The e-commerce growth rate in the UAE and Saudi Arabia is 12% year on year, which is significantly higher than many other regions globally.
Approximately 40% of Amazon sellers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia are not based locally, with many coming from the US, Europe, and other regions to take advantage of the emerging market opportunities.
Sellers need to register for VAT (Value Added Tax) in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The VAT rate is 5% in the UAE and 15% in Saudi Arabia. Sellers can use their existing business structures (e.g., US LLC, UK LTD) without needing a local business license.
The UAE and Saudi Arabia marketplaces are smaller due to their populations (10 million in UAE and 33-36 million in Saudi Arabia). Sellers can expect around 20-25% of their US Amazon sales in these markets.
Amazon has Arabized its platform in Saudi Arabia, allowing sellers to target customers using Arabic keywords. Previously, Arabic searches were translated into English, which often led to imperfect results. This update improves search accuracy and customer experience.
60% of customers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia are Prime members, and an additional 20% use someone else's Prime account, making FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) a preferred option for sellers.
Abdullah uses a combination of Pinterest and ChatGPT to brainstorm niches and identify unique products. He focuses on finding super relevant keywords with low competition and high demand, often targeting products with 2,000-5,000 search volume and fewer than 10 sellers.
Abdullah achieved $500,000 in gross sales in 2024 by focusing on a single niche product with no competition. He raised the price of his product during peak sales periods, which increased his profitability. His success was driven by finding a product with a super relevant keyword and low competition.
Adding a user-generated content video to an Amazon listing in the UAE can increase sales by 20%, as it enhances customer engagement and trust in the product.
The UAE offers no personal income tax and a corporate tax rate of just 9%, making it an attractive destination for Amazon sellers looking to reduce their tax burden.
Let’s learn everything you need to know about two of Amazon's fastest-growing marketplaces UAE & Saudi Arabia, plus a bonus story of somebody who learned from Project X strategies and now has a thriving 6-figure business.
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Unlock the secrets to thriving in the blossoming Amazon UAE and Amazon Saudi Arabia marketplaces, where a remarkable 12% e-commerce growth awaits eager sellers. Journey with Bradley and Krystel Abi Assi of Amazon Seller Society to the bustling city of Dubai, as we uncover how international brands are leveraging early market entry to build a strategic edge. Supported by the WorldEF Conference and Dubai Commerce City, we discuss how Dubai is cementing its status as a global hub for innovation and e-commerce, providing unparalleled opportunities for global sellers looking to make their mark.
Gain insights into the essential steps for international sellers aiming to conquer Amazon's Middle Eastern markets. With minimal barriers to entry, you can seamlessly utilize existing business structures without requiring a local presence, while understanding the nuances of VAT registration. As Saudi Arabia's platform evolves with Arabic language enhancements, the potential for sellers is rapidly expanding, offering fertile ground for those ready to adapt and seize the moment in these vibrant regions.
Join us as we introduce our next guest Abdallah Hesham, an inspiring Amazon seller from Egypt, who shares his compelling journey from failed products to discovering success in car accessories. Abdallah's story illustrates the power of adaptation and innovative research methods inspired by watching Helium 10’s Project X Amazon Product Case Study series) on YouTube, such as Pinterest and ChatGPT, in finding profitable niches. We emphasize the critical role of precise keyword selection in representing products effectively on Amazon, with stories and strategies that underscore the transformative potential of this approach for ambitious sellers worldwide.
In episode 629 of the Serious Sellers Podcast, Bradley, Krystel, and Abdallah discuss:
00:00 - Amazon UAE and Saudi Arabia Insights
03:07 - Emerging E-Commerce Market in 2025
05:31 - Selling on Amazon Middle East
10:12 - Arabization of Amazon Platform
15:53 - Amazon Sellers in UAE
19:40 - Success in Amazon Business Strategies
22:23 - Discovering Hidden Product Opportunities
27:34 - Amazon Sales Strategy With Niche Product
30:22 - Amazon FBA Content Strategy Discussion
30:27 - Effective Keyword Selection for Amazon