A new report from IMARC Group forecasts a dramatic rise in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) e‑commerce market, projecting it to grow from USD 507.2 billion in 2024 to USD 2,020.6 billion by 2033, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.3 percent. This remarkable surge underscores the region’s accelerating shift toward digital commerce. OpenPR+1

Market Growth Drivers

The GCC region is undergoing profound digital transformation, driven by exceptionally high internet access and mobile adoption. The region boasts nearly universal internet penetration and smartphone usage, positioning it at the forefront of mobile‑first e‑commerce. OpenPR

Government‑led programs such as Saudi Vision 2030 and initiatives like Dubai’s Smart City project are accelerating this trend. These policies focus on digital infrastructure, fintech ecosystems and smart retail, thereby elevating e‑commerce accessibility and consumer confidence. OpenPR

Changing consumer behavior, especially among younger, tech‑savvy demographics, also plays a pivotal role. Surveys suggest that over 90 percent of GCC residents in Saudi Arabia and the UAE now shop online regularly, showcasing a strong preference for digital retail channels. OpenPR

Emerging Market Trends

The report highlights several notable trends shaping the GCC e‑commerce ecosystem:

• Mobile Commerce (m‑commerce): With such widespread smartphone adoption, platforms are investing heavily in seamless mobile user experiences, supporting app-based and responsive designs that drive higher conversion rates. OpenPR

• Social Commerce: Increasingly, platforms like Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, and Snapchat serve as primary discovery and sales channels, blending social media and commerce instinctively. OpenPRbriefingwire.com

• Sustainable Practices & Eco‑Logistics: With growing environmental awareness, green logistics and eco-friendly packaging are emerging as key competitive differentiators in the GCC market. OpenPR

• AI‑Driven Retail Innovation: Artificial intelligence is empowering personalized shopping experiences, predictive inventory management, conversational commerce, and fraud detection, reshaping customer engagement across the region. OpenPRMenafn

Market Segmentation — By Type, Transaction, and Country

The e‑commerce sector in the GCC spans several product categories including home appliances, apparel, cosmetics, groceries, books, and others. Transactions are divided into B2C, B2B, C2C, and more. Geographically, the market includes Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman. IMARC GroupOpenPR

Quick Commerce: A Fast‑Emerging Subset

Quick commerce (q‑commerce) is another high‑growth niche, offering ultra-fast deliveries—often within minutes. This market was valued at USD 2.1 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 22.6 billion by 2033, reflecting a CAGR of 30.2 percent. IMARC Group

Alternative Forecasts: A Slower—but Steady—Growth Scenario

Another analysis by Market Research Future (MRFR) offers a contrasting, more conservative forecast for the GCC e‑commerce market. This outlook estimates growth from USD 236.9 billion in 2024 to USD 510 billion by 2035, with a CAGR of approximately 7.2 percent over the period 2025–2035. Market Research Future

Focusing specifically on the business‑to‑consumer segment (B2C), the market is projected to rise from USD 124.1 billion in 2024 to USD 353.0 billion by 2035, at a 9.97 percent CAGR. Market Research Future

Broader Context and Comparative Outlook

Beyond the GCC, the Middle Eastern e‑commerce market as a whole was estimated at USD 1,888 billion in 2024. IMARC projects this broader region to reach USD 10,957 billion by 2033, exhibiting an even more aggressive CAGR of 21.6 percent. IMARC Group

Conclusion

The GCC e‑commerce sector is on the cusp of rapid expansion, fueled by digital transformation, supportive government policies, rising mobile commerce, and increasing consumer adoption. High projections by IMARC signal GDP‑level growth quadrupling over a decade while MRFR offers a steadier outlook. Quick commerce and AI‑enabled customer experiences are emerging as differentiators, and social and mobile shopping continue to redefine retail behaviors.

Whether planning for rapid scalability or sustainable growth, stakeholders in the region from retailers to tech providers must strategically align with evolving market dynamics. The path ahead promises both vast opportunity and heightened competition.

Desertcart, the UAE-based cross-border e-commerce platform, celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2025, marking a decade of transforming online shopping in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Founded in 2014 with the goal of bridging the gap between consumers in emerging markets and global products, Desertcart has expanded rapidly, establishing itself as a leader in cross-border e-commerce by providing access to millions of products from around the world (bizpreneurme.com).

The journey began with Desertcart’s first warehouse opening in Dubai in 2015, a strategic move that enabled the company to improve product availability and reduce delivery times significantly. This logistical foundation has been key to Desertcart’s success, allowing it to serve customers not only in the UAE but across the entire MENA region and beyond (bizpreneurme.com).

