Tap into the GCC Boom: A New Frontier for UK & US Shopify Merchants
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)—comprising the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman—has become one of the fastest-growing eCommerce regions in the world.
In just a few years, the region's online shopping landscape has grown exponentially. The eCommerce market jumped from $5 billion in 2015 to $18 billion by 2019, with projections estimating it will hit $50 billion by 2025. And it’s not just general growth—fashion, beauty, electronics, and even groceries are seeing double-digit increases in online spending.
For example: - The fashion and beauty segment alone has contributed over $8 billion to the region’s online economy. - Electronics and media are surging, driven by a young, digitally native population. - The luxury sector has rebounded with a 23% increase over pre-2019 levels, reaching $9.7 billion.
Young consumers in the GCC are ready to spend—and they’re already doing it online. Shoppers in Dubai spend about $14,000 per capita annually on retail, while those in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Doha spend between $3,500 and $5,000, with more than half of shoppers buying from abroad at least twice a year.
Yet despite the demand, many international Shopify merchants haven’t cracked this market—mostly due to perceived shipping complexity or lack of access to reliable logistics partners.
That’s where ShipaEcommerce changes everything.
Introducing ShipaEcommerce: Seamless Shipping to the GCC, Direct from Shopify
ShipaEcommerce’s proprietary & powerful technology connects your Shopify store to the entire GCC region—with fully automated logistics tools backed by Agility, one of the world’s most trusted logistics providers.
We make it possible for Shopify merchants in the UK and US to ship to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman—without the usual headaches of cross-border commerce.
Check out ShipaEcommerce on the Shopify App Store
Why Shopify Merchants Are Expanding into the GCC
Here’s what makes the GCC a high-opportunity market for your brand:
- Booming eCommerce demand — consumers are eager for international products
- High average basket values — especially in fashion, beauty, and electronics
- Untapped competition — fewer Shopify sellers are targeting the region
- Faster shipping expectations — local delivery partners now reach most cities within 1–3 days
- Preference for trusted, visible shipping — something Shopify merchants can offer with ShipaEcommerce
If you're already shipping across Europe or North America, adding the GCC can dramatically expand your customer base—with minimal change to your operations.
ShipaEcommerce Key Features at a Glance
Here’s how our app simplifies the entire process:
- Automated rates at checkout – no more manual calculations
- Label generation – single or bulk printing
- Customs & duties calculator – so your customers know what to expect
- Real-time parcel tracking – you and your buyers stay updated
- Order sync and status updates
- Email notifications built in
- No Shopify Billing required – flexible invoicing model
And with our order tracking dashboard, you can easily manage all outbound shipments to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, or anywhere else in the GCC from one place.
Shipping to the UAE, KSA, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain & Oman – Made Easy
From Dubai’s urban shoppers to Riyadh’s growing eCommerce base, your products can now reach millions of GCC customers who actively shop online and trust international brands.
With localized last-mile delivery, full visibility, and transparent costs, you’ll provide a premium customer experience that builds repeat buyers across borders.
Who Should Use ShipaEcommerce?
Our app is built for UK and US-based Shopify merchants of all sizes, whether you:
- Already ship internationally and want to expand into the GCC
- Are just starting out and want a simple way to reach new regions
- Operate in fashion, beauty, wellness, lifestyle, electronics, or any vertical
If you sell it on Shopify, we help you ship it across the GCC—easily, affordably, and at scale.
Ready to Go Global? Let’s Ship to the GCC.
The GCC market is booming, and UK/US brands are uniquely positioned to grow there.
With ShipaEcommerce, you don’t need to figure out customs paperwork or guess at shipping rates—we’ve built the infrastructure so you can focus on growth.
Check out ShipaEcommerce on the Shopify App Store
Contact us to learn more and see how we can help you grow in the GCC
Sources - Consultancy ME – GCC eCommerce growth: https://www.consultancy-me.com/news/3092/gccs-e-commerce-sector-surging-ahead-amid-covid-19 - Fast Company ME – GCC consumer spending: https://fastcompanyme.com/news/gcc-cities-poised-to-rival-worlds-top-shopping-destinations-by-2028/ - Vogue Business – Luxury eCommerce in the GCC: https://www.voguebusiness.com/fashion/discovering-the-levers-of-luxury-success-in-the-middle-east