Saudi Arabia’s leading vacation rental startup and alternative hospitality platform Gathern has announced the successful closure of a $72 million Series B funding round, marking one of the largest funding deals in the Kingdom’s fast-growing proptech and travel-tech industries. The round was led by Sanabil Investments, a subsidiary of the sovereign wealth giant Public Investment Fund (PIF), with additional participation from STV, Pinnacle Capital, Nuwa Capital, and Endeavor Catalyst
(Sources: wamda.com, lucidityinsights.com).

Strong Valuation and Strategic Goals

The fresh capital has boosted Gathern’s valuation to an estimated $266 million, placing it among the most valuable Saudi startups in the tourism and hospitality space. (lucidityinsights.com). According to the company, the funds will serve multiple purposes. The most immediate priority is preparing for a potential initial public offering (IPO) on Tadawul, the Saudi Stock Exchange.

Beyond the IPO, Gathern aims to accelerate growth across the Kingdom and in neighboring Gulf markets, attract more international visitors, and expand its portfolio to meet the rising demand for long-term vacation rentals. The company will also enhance its technological backbone with artificial intelligence (AI) to improve booking personalization, dynamic pricing, and customer experience. (WiT)

Founding Journey and Market Leadership

Founded in 2016–2017 by female entrepreneur Latifah Altamimi, Gathern began as a modest vacation rental booking platform. Over time, it has transformed into Saudi Arabia’s largest alternative hospitality marketplace, offering a wide range of stays including villas, apartments, chalets, yachts, farms, and desert camps.

Today, Gathern lists more than 72,000 properties, which represents about 15% of Saudi Arabia’s total accommodation supply. The company currently commands a 44% national market share in the alternative hospitality sector, with an even higher 53% share in Riyadh, positioning it as the undisputed market leader (wamda.com, lucidityinsights.com).

Impact on Users and Hosts

The platform has served over 5 million users from 150+ nationalities, highlighting its growing international appeal. On the supply side, around 33,000 local hosts have collectively earned over $533 million, making Gathern a vital income source for many Saudi families and entrepreneurs.

This achievement not only strengthens the country’s tourism ecosystem but also places Gathern among the highest-valued women-led startups in the Middle East, underscoring the role of female founders in Saudi Arabia’s startup ecosystem
(wamda.com).

Expansion Strategy and Tech Investments

The Series B funds will be used to drive several strategic initiatives:

• Tadawul IPO Preparations: Strengthening governance and meeting regulatory standards ahead of its public listing.

• Saudi and Regional Expansion: Growing its presence in Saudi Arabia while exploring opportunities across the GCC and wider MENA region.

• AI-Powered Enhancements: Deploying artificial intelligence to improve property recommendations, optimize search results, and streamline host management.

• Long-Term Stay Solutions: Expanding into monthly and yearly rentals to attract expatriates, business travelers, and families seeking extended stays
  (wamda.com, WiT).

Role in Saudi Vision 2030

Gathern’s rise is closely tied to Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s blueprint for economic diversification. As Saudi Arabia works to attract 100 million tourists annually by 2030, platforms like Gathern are key to delivering the variety and quality of accommodation needed.

By providing authentic vacation rental experiences—from luxury villas to cultural farm stays Gathern is helping modernize Saudi Arabia’s tourism infrastructure while supporting sustainable economic diversification. Alternative hospitality has become a vital pillar of the country’s efforts to position itself as a leading global tourism destination
(WiT).

Future Outlook

Industry analysts view Gathern’s $72 million Series B funding as both a financial boost and a strategic turning point. With IPO ambitions, strong market leadership, and cutting-edge AI integration, the platform is well-positioned to shape the future of vacation rentals in Saudi Arabia.

If its planned Tadawul IPO proves successful, Gathern could pave the way for more Saudi startups particularly in proptech, travel-tech, and the wider Middle East startup ecosystem to follow suit and tap public markets. For now, Gathern’s trajectory reflects both the strength of Saudi entrepreneurship and the rapid evolution of the region’s hospitality industry.

MENA e-commerce reached US$34.5bn in 2024 and is projected to US$57.8bn by 2029.

Unlike the early years of e-commerce in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), when the focus was mainly on moving consumers from physical stores to online platforms, 2025 is about efficiency, monetisation, and reliability. The new drivers of growth are not simply about more people shopping online, but about checkout economics (faster, cheaper, and more secure payments), audience monetisation through retail media networks, and reliable cross-border delivery systems that connect the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and wider MENA markets.

This evolution reflects a maturing digital economy where payment innovations, data-driven advertising, logistics optimisation, social commerce, and recommerce are redefining the competitive landscape. The Middle East’s e-commerce ecosystem is now among the fastest-growing globally, supported by tech adoption, high smartphone penetration, and government-led digital transformation strategies in countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Below, we provide a newsroom-style brief that highlights the five biggest trends shaping MENA e-commerce in 2025, supported by verified statistics, official reports, and reliable industry sources.