Expanding Product Variety and Reach

Desertcart’s core value proposition is its extensive product range. The platform offers over 100 million products, spanning diverse categories such as electronics, beauty, wellness, home goods, and fashion. This extensive catalog is made possible through partnerships and sourcing from key global markets including the United States, Europe, South Korea, and Japan (bizpreneurme.com, mid-east.info, zawya.com).

The platform’s ability to introduce products that are often unavailable in local stores addresses a critical gap in the regional e-commerce landscape. For example, the rising demand for Korean beauty products and Japanese electronics has been met by Desertcart’s targeted sourcing strategies, helping the company tap into emerging consumer trends in the region (mid-east.info).

Growth Metrics and Membership Programs

In 2025 alone, Desertcart has delivered over 1.5 million items, reflecting a remarkable 70% year-over-year growth. This growth is supported by a dedicated community of more than 30,000 Pro Members who benefit from faster shipping options, exclusive deals, and special promotions. The Pro Membership program, launched in 2022, has proven instrumental in driving customer loyalty and repeat purchases, setting Desertcart apart from competitors in the regional market (bizpreneurme.com, mid-east.info).

The rapid growth in order volume underscores the increasing acceptance and reliance on cross-border e-commerce in MENA. According to a report by Statista, the MENA e-commerce market is expected to reach over 48 billion USD by 2025, growing at an annual rate of approximately 13%, positioning Desertcart to capitalize on this rising demand (statista.com).

Leadership Vision and Technological Investments

Rahul Swaminathan, CEO of Desertcart, reflects on the company’s decade-long journey: “Our mission has always been to make global products accessible to Middle Eastern consumers. Ten years later, we are proud to serve millions of customers who trust us to bring unique, hard-to-find products to their doorsteps” (bizpreneurme.com).

Desertcart’s COO, Miquel Pancorbo, emphasizes the importance of early investments in infrastructure and technology. The company has continuously enhanced its warehouse capabilities and integrated artificial intelligence (AI) tools to analyze customer behavior and preferences. These AI-driven insights enable more personalized shopping experiences, targeted marketing, and efficient inventory management (bizpreneurme.com, mid-east.info).

Responding to Market Trends: Back to School Campaign

As part of its customer-centric approach, Desertcart recently launched its annual Back to School campaign, offering a curated selection of products including backpacks, stationery, tech gadgets, and footwear. This initiative simplifies the shopping process during a traditionally hectic season, meeting the needs of families across the region (bizpreneurme.com).

By addressing seasonal demand with tailored campaigns, Desertcart demonstrates an understanding of local market dynamics, further strengthening its position as a leading e-commerce provider.

Challenges and Future Outlook

While Desertcart’s growth story is impressive, the company also faces challenges common to cross-border e-commerce businesses. These include navigating complex customs regulations, managing international shipping logistics, and addressing payment and currency exchange issues. However, Desertcart’s ongoing investments in technology and partnerships with logistics providers are helping to mitigate these obstacles.

Looking forward, Desertcart plans to expand its regional warehouses to reduce delivery times further and enhance service reliability. The company also aims to leverage advanced AI and machine learning algorithms to optimize supply chain management and offer even more personalized shopping experiences (bizpreneurme.com).

Regional Impact and Economic Contribution

Desertcart’s success also contributes to the broader economic development of the MENA region. By facilitating access to global products, the company supports consumer choice and drives digital transformation. Moreover, Desertcart’s expansion creates employment opportunities in warehousing, logistics, IT, and customer service sectors.

According to a report by Bain & Company, cross-border e-commerce is a critical driver of growth in emerging markets, providing consumers with access to wider product assortments and competitive prices. Desertcart’s pioneering role in MENA exemplifies how digital platforms can foster inclusive economic development.

Conclusion

As Desertcart celebrates a decade of operations, its journey highlights the transformative power of cross-border e-commerce in emerging markets. With continuous innovation, customer focus, and strategic expansion, Desertcart is well-positioned to lead the next phase of e-commerce growth in the Middle East.

By connecting millions of consumers with products from across the globe, Desertcart not only meets evolving market needs but also sets a benchmark for how technology and logistics can overcome geographical barriers in retail.

A Vision Beyond Networking

WORLDEF Growth Network is not just another business network. It is designed as a system that prioritizes commercial success but goes far beyond it. The core idea is simple yet powerful: transforming relationships into opportunities, and trust into long-lasting cooperation. With this approach, WGN sets out to create an ecosystem where members build sustainable ties that actively shape the digital economy.

