Leading e-commerce segments UAE 2023, by market share

As of 2023, the primary category in e-commerce within the United Arab Emirates was toys, DIY, and hobbies, holding the largest market share of 29 percent. It was followed by fashion, with a market share of 27 percent.

E-commerce market in the UAE

The e-commerce market in the UAE has experienced a significant boost in recent years. It was estimated that online sales would increase at an average annual rate of 23 percent from 2018 to 2022. In 2022, the projected value of e-commerce sales in the UAE was approximately 27 billion U.S. dollars. The market size of the e-commerce industry in the UAE was estimated to increase by ten billion U.S. dollars between 2020 and 2025. Due to its high internet penetration rate and tech-savvy population, the UAE presents an appealing opportunity for e-commerce players.

Top e-commerce shopping categories

The UAE’s e-commerce market encompasses a wide range of categories catering to consumers' diverse needs and preferences. The top e-commerce shopping categories include fashion and apparel, electronics and gadgets, beauty and cosmetics, grocery and food delivery, and travel services. Between 2021 and 2022, the snack foods category witnessed the highest growth at an exceptional increase of more than 850 percent. Bird toys and accessories followed as the UAE's second-fastest-growing e-commerce category.