E-Commerce News & Trends

Regional and Global E-Commerce Players Come Together at WORLDEF DUBAI 2026

The countdown has begun for WORLDEF DUBAI 2026, the largest e-commerce fair in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Dubai will host the second edition of WORLDEF from 12–14 February 2026. WORLDEF DUBAI is being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ).

The second edition of WORLDEF DUBAI 2026, the largest e-commerce gathering in the MENA region, will take place from 12–14 February 2026 at Dubai CommerCity, Dubai’s first free zone dedicated to the digital commerce sector. Organized in cooperation with WORLDEF and Dubai CommerCity, the event aims to support companies, entrepreneurs, and investors operating in cross-border e-commerce and digital commerce, as well as government entities and digital solution providers, in growing at an international scale.

WORLDEF DUBAI 2026 aims to create business opportunities, strengthen cooperation and partnerships, encourage the exchange of knowledge and experience, and explore the latest trends in the digital commerce sector, thereby expanding the boundaries of global trade and supporting the growth of a sustainable digital economy.

Amna Lootah: The Forum Acts as a Strategic Catalyst to Open New Horizons for Companies

Her Excellency Amna Lootah, Director General of Dubai CommerCity and Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ), said: “Hosting the WORLDEF DUBAI 2026 forum reflects Dubai CommerCity’s commitment to supporting the global digital commerce ecosystem and strengthening Dubai’s position as a global leader in trade and digital commerce. The expected increase in the number of participants and countries symbolizes the scale of international confidence in Dubai’s investment environment and advanced infrastructure.”

Lootah added, “The forum serves as a strategic catalyst for strengthening international partnerships and opening new horizons for companies. It also supports the goals of sustainable economic growth, in line with the emirate’s vision for the future, and contributes to enabling companies to expand globally and benefit from the growing opportunities within the digital commerce ecosystem.”

Omar Nart: We Are Proud to Organize This Event in Cooperation with Dubai CommerCity

WORLDEF CEO Omar Nart said: “The forum, in its first edition, succeeded in exceeding expectations in terms of turnout and interactive sessions, and we are confident in the success of its second edition with a focus on presenting a comprehensive agenda that meets the aspirations of digital commerce companies at the local, regional, and global levels, in addition to specialists in digital and cross-border commerce, digital transformation, and other related fields. We are proud to organize this event in cooperation with Dubai CommerCity, which plays a pivotal role in developing the digital commerce sector at the regional level.”

WORLDEF DUBAI Strengthens Dubai’s Critical Role in Digital Commerce Transformation

The global e-commerce event WORLDEF DUBAI 2026 focuses on taking digital commerce in the MENA region even further. Aligned with the “Dubai Economic Agenda D33,” which aims to enhance the Emirate’s competitiveness, reinforce its position as a global hub for smart trade, and support the business ecosystem and cross-border trade, the event contributes to accelerating the growth of the digital economy and shaping its future on a regional and global scale.

The first edition of WORLDEF DUBAI 2026 was held in December 2024. Hosted at Dubai CommerCity, the inaugural event welcomed more than 5,000 participants from over 40 countries. Following the outstanding success of the previous edition, the event is being held for the second time. This year’s edition is expected to witness a qualified expansion in terms of scale and international reach. The event targets markets across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, the United Kingdom, India, and Central Asia.

At WORLDEF DUBAI 2026, 200 speakers specialized in the digital commerce sector, leading institutions, companies, and organizations; more than 10,000 visitors from over 80 countries; more than 150 participating companies; and 120 retail brands will take part. The event will address key topics focused on the future of digital commerce and cross-border e-commerce, highlighting the role of artificial intelligence, advanced digital technologies, payment solutions, fintech, and logistics in supporting industry growth and increasing efficiency.

UNCTAD Emphasized Saudi Arabia’s Early Leadership in E-Commerce Measurement

Officials from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) stated that Saudi Arabia is among the first countries in the world to develop a scientific and reliable methodology to measure the size and value of e-commerce.

This assessment was shared during a workshop highlighting the Kingdom’s efforts to align digital trade measurement with international standards. The meeting was held as part of the 68th regular session of the E-Commerce Council and brought together representatives from 25 public institutions. The session was chaired by Minister of Commerce Majed Al-Qasabi, with council members also in attendance. The discussions addressed both strategic policy initiatives and operational measures aimed at supporting the rapidly growing e-commerce sector in Saudi Arabia.

UNCTAD: A Measurement Framework Aligned With International Standards

UNCTAD officials stated that Saudi Arabia has made significant progress in developing a comprehensive framework to assess the scale, value, and structure of e-commerce and digital trade. It was noted that the methodology was designed to be aligned with globally accepted definitions and best practices and enables accurate measurement across different classifications of e-commerce activities.

