Home to the world’s biggest mall, traditional souks, two major shopping festivals, and the highest number of food and beverage outlets per capita in the world, Dubai is a shopper’s paradise. However, the retail sector is rapidly diversifying with customers now able to access a vast range of consumer goods and services through simply a tap, click or swipe.

Digital landscape in the UAE

A study by the World Economic Forum estimates the value of the e-commerce sector in the UAE to reach $27.2 billion this year, double what it was in 2016. As this shift from ‘brick and mortar’ to online retail gains momentum both regionally and globally, it is opening up a whole new range of lucrative opportunities for women entrepreneurs.

Best time for e-commerce startups in Dubai

Starting your own online company can provide excellent flexibility and allows you to work from the comfort of your home or, from any exotic destination you choose! Through leveraging existing platforms such as Facebook and Instagram you can quickly generate traffic to your website and start maximizing a profit with minimum investment or risk. Dubai government is also encouraging entrepreneurs to launch their online businesses and in September 2019, Dubai Executive Council approved the Dubai eCommerce strategy, which was prepared by Dubai Free Zones Council, in partnership with Dubai Chamber, Dubai Customs and Dubai Economy. The strategy aims to solidify the emirate’s position as a hub for global e-commerce and includes slashing business cost of e-commerce activities by 20% by 2022 and reducing paperwork required for customs clearance. With this in mind it appears the time is optimal for aspiring women entrepreneurs.

Female entrepreneurs are making the leap online

There are a growing number of entrepreneurial women who are already paving the way. Mona Ataya the Founder and CEO of Mumzworld.com the largest e-commerce marketplace in the Middle East for items related to mothers, babies and children. The business has been a huge success and Mona is now recognized as one of the 30 most influential women in the Arab World (Arabian Business) but the business idea was a simple one; whilst raising her 3 children she identified a gap in the market to support mothers who needed advise with their purchasing decision. Perhaps you too have come up with a great idea but just need the skills to make it a reality.

Dubai College of Tourism is providing a unique opportunity to learn all the essential skills to get your e-commerce idea off the ground with its new 3 day e-Commerce Bootcamp which will include all key knowledge and practical application of brand identity, trade licensing, platform set up, search engine optimisation and social media marketing.

The Women@Work community will receive 15% discount on the courses at Dubai College of Tourism.