News

eCommerce Fashion Platform Namshi Acquired By Noon

The deal worth $335 million will consolidate the region’s eCommerce market by bringing together two of the largest online retailers.

Published

2 years ago

August 22, 2022

Nour Nasir

Noon

Emaar, Dubai’s premiere real estate developer, has revealed that it will be selling off ownership rights to the eCommerce fashion platform Namshi, which it has owned outright since 2019, after purchasing a 51% stake back in 2017.

Namshi is being acquired by rival company Noon, who will pay $335.2 million for the acquisition, a price set by an independent valuer and approved via Dubai’s Securities & Commodities Authority. The figure represents a hefty profit for Emaar, who paid $281 in total for full ownership of the company.

“The company would like to announce that its board of directors has, in principle, approved the sale of Namshi to Noon (subject to the approval of the Noon board of directors). Detailed information will be disclosed once the approval of Noon’s board is received formally,” says Ahmad Thani Rashed Al Matrooshi, board member at Emaar.

Also Read: UAE Startup Dukkantek Raises $10 Million In Funding

The move will considerably consolidate the region’s eCommerce space, as Noon and Namshi are two of the biggest online retailers in the United Arab Emirates, with shopping giant Amazon taking the top spot.

Noon was founded in 2017 by Mohamed Alabbar, the founder of Emaar properties, along with help from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. The sale is the second major investment switch for Emaar, who recently bought a stake in the Dubai Creek Harbour development for a massive $2 billion.

News

Hamad International Wins 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards

The Qatar airport also won “World’s Best Airport Shopping” for the 2nd time, and “Best Airport in the Middle East” for the 10th year.

Published

24 hours ago

April 18, 2024

Nour Nasir

hamad international wins 2024 skytrax world airport awards

Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha, Qatar, has once again won the “World’s Best Airport” title at the Skytrax World Airport Awards. The award ceremony, held at the Passenger Terminal Expo 2024 in Frankfurt, Germany, also saw Hamad clinch the accolade of “World’s Best Airport Shopping” for the 2nd time in a row and “Best Airport in the Middle East” for an impressive 10th consecutive year.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, who played a key role in the airport’s development over the past decade, said: “This is a remarkable achievement for Hamad International Airport, as it celebrates its 10th anniversary of operational excellence, connecting passengers seamlessly from all around the world. It is a testament to the dedication of our team and partners, who have contributed to providing passengers with the finest travel experience”.

hamad international airport doha qatar

Al-Meer emphasized the importance of understanding changing travel trends and the needs of modern air passengers: “At the heart of our growth strategy lies the passengers’ journey, their evolving needs, and our commitment to meeting and exceeding their expectations. We have introduced a diverse range of experiences at the airport, including Souq Al Matar, which brings Qatari hospitality and culture closer to travelers, “Orchard”, the ideal place for relaxation and rejuvenation between flights, and an array of high-end lounges”.

Also Read: Top E-Commerce Websites In The Middle East In 2024

Hamad International Airport saw a massive 31% surge in passenger traffic during 2023, with the transport hub now serving over 45 million passengers annually. The airport is now home to prestigious airlines, including Vistara, Iberia, Xiamen Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, and Japan Airlines, serving 250+ destinations for passenger and cargo flights.

The uptick in traffic is no doubt due to the completion of the first phase of an extensive expansion project. Hamad’s management intends to radically update the airport’s facilities over the coming years in a bid to create the “airport of the future”. The expansion features a unique and calming environment of lush greenery and several contemporary dining and shopping concepts among the already well-equipped leisure facilities.