UNCTAD experts reported that close cooperation is being carried out with Saudi authorities to develop the framework. It was noted that the initiative aims to assess the level of digital trade adoption in the Kingdom, measure transaction volumes and sectoral growth, and enhance the competitiveness of the e-commerce ecosystem. In addition, strengthening digital economy policies and improving the efficiency of public services provided to the business sector were also listed among the objectives.

To oversee the implementation of the project, a working group was established within the E-Commerce Council under the chairmanship of its secretariat and with the participation of 11 public institutions. It was stated that this group is responsible for implementing the framework in coordination with UNCTAD.

Seasonal Demand and Service Performance

During the meeting, information was also provided on preparations by the Transport General Authority to manage increased seasonal demand, particularly during the Ramadan period. Officials stated that online orders rise sharply during religious holidays and national occasions, creating additional pressure on postal and delivery services.

According to official data shared, e-commerce shipments during Ramadan increased by 18 percent last year, reaching 26 million shipments. During the same period, the number of registered complaints declined significantly, falling from 4,330 to 1,700. Officials attributed this improvement to more effective coordination, service planning, and oversight mechanisms.

The Transport General Authority emphasized that the seasonal plan aims to increase service efficiency during peak periods, improve the quality of postal services, raise customer satisfaction, and strengthen governance through coordination with all relevant stakeholders.

The Role of the E-Commerce Council

Established in 2018, the E-Commerce Council plays a central role in shaping Saudi Arabia’s digital trade ecosystem. The council’s responsibilities include developing policy and legislative proposals, overseeing the E-Commerce Stimulation Program, ensuring coordination among public institutions, and addressing obstacles faced by the sector.

The meeting also reviewed cooperation with international organizations and relevant public institutions to facilitate e-commerce, as well as the necessary regulatory and procedural reforms. UNCTAD officials stated that the e-commerce measurement initiative could position Saudi Arabia as a global reference point in data and analysis and contribute to evidence-based policymaking and the sector’s long-term growth.

UNCTAD, Launched the First Global Database To Track E-Commerce Value

German Companies Developed a Joint E-Commerce Ecosystem: German Digital Commerce Operation Model

Three Germany-based software companies jointly brought to life a new e-commerce solution in which all data and digital processes remain in Europe. Developed through the collaboration of cloud provider STACKIT, e-commerce platform specialist Empiriecom, and IT services company Adesso, this structure called the “German Digital Commerce Operation Model” aimed to offer online sellers an end-to-end alternative and to ensure data sovereignty in accordance with European Union legislation.

The new solution called the “German Digital Commerce Operation Model” envisaged that all customer data, transactions, and operational processes would be kept in Germany. The system was designed in compliance with the requirements of the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Developed as a Response to Regulatory and Geopolitical Pressures

The companies stated that the German Digital Commerce Operation Model project was shaped in the face of stricter data protection regulations and increasing geopolitical uncertainties. Many online retailers in Europe began to reassess their dependence on international cloud and software providers, particularly those located outside the European Union.

According to the partners, retailers are demanding greater control over where their data is stored and how it is processed. The German Digital Commerce Operation Model aimed to respond to this need by ensuring that data does not leave Europe and that all processes are carried out within the framework of EU law.

Empiriecom Managing Director Ralf Männlein stated that the collaboration offered a reliable alternative to global hyperscale cloud providers and software companies. Männlein emphasized that the solution meets the growing demand for data security, performance, and legal compliance in digital commerce.

Integrated Software Structure Hosted in Europe

The German Digital Commerce Operation Model ecosystem brought together the core areas of expertise of the three companies. STACKIT ensured that all applications and data are hosted in data centers in Germany and Austria. Thanks to the company’s “zero-access” security model, full control over the data remained with the customer, while the provider had no access to the data.

Adesso, with its implementation experience in e-commerce projects, was responsible for adapting the solution to the business models of retailers in different sectors. The company undertook the implementation of the technology in alignment with operational and commercial needs.

The e-commerce platform itself was provided by Empiriecom. The company stated that the software was designed to support different business models, sales channels, and markets. The platform enables multi-store and omnichannel structures to be managed under a single technological framework. According to Empiriecom, the platform is also used by companies with annual revenues exceeding 400 million euros.

European Online Retailers Are Targeted with the German Digital Commerce Operation Model

The partners positioned the German Digital Commerce Operation Model primarily for medium-sized and large online retailers operating in Europe. The model, which offers infrastructure, platform, and implementation services within a single integrated structure, aimed to strengthen compliance with European data protection standards while reducing operational complexity for retailers.

