SME Talk discusses future of e-commerce sector in the UAE

Business Bureau, Gulf Today

Under the theme “Post-Covid-19 E-commerce, new era, new trends”, the initiative of the Small & Medium Enterprises Talk ‘SME Talks’ organised a webinar on the future of the E-commerce in the UAE, means of enhancing the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) working in this field, and the importance of public and private initiatives in supporting home trade and retail sector to move toward the digital transformation.

Walid Hareb Al Falahi, the CEO of Dubai Consultancy said, “In 2019, the e-commerce volume has amounted to Dhs59 billion and is expected to grow by 600 per cent by the end of this year.”

“Big thanks to the adoption of the UAE Government to the e-payment on various platforms and the tremendous growth of it in other categories such as fast-food restaurants and transportation, enabling the e-commerce to maintain its distinctive position in the UAE.”

Sponsored by the Emirates Trade Centre, the webinar was moderated by Walid Hareb Al Falahi, the CEO of Dubai Consultancy, in the presence of Mohsen Ahmad, CEO of Dubai South - Logistics District, Fahim Al-Zubaidi, CEO and co-founder of the E-commerce platform ‘kiosks’, and Sarmad AL-Zadjaly. CEO of Tawseel Group, a food delivery company headquartered in Sharjah.

The event touched on the significance of the E-commerce and the business sectors working in this domain and its role in stimulating entrepreneurs to penetrate this vital field, especially in light of its low operational costs. For his part, Mohsen Ahmad said: “The E-commerce zone “EZ Dubai” of Dubai South - Logistics District seeks to support the E-commerce entrepreneurs and retailers by providing an appropriate workplace with a host of business solutions for startups and SME, innovation labs, and business incubators, as well as providing advanced work mechanisms for logistics and activities.

Fahim Al-Zubaidi spoke about home trade and the notable growth of this sector in the UAE, thanks to the abundance of sophisticated smart platforms that support the economic and social development and encourage community members to start their own home trade projects.

In turn, Sarmad AL-Zadjaly highlighted the pioneering experience of ‘Tawseel’ in the delivery services and its eagerness to enhance its competitiveness in the E-commerce sector owing to the spike in making purchases via a third party to save time and effort.

Earlier the Dubai Economy has facilitated strategic alliances between Emirates Cooperative Society, Dubai’s leading grocer and supermarket chain, with online fulfillment partners talabat, Careem and Dukkaani for enhancing convenience and contactless shopping for customers across Dubai.

The initiative is in line with the UAE leadership’s directions to keep the pandemic in control and get businesses back on track at the earliest.

As per the agreement, the fulfilment partners will showcase up to 4,000 products of Emirates Cooperative Society and have agreed to deliver them to customers within 60-90 minute from the time of purchase made online. The number of products will be increased in due course depending on consumer demand and feedback.

Early this year, Emirates Cooperative Society launched its mobile E-commerce App to provide convenient and hassle-free online shopping to its customers. The new alliances with online fulfillment partners will further enhance the quality of its services to its existing and new customers.

 “We are delighted to coordinate this partnership, which reflects our strategic goal of educating the business community and consumers on the need to adhere to precautionary measures to ensure the safety and security of all members of the community. More nationals and residents are using smart applications to support the precautionary measures of social distancing,” said Omar Al Meheiri, Director of Follow-up and Development in the Business Registration & Licensing sector in Dubai Economy.

Mohammed Yousuf Al Khaja, General Manager of Emirates Cooperative Society said, “We have tied up with talabat, Careem and Dukkaani to ensure speedy delivery and provide more convenience to our customers. We believe this will help us better serve the evolving needs of our loyal and new customers.”

“Our goal has always been to maintain long-term relationships with our customers, and the new offering helps us better understand the needs of our shoppers. We sincerely thank Dubai Economy for all their support and efforts.”

As a strategic partner, Muhummed Yildirim, Managing Director of talabat UAE, said, “We’re excited to have the opportunity to work with the Emirates Cooperative Society, and to bring their goods to customers in record speed. As a brand, we are heavily focusing on speed, affordability and variety, and we look forward to offering customers of Emirates Cooperative these services.”

Gheed El Makkaoui, General Manager of Careem UAE said: “Online grocery shopping has become the norm for many UAE customers. We believe it is the new normal given the convenience, safety and ease it offers. We are excited to partner with Emirates Coop and support their customers through our safe, speedy and reliable delivery service.”

Dukkaani Smart Shopping is a leading UAE National company that offers an ultimate ecommerce grocery shopping experience. Dukkaani in collaboration with Emirates Coop will offer advanced technological and innovative solutions that ensure a smooth and easy online shopping process supported by E-Wallet, the smart user consumption report feature and the scheduled order option to guarantee customer satisfaction.