E-Commerce News & Trends

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

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

The special networking event VIP Connect, held ahead of WORLDEF ISTANBUL 2026, hosted senior professionals from the e-commerce, retail, technology, artificial intelligence, logistics, payment systems and digital commerce ecosystems. Important cooperation meetings were held at the event, which saw strong participation.

VIP Connect was designed as a special networking event within the scope of the 10th anniversary of WORLDEF’s establishment. The event, held on June 9 at Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, brought together leading brands, investors, entrepreneurs and decision-makers from the e-commerce, retail, technology, artificial intelligence, logistics, payment systems and digital commerce sectors. Planned meetings were held at the event, which offered participants a unique environment for developing a business network. In this way, participants had the opportunity to meet one-on-one and hold business meetings with company representatives from different sectors within the designated time periods.

Ömer Nart: We have been working for this for ten years

WORLDEF CEO Ömer Nart said in his speech at the program, “Everyone, absolutely everyone, will leave here by establishing a new connection, finding a new opportunity and holding a valuable meeting, even valuable meetings. This evening is an evening where the right people meet at the right tables with the right opportunities. As WORLDEF, we have been working for this for 10 years and we bring people, brands and opportunities together.”

Abdulrahman Shahin: This is a celebration of cooperation

VIP Connect also saw senior-level participation from Dubai CommerCity, WORLDEF’s “Main Strategic Partner.” Dubai CommerCity is the first and leading free zone in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region dedicated exclusively to the digital commerce and e-commerce sector.

Abdulrahman Shahin, Senior Vice President of Operations at Dubai CommerCity, who attended the program, said in his speech, “It is a privilege to be in Istanbul, a long and historic bridge between culture and commerce. We are delighted to be part of such a dynamic global community of e-commerce and digital commerce leaders. This is a celebration of cooperation. It reflects the growing energy between Dubai and Istanbul.”

Emphasizing that Dubai Commerce City was established as an ecosystem dedicated to digital commerce, bringing together infrastructure, innovation and integrated services to empower global and regional digital commerce players, Shahin said, “WORLDEF has been a valuable partner on this journey. Together, we have been the power of this platform in encouraging dialogue, creating opportunities and accelerating industrial growth. We are delighted to hold the third WORLDEF event at Dubai CommerceCity in January 2027 and to continue this cooperation. We look forward to welcoming you in Dubai.”

Direct meetings were held on potential collaborations and commercial opportunities

Thanks to the specially designed networking format, participants established many new connections in a short time and held direct meetings on potential collaborations and commercial opportunities. The gathering of professionals from different sectors on the same platform created important opportunities in terms of new business models and strategic partnerships. VIP Connect not only strengthened existing business relations but also contributed to laying the foundations for new collaborations between companies from different sectors. Throughout the event, participants had the opportunity to evaluate current developments in the e-commerce and digital commerce ecosystem and exchange views on the future of the sector.

Collaborations were reinforced ahead of WORLDEF ISTANBUL

VIP Connect, held before the opening of WORLDEF ISTANBUL 2026, which will take place on June 11-13 at Yenikapı Event Area, became one of the most notable gatherings of the event with the high interaction and productive meeting environment it created. The organization, which attracted strong interest from participants, served as a powerful start for WORLDEF ISTANBUL, which will continue for three days. WORLDEF ISTANBUL 2026 will bring together e-commerce, retail and technology professionals from around the world.

Major E-Commerce Companies Form Digital Commerce Coalition

The Digital Commerce Coalition (DCC) has been established in India. Major e-commerce companies such as Amazon, Meesho, Zomato, Swiggy, and Zepto led the coalition. The coalition stands out as an industry-led initiative to address common e-commerce challenges.

The Digital Commerce Coalition will focus on improving the customer experience, supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses, and strengthening supply chains. Additionally, it aims to support delivery partners and contribute to broader economic development.

It will also serve as a forum for stakeholder engagement, policy discussions, research, thought leadership, and knowledge sharing. The secretariat of the Digital Commerce Coalition will be managed by Koan Advisory Group, a public policy advisory firm based in New Delhi. The coalition aims to address issues such as consumer trust, responsible innovation, economic inclusion, and sustainable growth across the digital economy.