The launch was evaluated as part of a broader trend among European technology companies and retailers toward reducing dependence on providers outside Europe. Although the companies did not initially share details regarding pricing or customer acquisition, they stated that the model is ready for immediate use.

At a time when data sovereignty is increasingly becoming a more strategic issue for e-commerce companies, this collaboration stood out as an important step toward strengthening Europe-based digital commerce infrastructure.

About STACKIT

STACKIT is the cloud provider of Schwarz Group. External partners and customers in Europe can also rely on the cloud services that Schwarz Group companies have been benefiting from for years for their digital transformation. On the way to becoming the first European hyperscaler, STACKIT offers digital sovereignty that goes far beyond the market standard and individual approaches to the implementation and operation of cloud solutions. STACKIT currently operates four data centers – one of which is in Austria – and is building a fifth in Lübbenau. Based in Neckarsulm, Germany, the team is paving the way for an independent Europe – digital, leading. As part of Schwarz Digits, STACKIT GmbH & Co. KG is part of the IT and digital division of Schwarz Group.

www.stackit.com

About empiriecom

empiriecom, better e-commerce, develops and operates one of the largest e-commerce platforms in europe. With over 100 e-commerce experts in agile teams, empiriecom implements technologically sophisticated and innovative solutions and has comprehensive service expertise. empiriecom is part of the BAUR-Gruppe and a member of the Otto Group – a global retail and service group with around 41,000 employees and a revenue of 16.2 billion euros in the 2022/2023 financial year. The BAUR Group’s B2B service providers also include BAUR Studios for photography and videography, and BAUR Retail Media for onsite and offsite promotion.

www.empiriecom.com

About adesso

adesso is one of the leading IT service providers in the German-speaking area and focuses its consulting and software development activities on the core business processes of companies and public authorities. adesso’s strategy is based on three pillars: the comprehensive industry-specific know-how of its staff, extensive expertise in technology that is independent of manufacturers and the application of reliable methods in software implementation projects. adesso delivers the right IT solutions to increase the ability of companies and organisations to compete in the core sectors of insurance/reinsurance, banking and financial services, healthcare and life sciences, energy supply, public administration, automotive and manufacturing industry, trade, transport, media, entertainment, lottery and sports.

adesso was founded in Dortmund in 1997 and currently employs more than 11,100 people in the adesso Group (converted to full-time equivalents/FTE), which corresponds to more than 11,800 employees in terms of headcount. adesso’s shares are listed on the Prime Standard/SDAX. Customers in Germany include Commerzbank, BayernLB, Munich Re, Provinzial, Bitmarck, amedes, RWE, E.ON, Mercedes-Benz, thyssenkrupp, Bosch, Otto, Markant, Borussia Dortmund, the Deutsche Fußball Liga, the Westdeutsche Lotterie, the Deutsche Bundesbank, the Procurement Office of the Federal Ministry of the Interior and the Federal Ministry of Finance. In addition, there are numerous international customers, including Swisscom, AXA Switzerland, Alpitour, the Austrian Football Bundesliga and Swiss Federal Railways.

www.adesso.de

AI-Powered Search Is Expected to Influence €500 Billion in Retail E-Commerce by 2028

AI-powered search and discovery tools are expected to influence up to €500 billion in retail e-commerce by 2028. These tools have become an integral part of consumers’ product search and purchasing decisions through generative artificial intelligence. A new analysis published by Euromonitor International revealed that AI-based platforms have fundamentally transformed the ways in which brands are discovered, evaluated, and trusted in the online environment.

According to the “Euromonitor International Voice of the Consumer: Lifestyles Survey 2025,” more than half of global consumers use generative AI tools to obtain information and recommendations. This finding points to a structural transformation in digital commerce behavior.

From Search Results to AI-Powered Conversations

Rabia Yasmeen, global insight manager for e-commerce at Euromonitor International, stated that AI-powered search has created a deeper transformation than previous digital trends such as social commerce or livestream shopping. Yasmeen said that artificial intelligence is “reshaping how consumers discover brands, evaluate choices, and make online purchasing decisions.”

In traditional search models, visibility depended on search engine optimization, paid advertising, and retail media investments. However, in AI-generated responses, there is no guaranteed visibility slot, even for market leaders. Yasmeen emphasized that the impact has now shifted from “share of views” to “share of conversations.”

Euromonitor data show that this transformation will have a significant impact on the global e-commerce market and that the market is expected to exceed USD 595 billion by 2028.

