White/Black Friday, the world’s most popular shopping period, has almost arrived in the Middle East. The region is one of the world’s fastest-growing e-commerce markets. Estimates say that between 2015 and 2020 e-commerce profits in the Gulf states alone have grown from $5 to $20 billion. Certain analysts even predict sales could climb to almost $50 billion in 2021.
This year, online shopping platforms could see even greater demand than usual due to the effects of the global pandemic. Here’s how three Middle Eastern e-commerce platforms are preparing for White Friday.
Noon
Noon, one of the region’s largest e-commerce platforms, went all out to promote its Yellow Friday sale in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Using a helicopter, it flew a yellow banner over Riyadh to draw attention to its #yellow_Friday_offers.
In Dubai, the company went one step further and lit up the entire Burj Khalifa in yellow along with Noon’s logo to plug its upcoming sale.
Amazon UAE
Another Middle East e-commerce giant, Amazon UAE, has also been making big preparations for White Friday.
The company recently revealed it has hired over 2,000 people and increased its capacity by 45% to meet the extra demand during the busy shopping period.
Jumia Egypt
In Cairo, Jumia has also been working hard to ensure it is ready to cope with the increase in demand. The company has partnered with local transportation and shipping firm MovEx, which has over 200 employees and more than 40 vehicles, to help ship orders to customers in the Egyptian capital.
For more regional e-commerce coverage check out…
- Saudi e-commerce enabling platform Salla raises $8.5 million in a Series A funding round led by STV
- This Dubai-based Startup “Rebates” 100% Cash Back to Those Who Shop on Their Gamified E-commerce Platform
- Cairo-based E-Commerce Retail Marketplace, Dresscode, Raises USD Six-Figures Seed Round From Egypt Ventures
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