Online e-commerce marketplace GoBazzar set to go live in the UAE

The new portal aims to acquire more than one million active users within the first six months

Online shopping has gained significant traction in the UAE. Getty

GoBazzar, a new price comparison and e-commerce marketplace, is set to go live in the UAE on Tuesday, the company said in a statement on Sunday.

The platform aims to provide customers with access to a wide range of international and local shopping sites, said Mahmoud Akrin, founder and chief executive of GoBazzar.

“This will not only expose the consumer to more products and services but also give smaller e-commerce players an equal opportunity to compete in the digital marketplace,” he added.

There will be more than one million products under major categories including electronics, fashion, home appliances and personal care, the company said. The site will offer a price comparison and review of different products.

Some of the e-retailers that will be featured on GoBazzar include Amazon, Noon, Jumbo, FirstCry, Sprii, SharafDG, Mumzworld, CarrefourUAE, Eros Digital Home and Virgin Mega Store. It will be adding more retailers on a monthly basis.

The Covid-19 pandemic and related movement restrictions have led to a shift in shopping habits globally and in the Mena region with consumers turning to the internet.

In June, a study by Visa, Dubai Police and Dubai Economy found 68 per cent of respondents in the UAE had shopped less at physical stores since the coronavirus outbreak began, while 49 per cent were shopping online more.

Overall, the GCC's e-commerce sector is predicted to more than double to $50 billion in the next five years, from $24bn this year, according to a report by consultancy Kearney.

About 36 per cent of UAE SMEs have already invested to prepare for a post pandemic future that favours operating online, according to the survey.

“As the current online shopping dynamics continue to change, we are positioning GoBazzar as the go-to e-commerce portal where online shoppers in the region can be guaranteed hot deals, competitive pricing and an enhanced, safe online shopping experience,” Mr Mahmoud said.

GoBazzar plans to acquire more than one million active users in the Emirates within the first six months of operations.

The UAE launch will be followed by a push into Saudi Arabia, the Arab world’s largest economy, and other GCC markets by early next year.