Risk to Brand Visibility in AI-Powered Discovery

The analysis also points to significant risks for established brands. Euromonitor examined more than 8,700 brands operating in the US online skin care category and found that as consumer attention increasingly shifts toward AI-generated recommendations, up to half of existing brands could face the risk of a gradual loss of relevance over time.

In traditional digital shopping journeys, strong brands benefited from advantages such as scale, advertising budgets, and category placement. In AI-powered responses, however, visibility changes dynamically depending on the user’s context and query. This situation creates opportunities not only for established brands but also for new and smaller players.

Yasmeen noted that while this shift involves risks, it also makes the emergence of new winners possible. She said that brands offering product relevance, clear positioning, and trustworthy signals could stand out in AI-generated responses.

Faster Decisions, Shorter Shopping Journeys

AI-powered search is also significantly shortening the online shopping journey. Traditionally, consumers went through many stages such as searching, browsing category pages, reading reviews, and comparing alternatives. According to Euromonitor, in AI-mediated interactions these steps often merge into a single conversation.

Consumers now ask questions in natural language instead of browsing product listings and expect short, context-aware answers. While this reduces friction in shopping, it concentrates the decision-making process largely on outputs provided by artificial intelligence.

Euromonitor concluded that retailers and brands need to rethink their digital strategies in order to remain visible in AI-powered environments. According to the report, future competitiveness will depend less on traditional ranking tactics and more on how well brands align with consumer intent, context, and trust signals.

UAE-Based Yozo.ai Raised USD 1.7 Million in Pre-Seed Funding to Develop an AI-Powered E-Commerce Revenue Engine

UAE-based startup Yozo.ai raised USD 1.7 million in pre-seed funding to develop an AI-powered revenue engine for e-commerce sellers. The round was co-led by Access Bridge Ventures and Disruptech Ventures, while a number of regional venture capital funds and angel investors also participated in the round.

Founded in early 2025, Yozo.ai develops an AI agent that autonomously manages email, WhatsApp, and SMS campaigns for online retailers. The company announced that it will use the new investment to support product development and its goals of expanding into markets outside the Middle East.

Investors Supported the AI-Native Approach

The investment round was completed under the co-leadership of Access Bridge Ventures and Disruptech Ventures. Arzan VC, Oraseya Capital, Plus VC, Suhail Ventures, Glint Ventures, and M-Empire Angels also participated in the round.

Issa Aghabi of Access Bridge Ventures stated that the Yozo.ai team demonstrated strong execution capability and stood out with its approach of practically integrating artificial intelligence into daily e-commerce workflows. Aghabi expressed that the company has the potential to build a scalable and meaningful platform in this field.

The strong interest from regional investors revealed growing demand for AI-based commerce solutions developed for sellers operating in digital markets characterized by fragmentation and intense competition.

An Autonomous Growth Agent Is Being Built

Yozo.ai positions itself as an “AI growth agent” rather than a traditional marketing software. After sellers connect their e-commerce accounts to the system, they approve campaigns, and the system autonomously carries out marketing activities across email, WhatsApp, and SMS channels.

The company stated that its technology takes on tasks such as segmentation, timing, experimentation, and performance optimization, which are typically handled by growth and customer retention teams. In this way, it aims to reduce the need for specialized teams that are costly or difficult to find, particularly for small and medium-sized e-commerce businesses.

Yozo.ai founder Hossam Ali said that conversion and retention marketing involves many variables such as data, timing, and continuous optimization, and that most teams struggle to manage this complexity in a sustainable way. Ali emphasized that Yozo.ai was designed to take on this complexity and operate continuously without manual intervention.

Yozo.ai’s Global Growth Targets

With the new investment it has received, the company aims to build an AI-native revenue engine that automates customer retention and revenue growth processes in a scalable manner. Yozo.ai identified global e-commerce markets where growth teams are expensive, overly manual, or difficult to hire as its primary targets.

Initially focusing on the Middle East, Yozo.ai announced that it has international expansion plans to also serve sellers in other regions facing similar operational challenges. The company aims to become the “default revenue engine” for digital sellers by closing the gap between users who show purchase intent but do not complete a transaction and actual buyers.

Yozo.ai argues that this gap leads to a significant amount of revenue remaining uncaptured in the e-commerce sector. By establishing automated customer engagement at the right time and through the right channel, it states that conversion and customer loyalty rates can be increased in a meaningful way.

The pre-seed investment round is considered an important milestone in Yozo.ai’s transition from the product development stage to broader market adoption. While the company did not share details regarding revenue or customer numbers, it stated that the investment will be used primarily for engineering, data infrastructure, and expansion into new markets.

