DMCC launches e-commerce ecosystem, aims to support SMEs, targets $50bn regional market

Dubai Multi Commodities Centre’s (DMCC) latest offering, the E-Commerce Ecosystem, aims to propel the growth of the e-commerce sector across the MENA region. The region’s e-commerce sector is currently valued at $32bn and is expected to reach $50bn by 2025.

The new ecosystem is being launched in partnership with self-storage provider, The Box.

The DMCC E-Commerce Ecosystem will allow small and medium e-commerce companies to operate from a convenient location with easy access to workspaces, order fulfillment services and delivery options.

DMCC’s e-commerce business licenses cover a wide range of activities within the sector, including trading, payment services, delivery services, and related consulting services.

Comprehensive services

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, executive chairman and CEO, DMCC, said: “Rapid digitalisation across the UAE and the wider region is driving growth in the e-commerce sector at an unprecedented rate. This growth is being compounded by trends such as social media influencers selling products through their channels, as well as established brands increasingly turning to online sales.

“As such, there is a timely and apparent need for a comprehensive platform that provides everything e-commerce businesses need to succeed. This is precisely what the DMCC E-Commerce Ecosystem aims to deliver, so we are proud to bring this to the market with our partner, The Box.”

We are pleased to announce the launch of the DMCC E-Commerce Ecosystem in partnership with @theboxstorage. Read more of how the new #DMCCEcommerceEcosystem is designed to support over 290 #ecommerce members with tailored packages and storage solutions: https://t.co/PBCt1nEKTX pic.twitter.com/c64U7N9GkZ

— DMCC (@DMCCAuthority) January 16, 2023

Joint accelerator programme

Alongside providing members with access to a wide range of storage solutions, from lockers to warehouses, The Box and DMCC will offer an accelerator programme designed to support e-commerce entrepreneurs and SMEs.

The Box DMCC Accelerator Programme will provide subsidised rates for storage and DMCC licensing, as well as one-on-one mentorship sessions, tailored workshops and access to exclusive networking opportunities with DMCC’s community of over 22,000 businesses, including 290 companies in the e-commerce space such as Deliveroo, Instashop, Cafu, Class Pass and JUSTLIFE.

Packages for companies

Separate from the accelerator programme, companies interested in joining the DMCC E-Commerce Ecosystem will be able to choose from three packages: Basic, Starter, and Premium+. Through these packages, e-commerce businesses will receive up to a 50 per cent discount on a DMCC business license, a co-working desk, or private office space and storage solutions through The Box.

Wadih Haddad, founder and CEO, The Box, added: “Storage, fulfillment and last-mile delivery are critical to the success of any e-commerce business. We are delighted to partner with DMCC to support the ever-growing needs of the e-commerce ecosystem by providing access to our state-of-the-art infrastructure enabling e-commerce entrepreneurs and SMEs to fulfill their brand promise. We are proud to support the thriving sector through our joint accelerator programme, which is set to have a tremendous impact on the e-commerce community across the region.”

A strong performance in 2022

In other news, DMCC achieved its “best-ever” year for new member company registrations, attracting 3,049 new businesses to Dubai in 2022.

This marks a year-on-year increase of 23 per cent, breaking the previous record set in 2021 when DMCC registered 2,485 new members.

Read: Dubai’s DMCC witnesses ‘best-ever’ year for registrations, welcomes 3,049 businesses in 2022 

DMCC also recently launched its gaming centre. Gaming companies looking to expand their global reach and connect with audiences across the world will also benefit from DMCC’s fully digital setup process, infrastructure and commitment to increasing the ease of doing business.

Under the new centre, members will also have access to the wider esports community through regular events and tournaments. Furthermore, members will have the opportunity to join gaming-specific acceleration and market entry programmes through AstroLabs, a tech ecosystem builder in the MENA region.

Read: DMCC announces launch of its gaming centre