MENA e-commerce reached US$34.5bn in 2024 (≈+13% YoY) and is projected to US$57.8bn by 2029. In the UAE specifically, online retail totaled AED 32.3bn (US$8.8bn) in 2024, with a forecast of AED 50.6bn (US$13.8bn) by 2029. Figures come from EZDubai’s fifth annual report with Euromonitor.

1) Real-time bank payments squeeze cards and COD in MENA e-commerce Ecosystem

The UAE’s instant payments platform Aani had ~1.5 million enrolled users by Feb 27, 2025; over the preceding year, transaction volumes grew ~27% month-on-month on average, per Al Etihad Payments and The National. India’s UPI–AANI linkage went live in July 2025, enabling real-time cross-border consumer payments. In Saudi Arabia, Mada e-commerce spend hit SAR 27.55bn (US$7.34bn) in March 2025, +73.4% YoY, underscoring rapid migration to cashless online checkout. (The Times of India)

Editorial read: Merchants should prioritise pay-by-bank alongside cards/BNPL to reduce fees and COD leakage, especially on mobile and subscriptions.

2) MENA e-commerce: Retail Media Networks become the performance engine

Majid Al Futtaim’s “Precision Media” rolled out AI-measured in-store inventory across Carrefour on May 13, 2025, building closed-loop retail media in the UAE. Noon began selling mobile DOOH ads on its last-mile fleet in June 2025, productising first-party surfaces. At a macro level, retail media ad investment is still rising globally (WARC forecasts double-digit growth into 2025), and UAE RMN revenues are estimated at US$951m (2024), projected to US$1.66bn by 2030 (Grand View Research)
Editorial read: Treat RMN ROAS cautiously; insist on incrementality (clean rooms/MMM) rather than dashboard claims.

3) Cross-border gets faster—and more reliable

Cainiao launched a GCC express network (June 23–24, 2025) promising delivery across all six GCC markets in as little as three days, targeting both cross-border and intra-GCC e-commerce. In parallel, Saudi Post (SPL) reports automation that cut domestic delivery times by 1–2 days (UPU)

Editorial read: The defensible promise is 48–72h with painless returns; “same-day everywhere” remains fragile and costly.

4) Social-led commerce accelerates—even without full in-app checkout

UAE usage remains near-universal: 11.3m social media user identities (~100% of population) in Jan 2025. In Saudi Arabia, the social-commerce market is expected to reach US$1.37bn in 2025 (+10% YoY), per Research & Markets’ 2025 country databook. (globenewswire.com)

Editorial read: Treat TikTok/Instagram as demand capture with shoppable video deep-linking to PDPs; run WhatsApp Business for service and COD-to-prepaid nudges.

5) Value & circularity go mainstream: recommerce as a P&L line

The Middle East recommerce market is projected at US$7.21bn in 2025 (~15.8% annual growth), with UAE recommerce ~US$2.01bn in 2025. Electronics and fashion lead the mix. (researchandmarkets.com)

Editorial read: Launch certified refurbished/trade-in with clear grading and 6–12-month warranties; use outlet SKUs to acquire value-seeking cohorts at lower CAC.

Why does this matter now?

• Margin: Account-to-account payments cut fees, while retail media adds revenue.
• Reliability: Three-day GCC lanes make regional delivery more dependable.
• Demand capture: Universal UAE social reach and Saudi social-commerce growth justify shoppable video and messaging pipelines.

Practical tips for MENA e-commerce sellers!

• Payments: Offer bank-to-bank checkout and reduce cash-on-delivery exposure by incentivising prepaid.
• Media: Shift at least 20% of digital ad spend into retail media networks—but demand independent measurement.
• Logistics: Promise 48–72-hour delivery across GCC markets and highlight return policies.
• Social: Use TikTok and Instagram for shoppable video linked directly to product pages; run WhatsApp Business for customer support.
• Recommerce: Launch certified refurbished/trade-in programmes with 6–12-month warranties to attract value-driven customers.

E-Commerce Surge Challenges Local Retailers

Jordan is witnessing a rapid increase in e-commerce parcel imports, creating serious competition for small and medium-sized traditional businesses. Thousands of online purchases, particularly clothing and accessories, enter the country every day. In 2023 alone, the total value of these parcels reached JD 310 million, exceeding the JD 250 million generated by physical retail stores, according to the Jordan Clothing and Textile Merchants Syndicate (Jordan Times).

Local traders argue that many of these goods enter the market without meeting proper customs or quality control standards, contributing to unfair competition and the growth of informal trade (Jordan News). They have called on the government to take more assertive action to protect the formal economy, particularly as many local businesses are still recovering from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ministry of Industry Prepares New Regulatory Framework

To address these concerns, the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Supply is drafting a bylaw aimed at regulating inbound e-commerce parcels. The legislation will establish clear procedures to ensure all shipments comply with customs rules, product safety standards, and commercial regulations (Jordan Times).