WTO Members Discussed E-Commerce Ahead of MC14 to Be Held in Yaoundé

Members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) exchanged views in Geneva on 28 January on the future of e-commerce as part of preparations for the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14), which will be held between 26 and 29 March in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

During the discussions, the possibility of a ministerial decision was addressed, including the long-standing moratorium on the non-imposition of customs duties on electronic transmissions and the revitalization of the WTO’s e-commerce work programme. The meeting was held within the framework of the Work Programme on Electronic Commerce, under which members have been conducting negotiations on digital trade issues since 1998.

Draft Proposals by WTO Members and the Search for Convergence

Jamaica’s Ambassador Richard Brown, the facilitator of the Work Programme on Electronic Commerce, recalled that two text-based proposals have been under consideration since November. One of these proposals was submitted by the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group, and the other by the United States and its co-sponsors. Brown noted that members were asked in December to reflect on these texts and on the views expressed in previous meetings.

As MC14 approached, Brown drew attention to the importance of intensifying work in Geneva. He stated that the objective was to reach convergence on the core elements of a ministerial decision reflecting members’ shared expectations on how e-commerce should be addressed within the WTO.

Moratorium and the Development Dimension

One of the key items on the agenda of the WTO members’ meeting was the extension of the moratorium on the non-imposition of customs duties on electronic transmissions. This practice had been renewed for fixed periods at previous ministerial conferences. Members also raised the issue of making the Work Programme more effective and more development-oriented.

During the discussions, delegations shared their assessments of the proposals on the table, offered suggestions aimed at bridging different approaches, and expressed their readiness to engage constructively in order to achieve a meaningful outcome at MC14.

Steps to Be Taken Toward MC14

At the close of the WTO meeting, Ambassador Brown recommended that proponents and interested delegations engage in informal consultations to converge on common elements that could be included in a draft ministerial decision. He noted that such contacts could help narrow differences ahead of the ministerial conference.

The next meeting of the Work Programme on Electronic Commerce is planned to take place on 2 March. This timeline points to a limited period for members to make progress before the conference in Cameroon.

Saudi E-Commerce Startup Juthor Received a USD 500 Thousand Investment

Saudi Arabia–based e-commerce technology startup Juthor received an investment of USD 500 thousand in a pre-seed funding round led by Flat6Labs. The investment, which also included angel investors, was aimed at strengthening the company’s technology platform and supporting its early growth process across regional and global marketplaces.

Founded in 2025, Juthor offers a unified system developed to help retailers manage multi-channel e-commerce operations through a single interface. The company stated that the received investment would be used to improve its core infrastructure and accelerate the product development process for rapidly growing online sellers.

Juthor Focuses on Multi-Channel Retail Operations

Juthor was founded by entrepreneurs Lolwah Binsaedan and Irfan Khan with the aim of solving the operational complexity faced by retailers selling on multiple online marketplaces. The platform enables sellers to manage product listings, inventory levels, orders, and customer data in real time through a single centralized system.

According to information provided by the company, Juthor operates in integration with leading regional and global marketplaces such as Amazon, Salla, Noon, Zid, Jahez, and Trendyol. While the system ensures the synchronization of inventory and orders, it also leverages automation and artificial intelligence to help analyze customer data more effectively.

By offering a single operational layer that brings different marketplaces together, the platform is positioned as a solution for retailers expanding into multiple sales channels, particularly in markets where cross-platform sales are rapidly increasing.

Venture Capital Firm Flat6Labs Led the Funding Round

The pre-seed funding round was led by the venture capital firm Flat6Labs, which is known for its early-stage investments across the Middle East and North Africa. The angel investors participating in the round provided strategic support during the company’s early stage.

Juthor stated that it would use the new investment to strengthen its technological infrastructure and build a more scalable structure capable of supporting a rapidly growing customer base. The company also plans to accelerate the development of new features, including advanced automation and analytics tools, designed to meet the needs of modern multi-channel retailers.

Although Juthor did not disclose specific market expansion targets, it emphasized that its roadmap focuses on retailers operating within regional e-commerce ecosystems and that demand for integrated management tools continues to grow.

Saudi Arabia is emerging as a growing hub in the field of e-commerce and retail technologies alongside increasing digitalization and investment activity. The investment received by Juthor demonstrates that investor interest in platforms that simplify operations in an increasingly fragmented online retail environment continues.

The company announced that following the completion of the pre-seed funding round, it would continue to develop its product and scale its operations while onboarding new retailers to its platform.

