A local online marketplace for SMEs and homepreneurs called DubaiStore is expected to launch in Dubai in the third quarter of 2018.
The model, revealed at the Seamless exhibition in Dubai, was developed by Digital Economy Solutions (DES), a joint venture between emaratech and the Department of Economic Development of Dubai (DED).
The DubaiStore aims at supporting licensed SMEs by eliminating zero possibility of direct competition between the SME and the sellers since the platform does not own or sell any of its products.
With the new platform, the SMEs will have more exposure which will definitely enhance the businesses’ visibility. In addition, it will provide them with a new platform to accelerate their brands.
Abdallah Hassan, CEO of DES, said: “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.”
The DED will also be enrolling eTraders without the need for registration or commission charges. The DubaiStore will have the option of creating and managing online stores, and the orders. Moreover, it offers business analytics and advisory services.
Other features that the platform offers is onsite customer service, message center, an integrated ‘noqodi’ payment gateway to facilitate online payments, and ZAJEL courier service to facilitate deliveries.