To mark its debut, the launch was hosted at the Ramada Hotel in Istanbul Tekstilkent, welcoming representatives from across the e-commerce landscape. Throughout the event, participants engaged in one-on-one networking sessions, while collaboration-focused meetings gave a taste of what the network truly stands for.

Omar Nart: Our Vision is to Build a Digital Trade Network in MENA Where Everyone Wins

Speaking at the opening of the program, WORLDEF CEO Omar Nart highlighted that WORLDEF Growth Network is a structure that brings together professionals from the world of e-commerce and retail technologies under one roof.

Nart said, “With its disciplined organizational model, innovative approach, and people-centered vision, WGN aims to generate revenue for its members. Our mission is not only to increase our members’ business volume but also to ensure that they grow as part of a community that adds value to each other. At WGN, relationships are built not just through referrals but on mutual trust and a shared understanding of mutual benefit. Here, success is not individual; it is built as a collective force based on the ecosystem. Our vision is to create a trust-based digital trade network in MENA where everyone wins.”

What Makes WORLDEF Growth Network Different?

At its heart, WORLDEF Growth Network is built on the principle of “the giver wins.” Here, members are encouraged to create opportunities not only for themselves but also for others because contribution naturally brings returns. Instead of random connections, WGN cultivates purposeful, systematic relationships.

Five Trends Reshape MENA E-commerce in 2025

Global fast-fashion e-commerce giants Shein and Temu have come under scrutiny in South Africa after a new report linked their explosive growth to significant job losses in the country’s retail and manufacturing sectors. According to a study released by the Localisation Support Fund (LSF), the platforms are responsible for the loss of over 8,000 potential jobs between 2020 and 2024 in South Africa’s clothing, textiles, footwear, and leather (R‑CTFL) industries.

The findings point to a deeper economic dilemma: the allure of low-cost, fast-delivered goods from international sellers is clashing with the country’s efforts to preserve domestic industry, protect jobs, and promote inclusive economic development.

Rapid Market Penetration, Disruptive Impact

The LSF report estimates that Shein and Temu recorded a combined R7.3 billion in sales in 2024 alone, accounting for 3.6% of the total R‑CTFL retail market and an astonishing 37% of online sales in the sector. While their growth signals booming e-commerce engagement among South African consumers, the repercussions for local manufacturers and retailers have been devastating (IOL, 2025).

Between 2020 and 2024, the platforms are believed to have caused:

• R960 million in lost domestic manufacturing sales

• 2,818 lost potential manufacturing jobs

• 5,282 unrealized retail employment opportunities

This cumulative loss underscores how offshore platforms are reshaping local retail ecosystems shifting value away from domestic producers and eroding job creation pipelines.

How Did It Happen?

Experts attribute the disruption to a confluence of factors, particularly how Shein and Temu leveraged trade loopholes, data-driven sales tactics, and cost advantages in offshore manufacturing. Until 2024, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) allowed de minimis imports (under R500 in value) to enter the country duty-free and VAT-exempt. While South African retailers paid up to 45% in import duties and an additional 15% VAT, platforms like Shein and Temu circumvented these costs entirely.

This created an unfair pricing advantage, with international platforms able to undercut local retailers significantly. SARS eventually closed this loophole in late 2024, but the damage was already extensive (Zawya, 2025).

Courtney Grant, a senior researcher at BMA, noted that these platforms scaled up faster than any South African retailer in recent history: “What took local retailers 10 to 15 years to build, Shein and Temu achieved in less than five, largely by externalizing costs and bypassing trade regulations.”

Projected Future Job Losses

If growth continues unchecked, the LSF warns that South Africa could face up to 34,000 job losses by 2030. These include:

• 16,400 manufacturing jobs

• 18,300 retail jobs

• R6.2 billion in lost manufacturing output

The retail and fashion sector which historically employs tens of thousands of South Africans, particularly women and low-income workers is especially vulnerable.

South Africa’s online retail penetration rate reached 9.9% in 2024, a marked improvement from 2.4% in 2015. However, it still lags far behind the global average of 35.6% and emerging e-commerce leaders like Brazil and Vietnam. This slow digital uptake leaves local businesses with limited resources and capacity to compete with international behemoths (Mail & Guardian, 2025).

Calls for Policy Reform and Accountability

The political fallout has been swift. ActionSA, a South African political party, has called for an urgent parliamentary inquiry. They demand accountability from the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, the Finance Minister, and SARS leadership over why the de minimis loophole was allowed to persist for so long despite industry warnings.

