UAE E-commerce Market Booms as Consumers Shift Online

The UAE's e-commerce market is rapidly changing as consumers increasingly make online purchases. Research from Visa shows that the share of domestic payment volume taking place online and in apps has risen from 35% in 2019 to 55% in 2026.

Furthermore, the number of UAE cards making 10 or more online or in-app purchases a month has increased from 4.5% in 2018 to 25.7% in 2026, indicating that digital commerce is becoming a regular part of everyday spending.

The wider regional market is also growing, with the e-commerce market across selected Middle East and North Africa markets reaching $35 billion in 2024 and projected to continue expanding through 2029.

However, as shopping online becomes more common, retailers must adapt to changing consumer expectations. Consumers are now moving between websites, apps, marketplaces, and social platforms, expecting faster delivery, flexible payments, and simple returns.