Digital Commerce Coalition to Work for Industry-Specific Priorities

The Digital Commerce Coalition joins the growing list of industry advocacy groups in India’s technology ecosystem. The newly formed coalition brings together companies like Amazon, Meesho, Eternal, Swiggy, and Zepto to work on industry-specific priorities, with a particular focus on digital commerce.

This initiative comes at a time when India’s digital commerce sector is expanding rapidly and there is increasing regulatory scrutiny on the business practices of e-commerce and quick commerce companies in the country.

According to an ICICI Securities report, India’s e-commerce market is expected to nearly triple from approximately USD 70 billion in fiscal year 2025 to reach USD 174-250 billion by fiscal year 2030, while e-commerce penetration in overall retail is projected to rise from 7% to 13% during the same period.

India’s E-Commerce Market Expected to Reach $250 Billion by 2030

ASEAN Concludes Digital Economy Framework Agreement Talks

ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement

ASEAN Concludes Digital Economy Framework Agreement Talks to Advance Regional Digital Economy

The digital economy agreement is expected to be signed at the ASEAN Summit in November 2026, as member states seek to build a more connected, secure, and interoperable regional market.

ASEAN has concluded negotiations on the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), marking a significant step toward deeper regional integration in digital trade, e-commerce, data governance, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies. Thailand announced the conclusion of the talks after chairing the DEFA Negotiating Committee, with the agreement now expected to move toward legal review before its planned signing at the ASEAN Summit in November 2026.

The negotiations were completed during the 57th ASEAN Senior Economic Officials’ Meeting, 2nd session, held in Manila, the Philippines, from May 27 to 29, 2026. The conclusion of the talks was also confirmed by regional trade officials, who described DEFA as ASEAN’s first region-wide digital economy agreement.

Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister, Suphajee Suthumpun, said the conclusion of negotiations represented an important step toward laying the foundation for ASEAN’s digital economy. Thailand chaired the DEFA Negotiating Committee and helped coordinate member-state positions during discussions on a wide range of complex digital policy issues.

ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement

DEFA is designed to create a common framework for the digital economy across ASEAN. The agreement aims to facilitate cross-border digital trade and investment by improving regulatory coordination, reducing operational barriers, and supporting interoperability among digital systems across member states. For businesses, this could mean smoother digital transactions, more efficient market access, and clearer regional rules.

The agreement is particularly relevant for e-commerce because Southeast Asia’s online trade ecosystem continues to expand rapidly. Cross-border payments, digital contracts, online consumer protection, cybersecurity standards, data flows, and digital identity are increasingly important for companies operating across multiple ASEAN markets. A more harmonized digital economy framework could reduce friction for businesses trying to scale regionally.

However, the impact of DEFA will depend on how the agreement is implemented after it is signed. Regional digital economy agreements often set strategic direction, but their practical value depends on national-level regulation, enforcement capacity, technical infrastructure, and the ability of member states to align domestic rules. ASEAN’s diversity is both an opportunity and a challenge: the region includes highly advanced digital markets as well as economies still developing key digital infrastructure.

According to Thai officials, DEFA is intended to support cross-border trade and investment by linking digital systems among member states so they can operate more effectively together. This focus on interoperability is important because fragmented systems can increase costs for companies, especially micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. MSMEs often face greater barriers to expanding across borders, including compliance costs, payment limitations, logistical challenges, and uneven digital standards.

If implemented effectively, DEFA could help smaller businesses participate more actively in the regional digital economy. A more predictable digital trade environment may give MSMEs greater access to new customers, technologies, platforms, and innovation networks. This could be one of the agreement’s most important outcomes, provided that smaller firms are given the tools and support needed to benefit from the framework.

The agreement also includes areas linked to digital trust. ASEAN officials have highlighted cooperation on cybersecurity, consumer protection, anti-online fraud measures, and readiness for future technologies such as artificial intelligence. These areas are becoming central to the digital economy as online transactions grow and digital risks become more sophisticated.

The reference to artificial intelligence is also notable. AI is increasingly shaping e-commerce, customer service, logistics, payments, marketing, and fraud detection. By including future technology readiness within the broader digital economy agenda, ASEAN is signaling that DEFA is not only about today’s online trade rules, but also about preparing the region for the next stage of digital transformation.