124 Million Orders Recorded in Saudi Arabia in Q4 2025

DET and Dubai Chambers partner with Tradeling to accelerate SME digital growth

DET and Dubai Chambers partner with Tradeling to accelerate SME digital growth under Dubai Traders Initiative. Partnership to expand Dubai Traders into B2B and wholesale markets. Initiative enables SMEs to digitise wholesale operations, access institutional buyers, and scale across regional and global markets. Partnership builds on collaborations with noon and Amazon and supports the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and Dubai Chambers have announced a strategic partnership with Tradeling, the MENA region’s largest B2B digital ecosystem, under the Dubai Traders initiative. Tradeling, a Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) entity, will support Dubai-based SMEs in accelerating their transition into digital wholesale and B2B trade.

This Partnership Represents The Next Phase in The Evolution of Dubai Traders

The partnership agreement was signed in the presence of His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, and His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ). It was signed by His Excellency Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), the economic development arm of DET, and Alastair Croker, CEO of Tradeling.

The partnership marks the next phase of Dubai Traders’ evolution, building on the strong momentum generated through anchor partnerships with leading B2C platforms noon and Amazon. This new partnership expands the initiative’s scope to B2B and wholesale markets, unlocking new growth pathways for traders, manufacturers, distributors, and exporters.

Launched in 2024, Dubai Traders is a cornerstone of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033 and further consolidate its position as a premier global hub for business and innovation. By partnering with Tradeling, Dubai Traders is addressing a critical gap in SME enablement: helping businesses digitise their wholesale operations, access large institutional buyers, and scale efficiently across regional and international markets.

“It Marks A Turning Point in Enabling Smes To Leverage The Benefits Offered By a Digitally Driven Economy”

His Excellency Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), the economic development arm of DET, said: “Under the guidance of our visionary leadership, the Dubai Traders initiative reinforces our mission to cultivate the most dynamic, accessible and beneficial environment for SMEs.

This partnership with Tradeling marks an important chapter in empowering SMEs in the city to harness the benefits and seize the opportunities of a digitally driven economy, advances our commitment to the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, and strengthens the city’s role as a leading destination for entrepreneurship and innovation. Through Dubai Traders, we are transforming entrepreneurial ambition into competitive advantage and creating new pathways for businesses to scale regionally and internationally.”

“It Will Provide Businesses With Clearer Visibility into Performance and Buyer Demand”

Saeed Al Gergawi, Vice President of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, one of the three chambers operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, said: “With this collaboration, we are strengthening the practical support available to SMEs that want to grow through B2B channels, from digitising processes to building the capabilities needed to operate at scale.

The focus is on making adoption easier and more cost-effective, while giving businesses clearer visibility on performance and buyer demand so they can make faster, better-informed decisions. By expanding the enablement journey beyond consumer e-commerce, Dubai Traders is helping more SMEs compete for larger opportunities and grow sustainably as the digital trade landscape continues to evolve.”

“It Advances Dubai’s Vision of Building a Digitally Enabled Business Environment”

Alastair Croker, CEO of Tradeling, said: “As MENA’s largest B2B digital ecosystem serving thousands of businesses across the region, Tradeling is proud to collaborate with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and Dubai Chambers through the Dubai Traders initiative. We witness first-hand the ambition and resilience of Dubai’s SME community and understand the powerful role that digital infrastructure plays in enabling sustainable growth. By equipping traders with access to the right digital tools and support, this partnership advances Dubai’s vision of building a globally competitive, digitally enabled business environment.”

Participating Businesses Will Gain Access to a Comprehensive Package of Incentives and Enablement Tools

Through the partnership, participating businesses will gain access to a comprehensive suite of incentives and enablement tools designed to reduce friction, accelerate onboarding, and drive sustainable B2B growth. Benefits include reduced Tradeling commissions and fulfilment fees, discounted advertising packages to boost product visibility among buyers, and dedicated onboarding support with personalised account management providing hands-on operational guidance.

Participants will also get access to regular educational webinars and training on B2B best practices, advanced data and analytics tools to support business planning and performance monitoring, enhanced platform-wide visibility through homepage banners and targeted promotional campaigns, and off-platform marketing support including digital campaigns and email marketing to drive buyer traffic.

Emirati sellers will receive additional tailored support, including bespoke content and branding assistance, customised growth roadmaps with expert advisory, prioritised placements on the platform, and exclusive opportunities to activate offline sales channels.

Tradeling Connects More Than 50,000 Business Buyers With 120,000 Sellers

Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Dubai, Tradeling has rapidly grown into MENA’s largest B2B ecosystem. Tradeling’s digital marketplace connects more than 50,000 business buyers with 120,000 sellers across 14 industry categories, offering millions of competitively priced wholesale products online. This marketplace is supported by the wider Tradeling B2B ecosystem, including integrated logistics, secure payment solutions, and a growing network of regional distribution channels.

