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Expanding Business into Dubai Market
DUAMENTES experts share valuable insights on key factors businesses should contemplate prior to entering the Dubai market to mitigate the risk of failure and to identify opportunities for investment protection.
The Dubai market offers relatively easy entry for products that align with audience expectations and needs. Nevertheless, specific industries hold appeal in terms of investments and potential audience reach. Among these, E-commerce, Fintech, and Greentech have exhibited substantial growth and present promising opportunities for startups seeking to expand and penetrate the Dubai market.
The UAE, with a population of over ten million, is an attractive market due to its strong spending power. Companies can use successful UAE initiatives as a launchpad for regional expansion, gaining insights into diverse audience preferences. Dubai is the most densely populated city, with over 3 million residents, making it a popular choice for expatriates. Around one and a half million people participate in the economy, with immigrants accounting for about 30%. Most of the population (80%) consists of immigrants, with Pakistanis and Indians being the most populous groups. Understanding the diverse population is vital. Arabs prioritize quality and premium alignment, Europeans evaluate product features, and labor migrants may not speak Arabic but share similarities with Europeans.
This diversity is relevant for the banking sector, as the youth actively use digital platforms. Dubai’s multicultural environment and consumer behavior must be considered for successful market entry and product adaptation.
E-commerce has witnessed remarkable growth, especially in Dubai, driven by the country’s youthful population, with an average age of thirty-three, playing a pivotal role in its development. Additionally, the widespread use of smartphones and increased internet penetration has fueled this growth. Major corporations are expanding their presence in the region to tap into the online shopping preferences of UAE consumers. As per DUAMENTES expertise, they are adapting their products to better align with consumer behavior in the Dubai market.
For instance, luxury brands have launched Arabic-language websites to attract local customers who were previously hesitant about online shopping but have displayed a growing interest over time. Even Dubai-based startups are looking to expand their reach within the region, exemplified by YallaMarket, which announced its plans for expansion in the United Arab Emirates in 2021. By 2023, the company successfully secured a $600,000 investment for its expansion efforts. Additionally, social media platforms are recognizing the potential of the Dubai audience, as seen in TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance Ltd, investing in a local logistics services company, iMile Delivery, showcasing the growing interest in Dubai’s e-commerce ecosystem.
Dubai is acknowledged as one of the world’s most technologically advanced cities, and the government consistently invests in emerging technologies. Many companies in Dubai are incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into their online sales strategies, further enhancing the city’s position as a tech-savvy hub.
According to the “Pushing Forward” report (2022), the MENA region is projected to achieve a significant AI market size of $320 billion by the year 2030. The MENA region is set to achieve a $320 billion AI market by 2030, primarily driven by cost savings from process automation and service improvements across industries. The annual growth rate for AI’s economic contribution is projected to range from 20-34%, with the UAE leading in growth. Notably, only Dubai has a specialized AI Ethics Toolkit to promote trustworthy and safe AI use.
The UAE’s FinTech market leads the MENA region with a $2.5 billion volume in 2022, driven by Dubai’s advanced FinTech ecosystem. Dubai actively supports startups and international financial institutions investing in payment systems, cryptocurrency markets, and cybersecurity, positioning the city as a top global FinTech hub. With over 60% of the population under 30 and a high level of technical literacy, the region is embracing digital technologies, with over 50% already using digital wallets.
Investors favor FinTech, receiving 73% of venture capital in March 2023, followed by food tech and ed-tech. These sectors collectively accounted for 86% of total investment. Dubai’s commitment to FinTech is evident in its economic strategy, “D33,” aiming to double the economy to $8.71 trillion in the next decade.
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is a leading organization in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, with 4,377 registered companies, a 36% increase in FinTech and innovation. The industry’s appeal to investors is driven by increasing demand for digital services, with companies receiving over $615 million in investments in 2022. Global digital payments in the UAE are expected to reach $8.26 trillion by 2024. The DIFC continues to invest in its FinTech ecosystem, offering support programs, flexible regulations, and resources for startups and established firms.
Dubai is actively embracing the reuse of goods as part of its Green Economy initiative. Supported by eco-conscious consumers and businesses, the government’s “Green Economy for Sustainable Development” strategy positions Dubai as a global hub for green technologies. The opportunities for goods reuse extend across various industries, and startups in the Greentech sector are well-placed to thrive.
The used goods market in Dubai integrates advanced technologies like IoT, AI, and blockchain, enhancing sustainability. IoT enables smart sensors in household appliances to monitor and extend their lifespan. AI plays a role in online platforms, such as luxury pre-owned boutiques, which use machine learning for personalized recommendations. Government projects, like the UAE’s transport lifecycle management system, also support startups in this field.
MENA region’s FinTech sector achieved remarkable success in the first half of 2022, with investments totalling $819 million, almost doubling the previous record. Investments in cryptocurrencies in the region also surged, reaching $187 million, nearly doubling previous figures. This impressive growth is underpinned by a robust ecosystem, featuring over 800 FinTech startups collectively valued at $15.5 billion. The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the largest FinTech and innovation ecosystem in the region, hosts more than 60% of these startups.
Dubai is rapidly advancing as a hub for technological progress, evidenced by initiatives like “Sandbox Dubai.” This platform for experimentation and product validation includes four key components: ADGM RegLab, UAE Regulations Lab (RegLab), DFSA Innovation Testing Licence (ITL) Program, and a Regulatory Sandbox for the Insurance Sector. These initiatives create a conducive environment for innovation and attract new businesses, positioning Dubai as a regional innovation leader.
The ADGM RegLab offers a tailored regulatory framework for FinTech innovation, while the UAE RegLab proactively shapes future legislation for emerging technologies. The DFSA Innovation Testing Licence (ITL) Program is Dubai’s regulatory sandbox, enabling testing of novel financial products and services. Additionally, the Central Bank of the UAE introduced a regulatory sandbox for the insurance sector to facilitate smart insurance market growth and support emerging Emirati FinTech companies.
In parallel, Dubai is developing a program focused on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This program aims to identify and support 400 high-potential companies through capacity building and global expansion assistance, fostering their growth and success on the international stage.
In conclusion, UAE, particularly Dubai, offers a promising market with a diverse and affluent population. To tap into this potential, businesses need to understand cultural diversity and consumer preferences. DUAMETNES international team provides valuable support for startups and mid-size companies looking to enter the Dubai market, helping them make data-driven decisions and mitigate risks effectively.
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DUAMENTES is a Global Growth & Strategy Alliance that harnesses market insights, propels sustainable scaling, and boosts revenue streams.
Established in 2017 with headquarters in the UK and boasting a diverse team of over 100 international experts spanning 35 countries, DUAMENTES stands for rapidly evolving business landscape. Whether we’re supporting medium to large enterprises expand globally or driving startups to achieve new heights, we provide a smooth path from the beginning to success. Our expertise spans every stage of the company’s business lifecycle, from expanding its customer base through new audience segments and product innovations to enhancing metrics and building a robust business structure for sustained growth.
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