Fast facts:
eCommerce in the Middle East

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middle east
middle east

In 2025, the Middle East’s eCommerce sector continues its rapid expansion, driven by widespread digital adoption, mobile-first consumer behaviour and supportive government initiatives such as such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s Digital Economy Strategy.

Cross-border shopping remains prevalent, with 80% of UAE online shoppers purchasing from international retailers, particularly from the US, UK, and China.

The region’s e-commerce market is projected to reach $50 billion by 2025, with countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt accounting for 80% of total regional eCommerce sales.

Source: RobinReport, Tradebyte.com

eCommerce in the Middle East: Poised for substantial growth

1.2 billion

approximate internet users in 2025 across Middle East

6.5 million

estimated online shoppers in Middle East and North Africa (MENA)

USD 251.34 billion

estimated in digital payment methods across MENA in 2025

Sources: Dataportal.com, mordorintelligence.com, go-globe.com

Middle East Demographics

Population: 507 million

Internet users:

67.2%

Average annual full-time salary:

$44,000 \ £33000

Sources: Worldpopulatonreview.com, Statista.com

eBook: Overcoming International eCommerce delivery challenges

The most popular eCommerce product categories

Fashion

Electronics & media

Toys & kid supplies

Groceries & personal care

Furniture & appliances

Middle East – eCommerce Growth Rate

30% growth

in 2024

90% of online purchases

are shipped from abroad

Average $1648 spent

per eCommerce transaction

80% of buyers

use mobile devices, and 70% of them use social media to reach the seller

Source: logisticsmanager.com, go-globe.com

Top 5 Online Marketplaces

middle east ecommerce

199.3m users per month

92.7m users per month

middle east ecommerce

48.2m users per month

46.4m users per month

middle east ecommerce

33.3m users per month

Sources: webretailer.com

Leading carriers in the Middle East

middle east ecommerce
middle east ecommerce

Source: bonafideresearch.com

Top Tips

  • There are unique factors in the Middle East that affect consumer behaviour such as curtal values, purchasing habits and local regulations. Understanding the region is important to starting to sell.
  • Many smaller countries in the Middle East have their own currencies and payment laws and regulations that need to be adhered to.

Source: virtocommerce.com

Interested in expanding your business to the thriving Middle East market?

Due to diverse geography and different consumer expectations across the region, efficient and reliable last-mile delivery solutions are essential to meet customer demands and ensure you have a competitive edge.

GFS International gives your business the edge to reach international markets with our local lane expertise and partnerships to “ship like a local”. At GFS, we carefully evaluate the carrier market to route every parcel with the best carrier and service for each country at the best cost. With 3 service levels, but one parcel label, one tracking number and one collection, international delivery has never been simpler.

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