Tradeling’s affiliation with DIEZ further reinforces its role as a trusted ecosystem partner aligned with Dubai’s digital economy and trade ambitions, with deep institutional credibility and a strong understanding of the region’s SME landscape. By combining Tradeling’s robust B2B infrastructure with DET’s and Dubai Chambers’ extensive SME networks, policy frameworks, and market access capabilities, the partnership creates a powerful end-to-end enablement model, from onboarding and digitisation to demand generation and cross-border expansion.

Dubai Traders Has Onboarded More Than 2,600 New E-Commerce Sellers

Since its launch, Dubai Traders has onboarded more than 2,600 new e-commerce sellers and supported over 410 Emirati-owned businesses, driving measurable impact in SME digital adoption. Through strategic partnerships with leading platforms including noon and Amazon, the initiative has enhanced access to marketplaces, fulfilment services, and advertising tools, cementing Dubai’s reputation as the smartest launch-pad for entrepreneurs eyeing regional and international customers.

The partnership with Tradeling extends this impact into wholesale, procurement, and institutional trade, reinforcing Dubai’s leadership in shaping the future of digital commerce across both B2C and B2B markets.

eBay Banned AI Shopping Agents; Opened the Door to Approved Bots

eBay announced that as of February 2026 it will ban artificial intelligence–powered shopping agents from operating on the platform.

eBay’s decision was taken at a time when, with the rapid spread of AI-based commerce tools in the retail sector, marketplaces are reassessing the impact of automated buyers on human customers and existing business models. This policy change was announced via an email sent to eBay users. The platform had previously taken technical steps aimed at limiting automated access.

New Rules Against Autonomous Shopping Bots

eBay stated that as of 20 February 2026, chatbots, large language model–based agents and other automated systems will be explicitly prohibited from placing bids or completing purchase transactions on the auction platform unless prior permission is obtained. The updated user agreement clearly defined that “automated means” used to access services cannot be used without explicit approval from eBay.

The update also expanded the scope of existing provisions that restrict robots, scrapers and other automated tools from accessing eBay services. In addition, with changes made to the platform’s robots.txt file, it was emphasized that checkout processes are reserved exclusively for human users.

Although the robots.txt protocol cannot technically prevent all bot access, the updated user agreement provided eBay with a legal basis against unauthorized AI activities. The company stated that it took this step in order to protect the integrity of the marketplace and to maintain a fair competitive environment for human buyers.

Pressure From Agentic Commerce Increased

The ban decision came at a time when new shopping models referred to as agentic commerce have begun to be rapidly tested in the technology sector. These models envision consumers delegating product discovery and purchasing decisions to software agents instead of directly visiting websites.

Conversational AI platforms such as ChatGPT have begun to integrate early-stage commerce features that enable direct purchases from certain e-commerce sites. Similarly, Perplexity offers one-click checkout options for paid users, while Google is working on a Universal Commerce Protocol aimed at standardizing how shopping agents interact with retailers.

Amazon is also testing features that allow users to purchase products from external brands directly within its own application. However, it has also been reported that Amazon has taken legal steps to prevent unauthorized AI agents from operating on its own marketplace. This situation points to growing concerns across the industry regarding uncontrolled automation.

eBay Takes a Cautious Approach

While eBay’s updated user agreement introduced a clear ban, it also pointed to a more selective future. By stating that certain AI-based entities may operate on the platform if prior approval is obtained, the company implied that tightly controlled agents could be allowed in the future.

eBay CEO Jamie Iannone had previously indicated that the company could participate in OpenAI’s Instant Checkout program. Iannone also stated that eBay is experimenting with its own agentic shopping experiences.

This dual approach showed that eBay is not completely rejecting AI-powered commerce, but instead wants to strictly control how and when it is deployed. Experts noted that this cautious stance is largely rooted in eBay’s auction-based business model, as automated bidding systems carry the risk of disrupting price dynamics.

Economic and Operational Concerns

One of eBay’s main concerns was economic. The platform charges a variable “final value fee” on sales and earns more revenue from higher-priced transactions. Autonomous agents focused on securing the lowest possible price could win auctions at lower amounts, leading to reduced selling prices and potential revenue loss for eBay.

There are also operational risks. Fully automated agents could generate heavy traffic on servers, straining infrastructure. In addition, since such agents would not respond to cross-selling or promotional efforts aimed at human users, seller engagement and advertising effectiveness could decline.

Trust and safety issues also came to the forefront. For eBay, which continues to combat counterfeit goods and unsafe sales, monitoring autonomous purchasing systems and assigning responsibility could become more complex.