Officials from the Ministry have emphasized that the proposed regulation is not meant to hinder the growth of e-commerce, but rather to ensure a fair and transparent digital marketplace. “We aim to create a balance between the interests of digital entrepreneurs and the sustainability of traditional retail,” a ministry representative told

Key Components of the Proposed Bylaw

The draft bylaw is expected to address several key issues currently affecting the e-commerce landscape:

• Licensing requirements for domestic and foreign e-commerce vendors

• Verification of product authenticity and safety certifications

• Mandatory disclosure of seller information

• Clear return and exchange policies

• Mechanisms for handling consumer complaints

• Stronger enforcement of data protection regulations

• Full customs declarations for commercial shipments

The regulation will also cover sellers operating via social media platforms and mobile apps, which have become increasingly popular in Jordan but often function outside the tax system (Jordan Times).

Tax and Customs Rules Under Review

Currently, parcels valued under JD 200 are eligible for minimal customs duties—just 10% or a minimum of JD 5 if declared as personal items. However, according to the Jordan Chamber of Commerce (JCC), many commercial sellers exploit this loophole by misdeclaring high-volume or high-value goods, avoiding proper taxation (Ammon News).

This situation has led to significant revenue losses for the government and frustration among local merchants who must comply with full regulatory requirements. The new bylaw is expected to close these gaps and ensure more accurate reporting and taxation.

Parcel Volume Reaches Record Highs

Data from the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) show that inbound e-commerce parcels rose by 70% in 2023, reaching 1.7 million. These shipments accounted for 95% of all parcels entering the country (Jordan Times).

The TRC highlighted that the growth has accelerated since 2021 due to rising consumer trust in online platforms, widespread smartphone use, and faster logistics services. However, it also warned of increasing challenges related to product quality, delivery delays, and consumer fraud.

New Customs Center Enhances Parcel Oversight

In August 2024, the Jordan Customs Department and the TRC launched a new E-Commerce and Express Transport Customs Center to improve monitoring and processing of digital trade shipments (5M Global). Located near Queen Alia International Airport, the facility provides advanced inspection tools and digital integration between customs, logistics companies, and payment systems.

Officials say this center will support the new bylaw’s implementation by providing centralized, real-time data on parcel imports, which will help reduce smuggling and tax evasion.

Economic and Regional Implications

Experts believe that this regulatory push reflects Jordan’s broader ambition to lead in digital trade governance in the MENA region. According to analysts, countries such as Egypt, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia are facing similar pressures from unregulated e-commerce and are closely watching Jordan’s model.

At the same time, the reforms may create short-term friction with international e-commerce platforms and global sellers who benefit from Jordan’s current tax exemptions. Government officials stress that dialogue with private sector stakeholders is ongoing and that the draft law will undergo public consultation before implementation.

A Step Toward Digital Trade Sustainability

The proposed bylaw is a cornerstone of Jordan’s National E-Commerce Strategy 2023–2025, which seeks to build a competitive, inclusive, and sustainable digital economy. Future phases of the strategy, covering 2026–2029 and 2030–2033, will expand efforts to enhance regional integration, promote cross-border e-payments, and invest in digital infrastructure (Jordan News).

The bylaw is expected to be released for public consultation in late 2025, with implementation likely to begin in early 2026. If successful, it may serve as a blueprint for balanced e-commerce regulation across the region.

A leading Chinese e-commerce stock has surged an impressive 230% in value, but the rally faces a critical test as the company prepares to release its earnings report this week. Investors are closely watching to see whether the firm’s shift away from the education sector will translate into sustained financial performance and justify the rapid price gains.

The stock’s dramatic ascent has been driven by optimism around its strategic pivot, which has captured investor attention. However, concerns have been mounting over whether this momentum is rooted in tangible results or speculative enthusiasm.

Underlying Business Performance in Focus

Market observers emphasize that the upcoming profit figures will be key to validating the stock’s steep run-up. Questions abound regarding whether the company can maintain growth and profitability amid regulatory scrutiny and increasing competition in the e-commerce landscape. Many analysts are particularly attentive to its core operational performance—revenue continuity, margin stability, and cost management—as well as its resilience in avoiding potential headwinds from tighter regulations or structural industry shifts.

Additionally, broader economic conditions, such as domestic consumer sentiment and macroeconomic pressures, may influence outcomes. The sector’s ability to deliver on growth without overly aggressive discounting or expense escalation will be scrutinized. This week’s earnings report could therefore serve as a pivotal marker: either confirming the firm’s strategic repositioning or revealing vulnerabilities behind its stock surge.

