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MENA Online Electronics Sales Grew By 7% In 2023
Despite inflation and rising prices, the Admitad affiliate network says growth aligns perfectly with the global rate.
According to newly released data from the Admitad affiliate network, MENA shoppers made 7% more orders in 2023 and spent 5% more while doing so. The reported rates perfectly align with the pace of global growth, according to Admitad’s analytics.
As part of the study, the company examined over 9 million online orders across 360+ brands. 600,000 MENA online orders were included in those figures, along with 144 local brands and local branches of global companies such as Canon, Dyson, Huawei, Alibaba, and more.
When it comes to online electronic purchases, the MENA cities with the highest share of orders in 2023 were Dubai, Tel Aviv, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Jeddah, Ramat Gan, Petaẖ Tiqwa, Istanbul, Sharjah and Kuwait City.
According to Admitad’s data, the main channels through which MENA brands and marketplaces attracted sales were: (by their share in the total number of sales)
- Affiliate Stores: 23%
- Content Platforms & Online Media: 21%
- Groups & Blogs In Social Media: 4%
- Contextual & Targeted Ads: 5%
- Cashback Services: 2%
- Coupon Sites: 4%
- External Mobile Apps: 2%
- Other: 3%
Sales through third-party mobile apps grew significantly in 2023, with purchases of electronics through those mediums doubling. Sales through affiliate stores jumped 62%, while MENA buyers also paid more attention to recommendations from content platforms and media this year, with sales through those channels rising by 12%.
Also Read: Tribit FlyBuds C1 Earbuds Review: The Ultimate Bang For Your Buck
Admitad experts remain optimistic about their forecast for the growth of online sales of electronics in 2023 and believe that the MENA market will continue to expand. Of key importance for the industry is the upcoming holiday sale season, with brands hoping to maximize profits during White Friday and Cyber Monday.
News
Rabbit Expands Hyperlocal Delivery Service In Saudi Arabia
The e-commerce startup is aiming to tap into the Kingdom’s underdeveloped e-grocery sector with a tech-first, locally rooted strategy.
Rabbit, an Egyptian-born hyperlocal e-commerce startup, is expanding into the Saudi Arabian market, setting its sights on delivering 20 million items across major cities by 2026.
The company, founded in 2021, is already operational in the Kingdom, with its regional headquarters now open in Riyadh and an established network of strategically located fulfillment centers — commonly known as “dark stores” — across the capital.
The timing is strategic: Saudi Arabia’s online grocery transactions currently sit at 1.3%, notably behind the UAE (5.3%) and the United States (4.8%). With the Kingdom’s food and grocery market estimated at $60 billion, even a modest increase in online adoption could create a multi-billion-dollar opportunity.
Rabbit also sees a clear alignment between its business goals and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to boost retail sector innovation, support small and medium-sized enterprises, attract foreign investment, and develop a robust digital economy.
The company’s e-commerce model is based on speed and efficiency. Delivery of anything from groceries and snacks to cosmetics and household staples is promised in 20 minutes or less, facilitated by a tightly optimized logistics system — a crucial component in a sector where profit margins and delivery expectations are razor-thin.
Despite the challenges, Rabbit has already found its stride in Egypt. In just over three years, the app has been used by 1.4 million customers to deliver more than 40 million items. Revenue has surged, growing more than eightfold in the past two years alone.
Also Read: Top E-Commerce Websites In The Middle East In 2025
CEO and Co-Founder Ahmad Yousry commented: “We are delighted to announce Rabbit’s expansion into the Kingdom. We pride ourselves on being a hyperlocal company, bringing our bleeding-edge tech and experience to transform the grocery shopping experience for Saudi households, and delivering the best products – especially local favorites, in just 20 minutes”.
The company’s growth strategy avoids the pitfalls of over-reliance on aggressive discounting. Instead, Rabbit leans on operational efficiency, customer retention, and smart scaling. The approach is paying off, having already attracted major investment from the likes of Lorax Capital Partners, Global Ventures, Raed Ventures, and Beltone Venture Capital, alongside earlier investors such as Global Founders Capital, Goodwater Capital, and Hub71.
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