Dubai — October 21, 2025:
The UAE’s e-commerce sector is experiencing unprecedented growth as digital transactions surpass $60 billion in 2025, reflecting a major shift in consumer behavior and business operations. Data from the UAE Central Bank shows that retail transactions through the UAE Funds Transfer System (UAEFTS) surged by 22.57% in 2024, totaling 109.7 million transactions worth Dh7.4 trillion ($2 trillion) — a 20.63% increase in value compared to the previous year.
Industry forecasts suggest this momentum will continue, with digital payment values expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.4%, reaching nearly $118 billion by 2030. By then, the UAE’s e-commerce user base is projected to hit 10.63 million, according to Statista.
This surge has not only redefined consumer purchasing habits but also transformed corporate strategies, with companies restructuring their models around technology-driven commerce. A leading example is Blue Ocean Global Group, a Dubai-based distribution conglomerate representing over 25 international and regional brands.
In response to the dominance of online retail, Blue Ocean has scaled back its offline retail distribution to focus on becoming a fully technology-enabled e-commerce distribution platform.
“Our e-commerce distribution business has been growing at 40% year-on-year,” said Shahzad Ahmed, Chairman of Blue Ocean Global Group. “We now manage inventories for over 550 SKUs, meeting rising demand for consumer and electronic goods through online platforms.”
Ahmed noted that millennials and Gen Z consumers are driving the shift, favoring structured, transparent, and convenient digital commerce experiences.
“E-commerce is the future of retail,” he said. “We’ve made this transition at the right time to remain relevant and competitive.”
To support this evolution, Blue Ocean has enhanced its supply chain and B2B operations through automation and AI-based analytics.
Rohit Savara, CEO of Blue Ocean Global Group, emphasized: “Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Machine Learning are redefining the business landscape. Embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution is not optional—it’s essential.”
As businesses pivot to align with the UAE’s digital economy vision, the rapid expansion of e-commerce continues to reshape the nation’s trade, logistics, and retail ecosystem, positioning it as one of the most advanced digital markets in the Middle East.
