Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy announces growth in the e-commerce sector in
Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy announces 24% growth in the UAE's e-commerce sector by 2026

A recent economic report issued by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy on Thursday, November 12, 2026, said the UAE’s e-commerce and digital payments sector recorded strong growth of 24% during 2026. The expansion was driven by rising consumer confidence in digital shopping platforms and improvements in logistics infrastructure.

Contactless payments and digital wallets take the lead

According to the report, more than 85% of e-commerce transactions in the UAE were conducted through digital wallets, contactless cards and buy-now, pay-later (BNPL) services. It also recorded a sharp increase in sales of electronics, fashion and fresh food through smart applications.

Supporting start-ups and facilitating regional expansion

The chamber said support initiatives launched by Dubai, including the “Digital Company Formation” platform and entrepreneur training programmes, helped attract hundreds of e-commerce companies to establish regional headquarters in Dubai to manage their operations across the Middle East and North Africa.

Competitive lead in comprehensive digital transformation

The indicators underline the rapid growth of the UAE’s digital economy and its ability to attract high-quality investment. The country continues to update legislation governing e-commerce and consumer protection to ensure a secure and sustainable digital environment.