Regional e-commerce site noon launches in Egypt

Regional e-commerce site noon – backed by Dubai businessman Mohamed Alabbar, has now expanded to Egypt, it announced on Tuesday.

The site launched in the UAE in September 2017 and in Saudi Arabia in December 2017 through a $1bn investment.

Read: $1bn shopping site Noon.com goes live in Saudi

Currently in beta testing mode in Egypt, noon will be available via desktop and its app.

The site will offer products including electronics, fashion, beauty, baby, home and kitchen, as well as free delivery and free returns in Egypt, a statement said.

Noon Egypt is based in Smart Village, Cairo’s technology business district, and the team on ground is in the testing phases prior to the official launch.

The e-commerce platform also has a fully operational Customer Fulfilment Centre (CFC) in Greater Cairo’s Abu Rawash area, with plans to include five additional CFCs to ensure service in all cities and governorates.

“E-commerce is still relatively new in Egypt, and noon has the opportunity to help shape a digital marketplace perfect for the country with this beta launch,” said Mohamed Alabbar, founder of noon.

Retailers in Egypt – many of whom have no online presence, can now use noon to increase their customer base, the statement said.

“We’re so excited to start building strong relationships with the local retail community and customers, supporting Egypt’s growth and entry into e-commerce,” added Alabbar.

Noon will also be looking to recruit Egyptian talent to join the local team, it said.

The e-commerce site is looking to expand its operations as it competes with several regional and international rivals.

In July, noon revealed plans to launch of two entities in China, one on the mainland and the other in Hong Kong, as part of plans to expand to Asia.

The company said it aims to establish a network of Chinese brand owners to bring products to customers in the Middle East.

Read more: Online retailer noon expands to China