Local trade unions, including the South African Clothing and Textile Workers’ Union (SACTWU), have echoed this frustration. Describing the situation as “smash-and-grab economics,” the union argued that global platforms exploited weak enforcement and tax inconsistencies to undermine domestic production.

Proudly South African, a pro-local campaign, urged consumers and policymakers alike to reflect on the long-term damage of cheap, offshore e-commerce. “Each purchase from these platforms may seem affordable,” one spokesperson said, “but it’s a silent vote against South African jobs, families, and industries” (IOL Business Report, 2025).

E-Commerce Reform vs. Protectionism

This crisis has reignited debates on how to balance open markets with local development priorities. Some argue for tighter import controls and more robust digital taxation measures to level the playing field. Others caution that overly protectionist policies could hurt consumers and discourage innovation.

However, most agree that localization policies must be central to any recovery strategy. Industry leaders are calling for:

• Increased investment in South African e-commerce platforms

• Modernization of logistics and fulfillment infrastructure

• Government procurement policies favoring local production

• Incentives for SMEs to digitize and scale sustainably

As the global digital economy continues to evolve, countries like South Africa must choose between passive consumption and proactive participation. Without targeted intervention, the next generation of retail jobs and manufacturers could be lost to foreign-owned platforms optimized for global scale but indifferent to local impact.

Conclusion

Shein and Temu’s dramatic entrance into the South African retail space has exposed vulnerabilities in trade policy, digital competitiveness, and local industrial capacity. While they represent the future of ultra-fast, low-cost e-commerce, their unchecked growth also presents significant economic and social challenges for developing nations.

As regulators, unions, industry groups, and consumers reevaluate the rules of engagement, one thing is clear: the battle for the future of South African retail is no longer in shopping malls it’s online.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), AMD, and alfanar have announced a significant expansion of locally manufactured server models in Saudi Arabia, marking an important milestone for the region’s technology sector. As part of this collaboration, HPE’s latest ProLiant DL365 and DL385 Gen11 servers are now being assembled at alfanar’s production facility in Riyadh and have been officially launched to the market. These servers carry the Saudi Tech logo, highlighting their local origin, and are intended not only for the domestic Saudi market but also for export to neighboring countries such as Jordan, Egypt, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states (TechAfrica News).

This initiative plays a crucial role in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan, which aims to diversify the economy and develop a knowledge-based society by boosting local manufacturing capabilities and fostering digital infrastructure. By enhancing the local production of high-performance computing equipment, the country is reducing its reliance on imports and strengthening its position as a regional technology hub.

The newly introduced servers are powered by cutting-edge 5th generation AMD EPYC processors, known for their exceptional performance and energy efficiency. These processors are designed to handle demanding workloads such as artificial intelligence (AI), real-time analytics, and cloud computing applications. This makes the servers highly suitable for industries undergoing digital transformation, including finance, healthcare, and government sectors. Zaid Ghattas, AMD’s Regional Sales Director, emphasized the importance of EPYC processors in enabling regional digital transformation and supporting emerging technologies in the Middle East (HPE Newsroom – August 2025).

Mohammad Alrehaili, General Manager of HPE Middle East, highlighted the strategic benefits of local manufacturing, particularly in terms of enhancing data security and operational flexibility within the region. He noted that producing servers locally not only helps reduce supply chain vulnerabilities but also allows for faster and more tailored customer support and service delivery. This approach aligns with increasing demands for data sovereignty and compliance with regional regulations (Zawya Press Release).

The production facility in Riyadh, managed by alfanar, became operational in 2024 and has a workforce primarily composed of women, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s broader social goals of increasing female participation in the workforce. This inclusive hiring strategy is supported by specialized training programs developed collaboratively by HPE, AMD, and alfanar, aiming to build local technical skills and ensure a sustainable talent pipeline for the country’s expanding technology manufacturing sector.

The partnership between HPE and alfanar was initially established in 2023, and the first locally manufactured server models were launched in 2024, earning national product certification. This achievement is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s commitment to reducing dependency on foreign imports and building a self-sufficient technology ecosystem within the kingdom. These developments also contribute to regional economic growth and innovation by providing locally tailored solutions for digital infrastructure needs (CST – Saudi Digital Technology Recognition).

The applications for these new server models are broad and diverse. They range from AI-driven real-time video analytics to the processing of sensitive healthcare data, and from cloud-based public services modernization to enhancing enterprise IT infrastructure. The advantages of local manufacturing extend beyond logistics and cost efficiency; they include enhanced compliance with data protection laws and improved system reliability due to reduced shipping times and faster maintenance capabilities.

