Souq relaunches as Amazon.ae in the UAE

UAE-based e-commerce site Souq.com has relaunched as Amazon.ae in the country, it was announced on Wednesday.

Souq was acquired by global e-commerce platform Amazon in 2017 for an estimated $650m.

Read: Amazon completes acquisition of Dubai’s Souq.com

Now featuring over 30 million products, including those previously available on Souq and five million products from Amazon US, the site has been “localised” to suit the market, a statement said.

The thousands of businesses who were selling on Souq are now selling on Amazon.ae, with the site now open to UAE sellers of all sizes.

Shoppers can pay in UAE dirhams using local and international credit cards or cash on delivery (COD).

For the first time ever at Amazon, Arabic language has been introduced to both the mobile app and the website.

The site will also continue to offer free next day delivery on orders above Dhs100 as well as paid same day delivery to select areas in the UAE.

“Amazon’s global expertise in logistics will provide accurate delivery and shipment tracking, and will keep investing in ways that improve the delivery experience,” the statement said.

Read: Amazon-owned Souq.com opens new Dubai fulfilment centre

“Today marks a proud day for Souq and Amazon, a day that we have been working towards since the two companies came together in 2017,” said Ronaldo Mouchawar, co-founder of Souq and vice president of Amazon MENA.

“Amazon.ae brings together Souq’s local know-how and Amazon’s global expertise, something we believe will be of significant benefit to UAE customers. Our combined team in the region has grown to over 3,600 employees.

“We will continue to grow our product range, ensure great prices, and provide a convenient and safe shopping experience.”

The site’s main competitor is $1bn rival Noon.com, which launched in late 2017 with the backing of Dubai billionaire Mohamed Alabbar and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.