said, “This was our responsibility toward the sector. Every year, we will honor those who make it onto this list.”

Within the scope of ECOM BRANDS 100, 365 brands across 33 categories participated in the voting. As a result of the voting, the 100 brands that ranked received their awards on the WORLDEF ISTANBUL 2026 stage. The organization, which featured brands shaping the future of digital commerce across Türkiye, became an important gathering that rewarded success, innovation and sustainable growth in the e-commerce ecosystem.

The Competition Categories Covered a Broad Ecosystem

At ECOM BRANDS 100, brands competed in different categories such as women’s clothing, men’s clothing, underwear & pajamas, baby & children’s clothing, women’s shoes, men’s shoes, bags, skin care, makeup, hair care, perfume & deodorant, auto accessories & in-car products, carpets & rugs, glassware & kitchen, home decoration, home furniture, home goods & organizers, garden & outdoor furniture, study room & office furniture, toys, sportswear, hobbies & music & art, home & cleaning, petshop, DIY store, gifts & party supplies, vitamins & supplements, healthy snacks & diet food, jewelry & accessories, food, snacks and beverages, and modest fashion & shawls.

With ECOM BRANDS 100, WORLDEF aims to reward excellence in the e-commerce ecosystem and increase the visibility of successful brands. The organization, held for the first time as part of WORLDEF ISTANBUL 2026, is planned to be organized traditionally every year from now on and to become a strong index that rewards the achievements of e-commerce brands.

ECOM BRANDS 100 was launched to discover brands demonstrating performance in digital commerce, identify the players that stand out across categories, and make the sector’s leaders visible through a community-oriented selection model. This new tradition, which began in WORLDEF’s 10th year, will continue to reward brands that contribute to the development of Türkiye’s e-commerce ecosystem every year.

WORLDEF Istanbul 2026 to Host MENA and Türkiye’s Largest E-Commerce, Retail and Artificial Intelligence Gathering

The Worlds of E-Commerce, Retail and Artificial Intelligence Came Together at WORLDEF ISTANBUL

WORLDEF ISTANBUL 2026 opened its doors at the Yenikapı Event Area. Hosting nearly 25 thousand participants from all around the world, WORLDEF ISTANBUL brought together the e-commerce, retail, technology, artificial intelligence and digital commerce ecosystems.

WORLDEF ISTANBUL began with a magnificent opening ceremony held at the Yenikapı Event Area. Held on June 11-13, 2026, the WORLDEF ISTANBUL is positioned as one of the most important gatherings of the e-commerce, retail, technology, artificial intelligence and digital commerce ecosystems. Taking place with the participation of nearly 25 thousand people from approximately 60 countries, the event brought together sector professionals, brands, entrepreneurs, technology companies, investors, marketplaces, logistics companies and digital commerce leaders under the same roof.

A magnificent opening ceremony was held for WORLDEF ISTANBUL 2026. The WORLDEF ISTANBUL ceremony, hosted by WORLDEF CEO Ömer Nart, was attended by Deputy Minister of Trade Mahmut Gürcan, Ministry of Trade Director General of Exports Mehmet Ali Yalçınkaya, Dubai Airport Free Zone and Dubai CommerCity Director General Amna Lootah, Dubai CommerCity Vice President Arjun Sarkar, and senior executives of e-commerce, retail and artificial intelligence companies.

Ömer Nart: New investments will be discussed and new success stories will begin over three days

WORLDEF CEO Ömer Nart, in his WORLDEF ISTANBUL opening speech, said, “At WORLDEF ISTANBUL, new collaborations will be established, new investments will be discussed, new ideas will emerge and new success stories will begin over three days. In recent years, Türkiye has gained very significant momentum in trade, exports, entrepreneurship, technology and digital transformation. Thanks to the vision set forth by our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the work of our Ministry of Trade and the entrepreneurial spirit of our private sector, our country is becoming stronger in global trade with each passing day.”

Saying, “As WORLDEF, we are very proud to be a part of this transformation,” Nart thanked Deputy Minister of Trade Mahmut Gürcan, who attended the event, and said, “We believe that Türkiye has the potential to become one of the most important centers of digital commerce.”

Amna Lootah: Growth happens when people, businesses and governments work together

Dubai Airport Free Zone and Dubai CommerCity Director General Amna Lootah said, “Just a short time ago, digital commerce was seen as an opportunity; today, it has become a necessity that transforms how businesses grow and how economies compete. In my role at Dubai CommerCity, I see that businesses are looking for three things: speed, access and certainty. We established Dubai CommerCity to create a seamless environment where companies can focus on innovation while we simplify the complexity of cross-border trade.”

Lootah continued as follows: “Technology, especially artificial intelligence, is changing operations; however, technology alone is not enough. Growth happens when people, businesses and governments work together. The developing relationship between the UAE and Türkiye, with a trade volume exceeding 45 billion dollars, is a strong example of this. I look forward to welcoming many of you in Dubai for WORLDEF Dubai 2027, where we can continue building the future of digital commerce together.”

Mahmut Gürcan: E-commerce has now become the main carrier of trade

Deputy Minister of Trade Mahmut Gürcan also stated, “E-commerce channels, digital marketplaces and next-generation logistics solutions are reshaping the structure of trade with each passing day. As Türkiye, in 2025, we realized goods exports of 273.5 billion dollars and services exports of 122 billion dollars; in total, we reached a level of 396 billion dollars. While the global retail e-commerce volume is expected to approach 7 trillion dollars in 2026, e-commerce has now become the main carrier of trade.”

Gürcan noted the following: “As the Ministry of Trade, we attach importance to our companies benefiting from e-export supports; we have increased the number of our target countries from 26 to 35. By establishing strategic collaborations with marketplaces such as eBay, Walmart, Amazon and TikTok Shop, we are increasing the global visibility of Turkish brands. In addition, we are training e-export specialists through the Export Academy and university collaborations. With our strong logistics network and production infrastructure, we will continue to work with all our strength toward becoming a regional hub in digital commerce.”

E-commerce, retail and artificial intelligence were discussed

Within the scope of WORLDEF ISTANBUL, approximately 200 booths were opened, while a broad ecosystem was represented at the event area, from e-commerce infrastructures to payment systems, from logistics solutions to artificial intelligence technologies, and from retail innovations to marketplace solutions. Participants had the opportunity to establish direct contact with companies from different sectors, develop new collaborations and evaluate opportunities for global markets.

Throughout the WORLDEF ISTANBUL, more than 200 speakers will take the stage and make important assessments on topics such as the future of e-commerce, transformation in retail, the impact of artificial intelligence on commerce, cross-border sales strategies, digital payment systems, logistics technologies and next-generation customer experience. The event will bring together the leading names, decision-makers and brands of the sector over three days, hosting new business connections, strategic partnerships and inspiring sessions.

WORLDEF VIP Connect hosted e-commerce, retail and artificial intelligence leaders