Studies cited by officials suggest that DEFA could help ASEAN’s digital economy reach US$2 trillion by 2030. This figure reflects the scale of the opportunity, but it should be treated as a long-term potential rather than an automatic outcome. Reaching that level will require investment in digital infrastructure, trusted data systems, skills development, cross-border regulatory alignment, and stronger participation by businesses of different sizes.

For ASEAN, DEFA represents an effort to position the region as a more competitive hub for digital economies. The agreement could strengthen the bloc’s role in global digital trade at a time when economies worldwide are competing to set rules governing data, platforms, AI, e-commerce, and digital services.

The conclusion of negotiations does not mean the work is finished. The next stage will be legal scrubbing, followed by the planned signing at the ASEAN Summit in November 2026. After that, the real test will be implementation. If ASEAN can translate DEFA’s rules into practical market improvements, the agreement could become a major framework for regional digital commerce and long-term economic competitiveness.

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

WORLDEF Istanbul 2026 brings together the e-commerce, retail and artificial intelligence ecosystems under one roof. Positioned as MENA and Türkiye’s largest e-commerce, retail and artificial intelligence event, the organization will be held at Yenikapı Event Area between June 11-13, 2026. The event will bring together industry professionals, brands, entrepreneurs, technology companies, marketplaces, investors and digital commerce leaders on a global scale. WORLDEF CEO Ömer Nart said, “As WORLDEF, we aim to establish a strong trade and cooperation bridge between Türkiye and the MENA region. Within this framework, Istanbul is becoming one of the global meeting points of digital commerce.”

Organized under the leadership of WORLDEF, the global e-commerce and retail platform, “WORLDEF Istanbul 2026” brings together more than 30,000 visitors from over 50 countries and more than 240 companies. More than 200 speakers will take part across three different stages at the event. Offering a comprehensive platform where the trends, technologies and business opportunities shaping the future of the digital commerce and retail world will be discussed, the event will be one of the strongest gatherings in the region in terms of knowledge sharing, networking, new collaborations, brand visibility and international growth opportunities.

The future of digital commerce will be discussed in WORLDEF Istanbul 2026

WORLDEF Istanbul 2026 will address the transformation taking place in the world of e-commerce and retail with a focus on artificial intelligence, digital marketing, logistics, payment systems, marketplace strategies, cross-border trade, customer experience, data-driven growth and next-generation technologies. Throughout the event, leading names in the industry will share with participants the growth journeys of brands, changing consumer behaviors, global trade dynamics and the future of the digital economy. By combining conference and exhibition concepts, WORLDEF Istanbul 2026 stands out as a strategic event that enables brands to expand into new markets, technology providers to meet the right customers, investors to discover emerging ventures and industry professionals to build global connections.

Ömer Nart: Istanbul is becoming one of the global meeting points of digital commerce

WORLDEF CEO Ömer Nart said that WORLDEF Istanbul 2026 is not only an event, but also a global meeting point that shapes the future of the e-commerce, retail and artificial intelligence ecosystems. Nart said, “Today, digital commerce is transforming into a much more integrated structure in which brands, technology companies, marketplaces, logistics and payment systems providers grow together. As WORLDEF, we aim to establish a strong trade and cooperation bridge between Türkiye and the MENA region at the center of this transformation. Within this framework, Istanbul is becoming one of the global meeting points of digital commerce.”

Ömer Nart noted the following: “With the ECOM BRANDS 100 award ceremony to be held as part of the event, we will make visible the brands that demonstrate real success in the e-commerce and retail world, while with the ECOM TOP VOICES competition, we will bring the sector’s new thought leaders to the stage. When Istanbul’s strategic location, Türkiye’s production and trade power, the rapidly growing digital economy of the MENA region and the transformation created by artificial intelligence in the business world come together, we believe that WORLDEF Istanbul 2026 represents not only today, but also the trade vision of the future. We invite all industry stakeholders to be part of this major gathering.”

Success in e-commerce and retail will be rewarded with ECOM BRANDS 100

The ECOM BRANDS 100 award ceremony, to be held as part of the event, will reward brands that create real volume in the e-commerce and retail ecosystem. Designed with the motto “Celebrating Excellence in E-Commerce and Retail,” ECOM BRANDS 100 aims to make visible not only brands with high recognition, but also brands that are growing, scaling and demonstrating real performance in digital commerce.

