The Middle East is a promising opportunity for the growth of e-commerce. In terms of economic confidence and spending power, the MENA region stands out from most other markets.
According to Redseer’s report in 2022, the e-commerce market in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is expected to reach a total worth of $100 billion by 2023. (1)
GCC (particularly UAE and Saudi Arabia) and Egypt control 80% of the e-commerce market in MENA, with an annual growth rate of 30%, over twice that of the rest of the region. (2) Turkey is another potential emerging market for e-commerce with 80% of its population online.
Despite the increasing popularity of e-commerce among affluent consumers in this region, they have yet to fully utilise their spending power online.
NAQEL possesses the necessary expertise, facilities, and capabilities to fulfil e-commerce delivery requirements in all of MENA’s high-growth potential markets.
Affluent MENA Consumers
Did you know that millennials and Gen Z make up the majority of the Middle East’s population and are also the world’s biggest spenders?
The consumers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, two of the biggest e-commerce markets, are mobile-focused, tech-savvy, digitally literate, highly educated, vocal social media users, and generally affluent.
It’s worth mentioning that 66% of online shoppers in the Middle East buy products from businesses located outside the region. (3)
Logistics drive the e-commerce growth in GCC as deliveries play a critical role.
The logistics sector that supports online deliveries in the GCC is estimated to be around 1.4 billion in size as of 2019. It is expected to grow by approximately 2.5 times by 2024 (4)
Choosing the appropriate door-to-door delivery partner is a vital factor for e-retailers to expand their business in the MENA region.
Choosing an online delivery partner in MENA? Here’s a simple checklist to help.
- Efficient first mile and line haul services to MENA
It is important to confirm if the first-mile and line haul services offered include pick-up, shipment processing, and export clearance services.
- Hassle-free inbound clearances
Are there customs officers available 24/7 at international airports, seaports, and land ports? Also, are there owned gateway options for same-day and pre-clearance opportunities?
- Fast and reliable final-mile delivery services
Confirm the availability of a fleet of sturdy vehicles, payment-on-delivery options, e-fulfilment services, reporting, and cash reconciliation services.
- Customer support
Is there round-the-clock customer support available in Arabic and English via a call centre?
Cross-border E-commerce Deliveries in MENA
NAQEL Express provides e-retailers with dependable and swift cross-border cash-on-delivery services to and within MENA, ensuring seamless logistics through one of the region’s largest networks.
Trust NAQEL’s team of experts for reliable support in delivering your products to customers in MENA. We operate in key regions like the US, UK, China, Turkey, and UAE and ensure successful deliveries with care and professionalism.
MENA Market Entry with NAQEL
Expand your business into the MENA market by utilizing NAQEL’s operational networks that connect to major markets in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and extend to Bahrain, Oman, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Morocco and Iraq. There are opportunities to expand your business into other growing markets in the MENA region.
NAQEL provides bespoke e-commerce solutions for MENA businesses
- First mile and line haul from the primary source countries of the US, China, UK, Turkey, and UAE to MENA.
- Efficient in-house customs offices that operate 24/7 in most ports of entry for customs clearances.
- Gateways that are owned and provide same-day clearances, as well as pre-clearances.
- A robust fleet of over 4,000 vehicles.
- Offer various payment-on-delivery options, including both cash-on-delivery and digital payments with cash reconciliation and reporting services.
- Offer e-fulfilment services in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Egypt, and Iraq.
- Offer customer support 24/7 to online shoppers in Arabic or English by a team of female call advisors based in MENA.
As e-commerce flourishes in MENA, NAQEL’s tailored services are a key ingredient for businesses to thrive in this exciting market.
NAQEL’s experienced team will manage the logistics while you focus on your core business.
About NAQEL Express
NAQEL Express has been operating in the MENA region since 2005 and is now a proud member of the Saudi Post family. With a presence in 16 countries, it has established itself as a formidable force in logistics.
With its unrivalled distribution network and robust fleet, NAQEL Express seamlessly connects you with even the most remote corners of Saudi Arabia.
NAQEL Express is known for its reliable and efficient logistics services, with a strong emphasis on technology and innovation.
The tailored solutions & and services offered include swift Courier and parcel Express, efficient express road logistics, smart warehousing and fulfilment, globally connected freight forwarding – air and sea, streamlined supply chain solutions, project management office and 4PL, and smooth customs clearance services.
Stay updated with our latest news and service updates by following us on LinkedIn. To discover more about our services, visit https://new.naqelksa.com/en/ae/
References:
- (2021, July 5). MENA Digital Economy to Reach $100bn by 2023, Redseer Says. Retrieved from https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/2021/07/05/menas-digital-economy-to-reach-100bn-by-2023-redseer-says/
- Google and Bain & Company. (2019). E-commerce in MENA: Opportunity Beyond the Hype. Retrieved from https://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/_qs/documents/7265/Opportunity_Beyond_the_Hype.pdf
- Google and Bain & Company. (2019). E-commerce in MENA: Opportunity beyond the hype. Retrieved from https://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/_qs/documents/7265/Opportunity_Beyond_the_Hype.pdf
- Orion Market Research. (2021). GCC E-Commerce Logistics Market Size, Share, Analysis and Forecast 2021-2027. Retrieved from https://www.omrglobal.com/industry-reports/gcc-e-commerce-logistics-market