Looking ahead, a strong earnings show could reinforce investor confidence and extend the rally, while a weak result may prompt a reassessment of the company’s valuation and raise doubts about the sustainability of its upward trajectory.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has announced that over 43 million electronic transactions were completed through its Absher platform during the month of July. The figure includes transactions carried out via both Absher Individuals and Absher Business portals, reflecting the growing role of digital services in the Kingdom’s public administration.

According to official figures, more than 40.6 million of these transactions were handled through the Absher Individuals portal. A significant portion—over 33 million—consisted of document verification activities conducted using the platform’s digital wallet, which serves citizens, residents, and visitors. Meanwhile, the Absher Business portal processed nearly 2.8 million transactions in the same period, showing its importance in supporting corporate and commercial users.

Breakdown of Transactions by Sector

The Ministry provided additional details on sector-specific usage. The General Directorate of Public Security handled over 3.6 million transactions. Within this, the Traffic Department processed around 3.5 million transactions, the Directorate of Passports managed nearly 2.8 million, and the Civil Status Agency processed over 660,000. These figures underline the platform’s wide adoption across various government departments.

Users also benefited from Absher’s reporting and delivery services. More than 146,000 reports were submitted through the Absher Reports feature, over 3,500 document delivery requests were made by mail, and more than 2,200 inquiries related to fingerprint registration were logged.

Additionally, the platform has issued more than 28 million unified digital identities. These digital credentials are used not only for accessing Ministry of Interior services but also for authenticating access to more than 500 public and private entities through the national single sign-on system.

Saudi Arabia continues to expand its digital infrastructure as part of its broader transformation efforts, with platforms like Absher playing a key role in enhancing accessibility, efficiency, and user experience across government services.

With the rise of AI-powered search tools, e-commerce websites are now required to adapt to these new systems. Tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Claude have started to change how users search for products and access information. As a result, brands need to go beyond traditional search engines and ensure they are also visible within AI-driven platforms by taking certain technical and content-focused steps.

The Adaptation Process Begins to Make Products Recognizable to AI Platforms

E-commerce websites are advised to first review their technical infrastructure. Product information should be presented directly within the HTML code. Content that is loaded later via JavaScript is often not detected by most AI bots, which may reduce visibility. Therefore, using methods such as server-side rendering or prerendering is recommended.

In addition, implementing structured data (schema markup) helps AI systems better understand key product details like price, availability, description, and reviews. It is also recommended that this data be formatted in JSON-LD and tested using tools provided by platforms like Google.

Bots used by AI systems (such as GPTBot or PerplexityBot) must be allowed to access the site. It is possible to track which pages these bots crawl using server logs or analytics tools. This makes it easier to assess how well the content is being indexed by AI systems.

On the content side, the use of natural language by users is becoming increasingly prominent. Content structured around questions and tailored to target audiences helps AI systems analyze and interpret information more effectively. Describing which needs a product fulfills and who it is suitable for has gained importance.

Additionally, third-party sources of information about products and brands can influence visibility in AI-based searches. Blog posts, reviews, forum discussions, and social media content are all scanned by these systems and may be used in generating responses. Therefore, being represented in external content also contributes to overall visibility.

Crowd Analyzer’s latest regional analysis reveals that Egypt’s online retail ecosystem is gaining momentum. Between 2024 and early 2025, Egyptians generated over 416 million digital discussions related to e‑commerce—a figure that places the country behind Saudi Arabia (749 million) but ahead of the UAE (367 million). This surge underscores Egypt’s rapidly evolving digital consumer landscape.

Price Sensitivity and Trust Deficit Define Egyptian E‑Commerce

Breaking down the conversation trends, price emerged as the dominant factor, mentioned in 74.3 % of e‑commerce dialogues. In contrast, delivery (15.4 %) and customer service (9.3 %) trails behind—highlighting value-driven shopping behavior.

Despite the growth in discussions, consumer sentiment reflects lingering trust issues. Only 59 % of Egyptian online shoppers report satisfaction, citing concerns over returns, product quality, and exchanges. By comparison, Saudi Arabia fares slightly better at 66 %, while the UAE leads with a robust 83 % satisfaction rate, supported by advanced digital infrastructure and streamlined customer experiences.

In terms of purchasing categories, electronics dominate the market, accounting for 33.5 % of transactions. Digital goods follow at 16.6 %, clothing at 15.8 %, health and beauty items at 11.5 %, and home and furniture products at 8.4 %. Books (8.3 %) and jewelry/accessories (5.8 %) complete the mix, showing a diverse but tiered interest across sectors.

Interestingly, consumer payment habits remain conventional in Egypt: 90 % of purchases are on cash-on-delivery (COD), while only 10 % rely on digital payments. This strong preference for COD shows that despite rising digital engagement, a majority of shoppers still hesitate to pay upfront.