62% people in UAE shop online

Digitalks, Middle East's first digitally-focused conference series ended on a high note, with an impressive line-up of visitors and international participants tackling the most pressing issues facing the digital communications industry today.
The launch of Digitalks brought together some of the most accomplished and creative minds in the business, providing a new platform for industry professionals in the Middle East to exchange ideas, network and streamline industry growth.
With the theme "The Rising E-commerce Trends in the Middle East," attendees were part of the first digital platform that demonstrated the latest solutions and services that will help them compete and win in today's dynamic digital environment.
"Deriving extraordinary results from innovative technology requires innovative people," said Naguib Toihiri, organiser of the conference & Head of Marketing at RBBi. "With more than 72.5 million Internet users in the MENA region, it's clear that e-commerce is on the rise. Our goal, with the launch of Digitalks is to teach, inspire, and arm digital enthusiasts with the know-how, creativity, and new relationships that can help take their digital marketing programs to amazing new heights."
The one-day event featured visionary keynotes, real-world success stories and valuable networking with peers from leading companies. Two-hour UX focused and advanced SEO workshops were held, to provide participants with hands-on techniques, including eye-tracking tools and different user research methods. Attendees had a chance to look at the current and future leaders in digital experience and paid media along with the tools and best practices to ensure a successful brand in the digital world.
"Here in the Middle East we are avid social media users with more than 88 per cent of the online population using social media platforms daily. Moreover, with the fast rise of social media usage in the region we're now witnessing a new phenomenon - social selling," commented Heba AlSamt, Digital Media Director of TV & Radio at Dubai Media Inc. and one of the keynote speakers at Digitalks who addressed the state of social for eCommerce in the MENA region.
In the UAE alone, the number of Internet users is as high as 99 per cent, and online shoppers now represent 62 per cent of the population. This is a 25 per cent increase from the previous year. According to PwC Middle East's 2017 report, social media is vastly becoming the most attractive tool for online engagement.
Social media is, in fact, driving customer behaviour with 48 per cent engaging in online promotions and more than 52 per cent using social media channels to check product reviews or shop.
"Social media has of course been utilised by brands since inception, but this year we are seeing an increase in attention as more and more budget is being placed on these channels with the aim to connect better with customers," added AlSamt.
According to a recent report published by online regional payment platform PayFort, the Middle East e-commerce market is set to double to more than $69 billion by 2020. With the focus on future digital growth, renowned speakers at Digitalks delivered keynote presentations and insights on how brands can make the most out of their digital experience.