With an evaluation approach based on data rather than perception, ECOM BRANDS 100 will highlight brands that generate strong sales volume in the e-commerce and retail world, show effective growth in digital channels and contribute to the development of the sector. The award ceremony will offer an important area of prestige in terms of representing brands’ success in digital commerce on an international stage.

The top 10 names of the ECOM TOP VOICES competition will take the WORLDEF stage

One of the notable program highlights of WORLDEF Istanbul 2026 will be the winners of the “ECOM TOP VOICES” competition. Among participants who stand out with their strong ideas, experiences and field-driven insights in the fields of e-commerce, retail, artificial intelligence and digital transformation, the top 10 ranking individuals will have the opportunity to speak on the WORLDEF Istanbul 2026 stage. ECOM TOP VOICES will contribute to the visibility of new voices, experts, entrepreneurs and thought leaders in the sector on a global platform. The competition aims to bring together with the sector not only experienced speakers, but also next-generation leaders who offer strong perspectives on the future of digital commerce.

A strategic platform for global networking and new collaborations

WORLDEF Istanbul 2026 will bring together e-commerce and retail professionals from different regions of the world in Istanbul, creating a strong foundation for global collaborations. Participants will have the opportunity to establish direct contact with brands, marketplaces, payment systems, logistics companies, technology providers, investors and service providers. While building digital commerce bridges between the MENA region and Türkiye, the event will position Istanbul as one of the important centers of the global e-commerce ecosystem. WORLDEF Istanbul 2026 will offer its participants not only the opportunity to follow trends, but also the opportunity to be directly involved in the transformation of the sector.

WORLDEF’s next event will be in Antalya

WORLDEF’s next event will be the “WORLDEF PRIME Matchmaking Summit,” to be held in Antalya between December 8-10, 2026. Bringing together e-commerce and retail professionals from all around the world, the summit is positioned as a special matchmaking platform that aims to establish important connections among decision-makers, brand executives, investors, technology providers and industry leaders. The organization, which will be held at Kremlin Palace in Antalya, will host industry representatives from more than 50 countries. The one-to-one meetings and strategic sessions to be held throughout the event will contribute to the expansion of global e-commerce networks.

Detailed Information!

WORLDEF PRIME Matchmaking Summit Brings Together Global Leaders of E-Commerce in Antalya

Kuwait Signs $2.7 Billion Digital Infrastructure Deal to Boost Digital Economy

Kuwait has signed a $2.7 billion agreement with Bahrain’s Beyon Group to develop and operate the country’s national fixed telecommunications network, marking one of the country’s largest recent investments in digital infrastructure. The deal is expected to support Kuwait’s long-term digital transformation agenda and strengthen the foundations of its future digital economy.

The agreement was signed by Kuwait’s government through the Ministry of Communications and the Kuwait Authority for Partnership Projects. Beyon Group, the parent company of several telecommunications, ICT, and digital transformation businesses in Bahrain, was selected following a competitive tender process for the public-private partnership project.

The project is closely linked to Kuwait’s New Kuwait 2035 vision, which aims to diversify the economy, improve public services, and strengthen the country’s position as a regional hub for business, technology, and innovation. While the agreement is primarily a telecom infrastructure project, its wider importance lies in how digital infrastructure supports the growth of modern economic activity.

A stronger national fixed telecommunications network can enable cloud computing, artificial intelligence, smart cities, digital government platforms, advanced business services, and future data-driven industries. For e-commerce and digital trade, this type of digital infrastructure is not a secondary issue. It is one of the core foundations that allows businesses, consumers, platforms, payment systems, and logistics networks to operate more efficiently.

Kuwait’s Minister of State for Communication Affairs, Omar Al-Omar, described the project as a long-term national investment supporting the country’s digital future. According to the government’s framing, the fixed telecommunications network will serve as the backbone for future digital services and help Kuwait move toward a technology-driven knowledge economy.

