Digital Economy Solutions (DES) – a joint venture between Emaratech and the Department of Economic Development of Dubai (DED) – will launch DubaiStore, the first local online marketplace to focus on SMEs and home-based businesses (e-traders).
DubaiStore, quintessentially an online marketplace for all licenced businesses in the emirate of Dubai, is unique in concept and design, and focuses primarily on promoting businesses with zero possibility of direct competition between it and the sellers, since it does not own or sell any products of its own.
DubaiStore will also host the licensed home businesses (e-traders) acting as a reference platform for consumers to access a range of products, many of which are not found in the retail market. This added exposure enhances brand visibility for the e-traders while also creating a new and vital sales avenue for them to grow their business.
“We plan to launch the online marketplace in the third quarter this year. DubaiStore aims to support the economic growth of Dubai by encouraging e-commerce as an efficient trading channel, governed by Dubai’s laws and regulations. It is a government initiative under the operational control of DES,” says Abdallah Hassan Ahmed Hassan, CEO, DES.
Serving its social responsibilities, DES with the support DED will be enrolling e-traders without registration or commission charges. DES is also exploring strategic partnership with key players in the market.
Using the latest e-commerce technologies, the platform will have all the capabilities of creating and managing online stores and orders, which caters to the needs of all business segments. Analytics and advisory services will also be available to support business retention and growth.