Exponential growth and goodwill in the UAE accelerates expansion
Souqplace.com, the first Emirati online marketplace in the UAE, connecting quality SMEs and artisan products, in addition to branded ones to consumers, announces the expansion of its platform to Saudi Arabia.
Capitalizing on the upward growth of e-commerce in the UAE and the support it has received over the period of two years, the Emirati e-commerce startup is all set to offer its unique products listed on their platform to the Saudi audience.
The importance of Saudi Arabia as a promising e-commerce player rests on the country’s high purchasing power and growth. As per reports, in 2016, KSA and the UAE alone have witnessed three-thirds of e-commerce transaction in the region with Saudi Arabia registering a growth of 37 percent. The great number of tech-savvy young citizens in Saudi allows e-commerce to grow.
Backed by the Emirati entrepreneur extraordinaire, Ahmed BinSalem Al Dhaheri, Chairman, Virtual Dusk, Souqplace.com provides a platform for entrepreneurs and SME’s to present their products to a larger audience online. In doing so, it also provides a platform for consumers to avail hard to find qualitative, niche, artisan products in addition to branded products at competitive prices.
Products available on the platform range from electronics, fashion, watches, accessories, and beauty to Home & Garden and Arts & Crafts. The platform has grown from 200+ SMEs and brands associated with them in 2016 to 400+ brands in 2017. The unique visitor numbers have witnessed a 100% percent increase since 2016. There are a total of 50,000 + products currently listed on the platform.
On the expansion, an elated Tony N. Al Saiegh, Executive Director, Virtual Dusk, holding company of Souqplace.com said, “We are extremely happy to be extending our services to Saudi Arabia. KSA has always been on our radar since the time we launched Souqplace.com in the UAE. It is one of the most promising markets for e-commerce in the Arab region and we are hopeful that the amount of support and love received in the UAE within a short span is replicated in Saudi Arabia.”
Souqplace.com has been able to present the efforts and qualitative products the SME’s associated with them have to offer alongside big brands. Having received the response it has, Souqplace.com is hopeful with the extension of its services to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The talent the market holds with respect to SME products is immense and in the UAE itself, the surface has been barely scratched. In the years to come, Souqplace.com aims at becoming the go-to destination for customers to shop for products, hard to find elsewhere across the UAE and Saudi Arabia.