Saudi Arabia’s expanding production capabilities are also expected to boost the country’s export volumes in the technology sector. By serving not only the domestic market but also neighboring regions, the kingdom is reinforcing its strategic economic diversification plans and its ambitions to grow non-oil revenues. The ICT sector in Saudi Arabia recorded a 9.2 percent growth in 2024, reflecting increasing investment and demand in technology-related fields.

This collaboration serves as an exemplary model of successful synergy between global technology leaders and local manufacturing enterprises. HPE, AMD, and alfanar are jointly advancing high-tech manufacturing in the region while simultaneously fostering workforce development through targeted education and training initiatives.

In summary, the local production of HPE’s Gen11 server models in Saudi Arabia represents a significant advancement in the country’s digital sovereignty strategy. It demonstrates the kingdom’s capacity to manufacture advanced technology domestically and reflects a broader commitment to building a resilient, innovative, and competitive technology ecosystem in the Middle East.

Australian fashion label Jeanswest has officially entered the United Arab Emirates market with the opening of its first physical store in Dubai. This move signals the brand’s renewed focus on international retail after a significant digital pivot in its home country. The launch not only highlights Dubai’s importance as a global fashion hub but also reflects a broader trend of established Western brands targeting the Middle Eastern market as part of their long-term growth strategies (Khaleej Times, 2025).

Founded in Perth in the late 1970s, Jeanswest built its reputation on casual denim, durable quality, and accessible pricing. Over the decades, it became a household name in Australia and New Zealand, particularly among young adults and families. However, in early 2025, the brand closed all its remaining Australian stores, shifting entirely to an e-commerce model. This bold transition allowed Jeanswest to focus on digital innovation, sustainability, and international expansion.

Now, with the Dubai launch, the brand is returning to physical retail but this time with a renewed approach. “Our goal is not just to sell products,” the company stated during the launch announcement. “We aim to create an authentic, personalised experience that resonates with the tastes of local customers. The new store in Dubai marks only the beginning of a fresh approach to the Middle Eastern market, a market that can no longer be overlooked or treated as secondary” (Khaleej Times, 2025).

Why Dubai?

Dubai’s retail landscape is among the most dynamic in the world, attracting brands from every continent. With its high-income population, strong tourism sector, and advanced infrastructure, the city provides fertile ground for global labels looking to engage with a wide and diverse audience. Jeanswest’s entry into this competitive market suggests confidence in both its brand strength and the region’s retail potential.

Though the company has not disclosed the exact location of its Dubai outlet, industry watchers speculate that it will likely be housed in one of the city’s top-tier shopping centers, such as The Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates. These venues offer brands access to steady footfall, premium retail space, and a cosmopolitan consumer base.

The Brand’s Evolution

Jeanswest’s evolution mirrors the broader shifts in global retail. From its roots as a traditional mall-based brand in Australia, the company has gradually adapted to changing consumer behavior. In recent years, it has leaned into sustainable production practices, personalized online shopping experiences, and streamlined logistics. Shutting down domestic stores was a difficult decision, but it allowed the brand to reallocate resources toward technology, marketing, and overseas growth.

The brand’s expansion into the UAE forms part of a wider movement in global retail, described by analysts as a “migration south.” In this trend, established Western brands are increasingly targeting Southern Hemisphere and Middle Eastern markets, seeking to tap into growing middle-class consumer demand and emerging digital ecosystems (Khaleej Times, 2025).

Personalization and Localization

Jeanswest emphasized that the new Dubai store is not a mere replication of its Australian model. Instead, the store has been curated to reflect regional preferences in fashion, sizing, and customer service. The company noted that local consumers in the UAE expect tailored experiences something that has influenced the store layout, product mix, and even customer engagement strategies.

With a focus on personalization, the brand aims to stand out in a crowded market by offering high-quality denim wear with a local flavor. This effort reflects a deeper understanding that success in international retail requires more than just physical presence it requires cultural awareness and adaptability.

What’s Next?

Industry experts believe that this launch could be a stepping stone for further regional expansion. If successful, Jeanswest may explore store openings in neighboring Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain. These markets share many of Dubai’s retail characteristics and have shown increasing appetite for affordable yet stylish fashion brands.

Additionally, the company plans to continue enhancing its digital offerings alongside physical retail. This hybrid strategy balancing e-commerce and in-store experiences aligns with global consumer trends that favor convenience, speed, and human interaction.

As e-commerce continues to dominate globally, Jeanswest’s Dubai debut demonstrates that brick-and-mortar retail is far from obsolete especially when supported by data, digital insight, and cultural adaptation.