The international offices of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry recently hosted a webinar in collaboration with UAE-based marketplace and on-demand delivery app InstaShop, which identified new business opportunities in the UAE's food e-commerce sector that companies in emerging markets can take advantage of.
The Food e-commerce Awareness Webinar had 84 participants from 33 countries, including representatives from food businesses, export promotion agencies, and trade offices. The event's sessions focused on the current UAE food e-commerce dynamics and trends, as well as the competitive advantages that Dubai provides as a world-class food e-commerce and innovation hub.
The virtual event, according to Omar Khan, head of International Offices at Dubai Chamber, provided significant insights into the UAE's food e-commerce ecosystem and changing business landscape. He emphasised the necessity of adopting e-commerce platforms to extend business beyond borders and tap into rising demand among UAE and neighbouring market consumers who are increasingly embracing digital channels to access products and services.
The UAE's online food and beverage spending grew by 255% by 2020, while the country's e-grocery gross merchandising value has nearly doubled in recent years, thanks to the Covid-led digital transformation and shifting consumer habits. He went on to say that Dubai's digital economy is exploding as many industries adopt innovative technologies and cutting-edge solutions and more e-commerce businesses enter the market.
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