GEC NEWS WIREA survey commissioned by Seamless Middle East 2017 e-commerce and retail industry – reveals that 48 percent of GCC residents prefer to shop online, with 33 percent of respondents stating that online shopping is just as safe as offline shopping.
The Arab Federation for e-Commerce (AFEC) revealed last month that the region’s current share of the e-commerce market only represents one percent of the global market; however, the survey results highlight the increasing opportunity for e-commerce in the region.
“The existing appetite for online shopping in the Middle East poses a promising opportunity for international and regional investors in the e-commerce sector. The Arab Federation of e-commerce will play a central role in supporting and advising the public and private sectors in the Arab states to ensure continuous growth and further development of e-commerce in the region, as we strive to capture a fair share of the global digital industry,” commented His Excellency Dr. Eng. Ali Al Khouri, First Deputy Chairman of the Arab E-commerce Union, and Chairman for the Supreme Committee.
Joseph Ridley, General Manager of Seamless Middle East at Terrapinn said, “E-commerce is a hot topic globally and key players in the industry are showing increased interest in the Middle East – the Souq.com acquisition by Amazon is a prime example. Seamless Middle East provides a platform for e-commerce, payments and retail industry professionals to explore the potential of the market through knowledge sharing, as well as showcasing new products and technologies to key stakeholders within the region.”
