An ecommerce business setup in Dubai has been the trending buzzword through the COVID-19 outbreak, but the execution requires a level headed planning with a competent leadership in place.
The ecommerce sector has arguably profited the most from the COVID-19 outbreak.
- According to QuantumMetric, the online conversion rates registered an increase of 8.8% in February, matching the level of shopping insistence normally seen during Cyber Mondays.
- The US and Canadian ecommerce business stated a 129% year-over-year growth by 21st April, while a staggering of 146% growth in all the online retail orders.
The above statistics are to name a few, evidently, cementing the global ecommerce sector’s status with an unprecedented success and ongoing demand.
How do you grab the opportunity and setup your own business in a place like Dubai or in any other part of the MENA region?
There are a number of considerations to be taken into account including the target country’s logistics requirements, its reputation, ease of establishing a startup and doing business, and opportunities for future growth.
So when investors and aspiring entrepreneurs are looking to setup their business in Dubai or in any other part of the MENA region, it is important to weigh all the possible pros and cons. If you’re considering for an ecommerce business setup in Dubai or a particular MENA region, here are the preliminary considerations you need to understand and why you need a business setup expert.
Getting started through COVID-19 in UAE
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the global economy to its knees, with airlines filing for bankruptcy, drastic plunges of the global economies, and the majority of industrial sector on a shutdown, the outbreak’s physical and mental toll is becoming too hot to handle.
As governments are desperately trying to support their citizens through rescue packages and keep the system running, few business sectors like education, entertainment, telemedicine, and telecom has a greater role to play than ever before.
What business opportunities are out there?
As some businesses and investors in UAE and the entire MENA region are suffering the dire consequences of the outbreak. At the same time, ecommerce companies are thriving from the shift in the consumer behavior and business commute.
The COVID-19 has pushed ecommerce businesses to serve increasing number of customers during the lockdown. As people have become restricted from traveling to malls, markets, restaurants, etc., they are now more inclined to order routine groceries and eateries home.
On the other hand, other business sectors are struggling to cope with the all-in remote working approach.
Several industry experts have stated that the ecommerce sector will continue to thrive and generate more revenues as a part of the overall retail spending in UAE and other parts of GCC. Ecommerce stores, especially dealing in groceries and health goods, have registered a drastic increase in demand.
According to Pacvue, an ecommerce ad tech provider, Amazon searches for hand sanitizers and antibacterial soaps have experienced a huge increase in demand.
Related content: Is COVID-19 on Course to Start the Next Wave of Innovation Around the Globe?
An ecommerce business setup in Dubai? How to hire an expert
In times like these, hiring a suitable expert in the field is the real deal. And hiring a reliable professional is required to establish your genuine footprint in the industry.
Apparently, there are number of top business setup entities in UAE including RAKEZ, Shuraa, DMCC, twofour54, etc. with an established clientele and success record in their portfolio.
These UAE-based business setups offer a wide array of professional services such as company formation, trade licensing, rented offices, business partnerships, and office setups in the mainland and free zones.
Such professional business setup service providers connect ambitious startups, entrepreneurs, SMEs, and industrialists with a thriving global marketplace and trade opportunities.
Why you need an expert consultation through a pro business consultant?
Finding an easy setup process
In the initial meeting, the business setup expert will discuss the procedures, cost, time, and minimum capital required to setup your digital existence in Dubai and MENA region.
Different countries in the MENA region have different approaches in this line of work. Among a vast pool of options in hand, it is crucial to put your firm in a top business hub that offers customized solutions.
Apparently, UAE always stays at the top of the list when it comes to business setup. You need to find a place in Dubai that offers you ample flexibility, in other words, you can decide whether you want to setup your company in the mainland or a free zone.
According to World Bank’s Doing Business 2019 report, UAE ranks 25th worldwide for starting a business, capturing a score of 94.06 from 100. In short, the country has the easiest business setup process.
The MENA region’s average was 82, while Bahrain was the only name to have penetrated the top 100 list with 89.57 score.
So what gives UAE the edge over other names in the region? UAE boasts with precisely streamlined procedures and reduced setup duration. Besides Dubai and Abu Dhabi, even lesser acknowledged states like Ras al Khaimah enjoy a hugely simplified, quick business setup process.
Do note that finding a specific location also talks about costs, choosing the right spot can greatly minimize your setup costs.
The significance of a great reputation
The country you choose for your business setup will reflect your business. Go for a country that is widely accepted and respected by the business community for equality, fairness, and legislative ease. Even other companies in the MENA region and beyond will perceive how you do business with them from a particular location standpoint.
How UAE’s reputation speaks well for your business?
A number of reasons: the country provides a state-of-the-art infrastructure, powerful economy, and is politically sound. The law strictly discourages monopolies and asks companies to compete constructively, without compromising intellectual property and trademark rights.
The Gulf powerhouse is also known to offer comprehensive support programs for business owners.
According to Khaleej Times, the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) has rolled out support for its business community in order to survive through the current difficult times and economic challenges.
The business support package, which is applicable from 1st April, offers a wide range of discounts and waivers as well as accompanying the different types of economic endeavors announced by the government for financial and business sectors. For instance, DMCC is providing its existing 17,000 member companies with a 100% waive off for late license renewal charges.
Unsurprisingly, UAE has every right to be called a major international business hub in the Middle East. Despite your business extending beyond the borders of UAE, your business hub located over there puts you in a great position in the MENA region.
Sufficient room for expansion
Whatever the size of your existing business is at the moment, one of the primary goals would be to grow. Hence, keeping an open mind approach towards options is wise, especially with respect to location and suppliers.
You might be content with your current business location and stakeholders, but the case might change in the future.
Therefore, choosing a flexible location that comes with futuristic leniency is an excellent decision, a place that has convenient access to other markets and offers you ample room for product or operations growth.
For instance, the easy setup and zero taxation free zones in UAE might entice you. But one day the temptation and opportunities to do business directly with the mainland could push you for growth.
In such cases, hiring a professional Product Strategist, like our own Mr. Hady Sheikh at CMOLDS, is the move you need to make. Someone to help analyze and research your company’s product performance, and if time and current industry scenario allows, the strategist will make informed decisions on how to increase your product portfolio and revenue generation channels.
Selecting the business hub that offers you such kind of relaxation is extremely vital for your long-term goals. Thinking about current requirements apart, also consider how they could act in the future.
Final Thoughts!
Making informed decisions is the key prior to stepping in the MENA region, rather than taking a leap of faith and forgo without any preparations.
Companies can improve their chances by not only asking the right questions, but acting on the preliminary measures pertaining to their business needs and locations in hand.
Yes, UAE ticks all the right boxes, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is actually making the situation all more favorable, especially for ecommerce business.
Imran Abdul Rauf is a Digital Marketing Strategist, employed at CMOLDS, and specializes in content marketing, email marketing campaigns, lead generation, and other aspects of digital marketing. A content enthusiast by the day, and hardcore gamer by night, Imran is also a regular guest contributor at some of the top tech and digital marketing platforms.