The agreement also reflects a broader trend across the Gulf region. GCC governments are investing heavily in digital infrastructure as part of economic diversification strategies. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait are all seeking to build stronger technology ecosystems through cloud infrastructure, data centers, AI strategies, smart city projects, digital government services, and private-sector innovation.

For Kuwait, the fixed telecom deal may help address one of the key requirements for digital competitiveness: reliable, professionally managed connectivity. High-quality fixed network infrastructure is essential for households, businesses, government entities, and technology providers. It also supports the expansion of digital services that require stable broadband, secure data transmission, and scalable connectivity.

Mishal Al-Zaid, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Communications, described the initiative as a comprehensive re-engineering of Kuwait’s fixed telecommunications network. The goal is to transition the network to an independent, professionally managed infrastructure platform capable of meeting the country’s digital growth needs for decades.

The selection of Beyon Group also points to the growing role of regional telecom expertise in GCC transformation projects. Beyon Group has experience in fibre-optic network projects across Bahrain, Jordan, the Maldives, and the Channel Islands. According to the company, its services reach more than 2.2 million residential units across different markets.

The public-private partnership model is another important aspect of the deal. Kuwait is not only investing in digital infrastructure but also using a structure that combines public-sector priorities with private-sector technical and operational expertise. This model is increasingly used in large-scale infrastructure projects across the region, especially where governments seek long-term service quality, efficiency, and investment discipline.

The agreement also includes domestic economic participation measures. According to the project terms, at least 65 percent of jobs within the project company will be allocated to Kuwaiti nationals. In addition, 50 percent of the project company’s shares are expected to be floated on the public market, allowing Kuwaiti citizens to participate in future public share offerings.

From a digital economy perspective, the project’s success will depend on implementation. Large infrastructure agreements can create significant capacity, but their economic impact depends on network rollout, service quality, affordability, regulatory clarity, and businesses’ ability to build new services on top of improved connectivity.

For e-commerce companies, marketplaces, fintech firms, logistics providers, and digital service platforms, stronger digital infrastructure can reduce operational friction and support future growth. Faster and more reliable connectivity can improve online transactions, digital payments, customer service, cloud-based operations, data analytics, and AI-powered tools.

Kuwait’s $2.7 billion fixed telecom agreement therefore represents more than a network upgrade. It is part of a wider regional shift in which digital infrastructure is becoming a strategic economic asset. As the Gulf moves deeper into cloud services, AI, e-commerce, smart cities, and digital government, infrastructure projects of this scale will increasingly shape the region’s competitiveness.

The deal places Kuwait in a stronger position to accelerate its digital transformation agenda, but the next phase will be critical. The real test will be whether the project can translate investment into reliable services, stronger business capabilities, and measurable progress toward a more diversified digital economy.

German E-commerce Remains Retail Growth Engine as Marketplaces Gain Share

German e-commerce is expected to continue outperforming physical retail in 2026, but rising marketplace concentration and foreign platform sales are raising concerns among local retailers.

German e-commerce is set to remain the main growth driver of the country’s retail sector in 2026, according to the German Retail Federation, known as HDE. The federation forecasts nominal e-commerce revenue in Germany to rise by 4.3 per cent this year, reaching 96.3 billion euros. By comparison, sales generated through physical stores are expected to grow by only 1.6 percent.

The figures show that German e-commerce continues to expand faster than brick-and-mortar retail, even in a more cautious consumer environment. HDE describes online retail as the “growth engine of retail,” reflecting the increasing importance of digital channels in Germany’s consumer market.

However, the growth of German e-commerce does not automatically mean that German retailers are benefiting equally. A growing share of online spending is flowing through large marketplaces and international platforms, creating a more complex competitive picture for local merchants.

German e-commerce is expected to continue outperforming physical retail in 2026

Marketplaces remain one of the strongest forces in German e-commerce. Last year, they accounted for 56.7 per cent of all online sales in the country. Their share is expected to increase again this year, although the pace of growth has slowed. This suggests that online shoppers in Germany continue to prefer marketplace-based shopping, but the market may be entering a more mature phase.

The dominance of marketplaces reflects broader changes in consumer behaviour. Shoppers often use large platforms for product variety, competitive prices, convenient delivery, customer reviews, and simple return processes. For retailers, however, dependence on marketplaces can create pressure on margins, customer ownership, and brand visibility.