Industry-Wide Debate

The decision became part of a broader debate on how agentic artificial intelligence should be integrated into e-commerce. Proponents foresee a future in which AI agents anticipate consumer needs, evaluate options, negotiate prices and complete transactions independently. Consulting firms such as McKinsey are already highlighting such multi-step, autonomous shopping scenarios.

Critics, however, argue that this approach could reduce direct consumer interaction with websites, weakening brand visibility, product discovery and upselling opportunities. In this case, retailers may be forced to develop new machine-to-machine systems alongside interfaces designed for human users.

A Controlled Path Forward

By banning unauthorized AI shopping agents while not fully closing the door to approved uses, eBay adopted a controlled agentic commerce approach. The company acknowledged that automation could play a role in the future, but made it clear that this should occur under conditions that protect marketplace fairness, revenue balance and user trust.

As AI-powered shopping tools continue to evolve, eBay’s decision stood out as an important example of how large marketplaces are attempting to strike a delicate balance between innovation and control.

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A Large Portion of E-Commerce Brands Are Deploying AI-Powered Shopping Agents

According to research conducted by Pattern Group, AI-powered search and shopping agents are rapidly reshaping the e-commerce economy. Pattern Group research revealed that AI-focused product discovery and purchasing tools are changing consumer behavior and leading brands to reassess their customer acquisition, marketing, and operational approaches.

According to the study based on a survey conducted with 1,000 senior business leaders operating in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United Arab Emirates, the use of AI-powered shopping agents has moved beyond the testing phase and reached an active implementation level in many organizations.

Customer Acquisition Costs Are Decreasing, Adoption Is Increasing

Pattern Group’s research showed that 76 percent of e-commerce organizations have reduced customer acquisition costs as consumers increasingly turn to AI-powered tools in product discovery and purchasing processes. One third of the companies participating in the survey stated that they have already integrated AI-powered shopping agents into their operations.

Pattern Chief Technology Officer Ryan Byrd said that AI agents are no longer an interface of the future but have become a new operational layer of commerce. Byrd stated that brands that treat agentic AI merely as a marketing channel face the risk of falling behind.

According to the research, AI-powered systems bring forward brands that are based on clean data infrastructure, real-time operations, and tangible customer value.

Confidence in AI-Powered Sales Growth Is Increasing

As consumers increasingly use AI tools such as ChatGPT and Gemini in their purchasing decisions, confidence in the commercial impact of artificial intelligence is also increasing. Eighty-seven percent of survey respondents stated that they expect AI-powered search and shopping tools to drive direct sales growth over the next 12 months.

This expectation was associated with consumers turning to conversational AI and intelligent search systems to compare products, evaluate value, and make purchasing decisions. For brands, this transformation reduces dependence on paid advertising channels while increasing the importance of structured product data and AI compatibility.

AI Investments Are Accelerating

Alongside increasing adoption, investments in artificial intelligence in the e-commerce sector have also gained momentum. According to the research, companies invested an average of 291,626 US dollars in AI last year. This amount is expected to increase by 11 percent to 323,886 US dollars in 2026 as brands prioritize AI-powered customer service, personalized advertising, and intelligent product discovery.

The study revealed that AI spending is increasingly being seen as a core operational investment rather than an optional innovation budget. Companies are focusing on integrating AI into daily workflows such as inventory optimization, customer engagement, and sales processes.

The Rise of Agentic Commerce

The research also revealed the rapid rise of a commerce model defined as agentic commerce, which is based on autonomous or semi-autonomous AI agents acting on behalf of consumers. According to the findings, 57 percent of e-commerce businesses are exploring AI agent use cases, while 33 percent are actively preparing for deployment.

Differences by sector drew attention. The fashion sector took a leading position in adoption and readiness levels. Forty-six percent of fashion brands stated that they are prepared for AI agents to become a primary channel in customer discovery and purchasing processes. In the beauty sector, 59 percent of brands are exploring AI agents, while only 27 percent stated that they are fully ready.

These differences showed that interest in agentic commerce is widespread, but the level of operational readiness varies by sector.

Strategic Implications for E-Commerce Brands

Pattern Group’s research revealed that AI-powered shopping agents have become a structural element of e-commerce rather than a short-term trend. With the acceleration of adoption, brands are facing increasing pressure to ensure product data accuracy, system interoperability, and consumer trust in transactions carried out through artificial intelligence.

The research showed that companies that invest early in agentic AI and ensure operational integration are highly likely to achieve cost advantages and competitive superiority as AI-powered commerce continues to grow on a global scale.