One of the key concerns raised by HDE is the role of international platforms in the German e-commerce market. The federation says a large share of online spending takes place on major international platforms without the involvement of German sellers. According to HDE, Shein and Temu together generate around 4.7 billion euros in sales in Germany.

This has intensified debate around fair competition. HDE argues that Chinese platforms such as Shein and Temu benefit from advantages that may not be equally available to European or German retailers. These concerns include product safety, customs enforcement, tax compliance, consumer protection, environmental standards, and regulators’ ability to monitor large volumes of low-value parcels entering the market.

According to HDE, 65 per cent of German consumers have purchased from a foreign online store at least once. Among those cross-border shoppers, nearly half have bought from a Chinese retailer. This means that more than three in ten Germans have experience shopping on Chinese platforms.

These figures highlight how international German e-commerce has become from the consumer side. German shoppers are no longer limited to domestic online stores or European platforms. They are increasingly comfortable buying from global sellers, especially when prices are low, and delivery options are accessible.

For German retailers, this creates a difficult competitive environment. They must compete not only with domestic rivals, but also with global platforms that operate at large scale and often use aggressive pricing strategies. Smaller online retailers may find it harder to match the product range, marketing budgets, logistics capabilities, and pricing flexibility of major platforms.

Stephan Tromp, Deputy Managing Director of HDE, said the marketplace sector remains highly dynamic and stressed the need for fair competition. He argued that policymakers should take stronger action against violations and ensure that regulations are clearly enforceable. According to HDE’s position, companies should expect that rule breaches will be detected and meaningfully penalized.

Market concentration is another major issue in German e-commerce. An increasing share of online consumer spending is going to a small number of large players, with Amazon remaining the dominant platform. Germany is Amazon’s largest European market, and the company reportedly recorded another year of strong revenue growth in the country.

This concentration has important implications for the structure of German e-commerce. Large platforms can offer scale, convenience, and advanced logistics, but their dominance can also make it harder for independent retailers to grow. In recent years, many smaller online retailers in Germany have seen revenues decline, while leading platforms have continued to expand.

The German e-commerce market therefore presents a mixed picture. On one hand, online retail remains one of the strongest areas of growth in the broader retail sector. On the other hand, the benefits of that growth are not evenly distributed. Marketplaces, international platforms, and dominant players are capturing an increasing share of consumer spending.

For policymakers, the challenge will be to support digital retail growth while ensuring fair and enforceable rules. For retailers, the challenge will be to compete in a marketplace-driven environment without losing direct customer relationships. German e-commerce remains a growth engine, but its future will increasingly depend on how competition, regulation, and platform power are managed.

Consumer Spending in Saudi Arabia Increased by 17.5 Percent with the Impact of E-Commerce

Consumer spending in Saudi Arabia recorded strong growth in April. One of the main drivers of growth in consumer spending in Saudi Arabia was e-commerce. According to the data, total consumer spending in the country increased by approximately 17.5 percent year on year, reaching 133.9 billion riyals. This figure stood out as the highest monthly growth rate recorded since May 2021.

Strong activity was observed at physical points of sale. POS sales increased by approximately 11.8 percent year on year, reaching the highest growth rate in more than two years. POS transactions represented approximately 44 percent of total consumer spending.

Although cash usage also increased, it continues to lose share within total spending. Cash withdrawals from ATMs increased by approximately 10 percent year on year, reaching 42.4 billion riyals; however, the share of cash in total spending remained at 31.6 percent.

E-Commerce Spending Accounted for One Quarter of Total Consumer Spending

One of the main drivers of growth in consumer spending in Saudi Arabia was e-commerce. As the impact of digital channels on consumer behavior increased, e-commerce spending accounted for nearly one quarter of total consumer spending. This ratio shows that online shopping has now become one of the central elements of the consumer economy in Saudi Arabia.

On a sectoral basis, the fastest growth was seen in clothing and accessories and telecommunications. Spending on clothing and accessories through POS increased by 48 percent, while telecommunications spending rose by 36 percent. The entertainment sector also maintained its momentum, growing by 19 percent in April, with total spending reaching 968 million riyals.

Saudi Arabia Leads with 94 Points in a Positive Global Digital Readiness Ranking