The world, right now, is going through a significant transformation. Technology is the tour de force behind this massive switch of lifestyles. And even though we may speculate on how earlier times were simple and peaceful, we cannot argue against technology's benefits.

One of the notable inventions of technology is ecommerce. It is a business model that allows firms and individuals to buy and sell things over the internet. Wiring money and transferring data over an electronic medium was an unimaginable concept before.

According to 99firms’ ecommerce stats for 2020, the ecommerce market is not only thriving. In fact, it is expected that over 95% of all purchases will happen via ecommerce by 2040. Given the numbers, it is inevitable that every country out there is working on jumping on the bandwagon.

Dubai and the entire UAE is not an exception either.

If you are an entity in Dubai and UAE that plans to go virtual with their business model – now is the most appropriate time to do that. Below, we have gathered up a few steps to help you kickstart your online business in Dubai region:

1. Choose the right jurisdiction and get a trade license
2. Decide the company name
3. Design and launch your website
4. Include online payment gateways
5. Secure store, logistics, and delivery
6. Market your products or services

Choose the right jurisdiction and get a trade license

One of the critical decisions you have to make before you start your online business in Dubai is whether you want to operate in the mainland or a free zone. It is imperative to acknowledge the pros and cons of each and its impact on your setup.

In case you want to work in a mainland setup, you can freely trade with the UAE market without having a local agent on board. Also, you have permission to take on government contracts.

On the other hand, if you desire to start your venture in a UAE free zone, plus enjoy the perks of a zero percent tax rate, and you also reap the rewards of full customs tax exemption. Along with these, there are no currency restrictions, and you have the right to repatriate 100% of your profit and capital.

Decide the company name

For some people, this step might be a trivial one. Emirates has a strict set of naming conventions unfamiliar to the people coming from the outside world.

When setting up your business in Dubai or UAE, you must adhere to cultural and religious values. It should not include profane or offensive language, nor any references to the Quran, Prophet (PBUH), or Allah. And if you wish to include your name in the company title, it should be complete. Don’t use surname or initials only.

Finally, you should check if your chosen name is available for registration. A company formation pro can help you with this step, make suggestions, and check if the title is available.

Design and launch your website

Your website is the central portal to interact with potential customers. It must flaunt your competitive edge and your knack for the niche. Make sure it is optimized for local customers.

It may take a while to build a website, but it is worth spending all your time and money. Thriving into the digital landscape is impossible if you do not have a site to impress. Here are a bunch of necessary elements to infuse on your website:

• Easy navigation
• Visual design
• Interactive
• Branding strategies
• Information accessibility
• Intuitiveness
• Clear calls-to-action (CTAs)

With the passing of each year, the web design standards across the globe are taking a hike. It is vital to work around the trends to make sure you grab prospects. According to the Blog red survey, two out of three people prefer to scroll around a beautifully-designed website. This gives you one more reason to work hard on your web portal.

Include online payment gateways

Your business will eventually take a downturn if you provide a bleak payment system to the customers or no options at all. Provide different payment options to your valuable customers. Having contracts with the popular banks in the region might work things in your favor.

Secure payment gateways including credit card payments and pre-paid card systems are the most convenient ways. Here are seven best rated payment gateways in UAE that deserve your attention:

• Telr
• Payfort
• Checkout
• 2checkout
• Cashu
• CC Avenue
• PayTabs

To integrate either of these payment gateways, you will need to install a connection module or design a custom extension. Another viable option is cash-on-delivery (COD), which is also favored by most people nowadays.

Secure store, logistics, and delivery

Opting to partner with a secure storage and logistics partner is a crucial step to get right for any business. It is an excellent way to stay organized, manage growth, fulfill commitments, and remain compliant.

Nonetheless, entrusting essential operations to an external entity might be difficult for any organization to make. Companies like Etihad Store Logistics, CSS Homeward Bound, and Royal Gulf Shipping are well-known for their efficiency in the UAE.

If you are a small company, hiring professional help might increase the costs. A rather smart move would be to devise a solid logistics plan for yourself. You should secure a warehouse and office space to store your goods. Pick a location that is easily accessible to suppliers and employees. Additionally, keeping your staff motivated can be supported by an employee rewards program, which helps maintain high morale as your business grows.

Market your products or services

Once your business is ready to roll in the market and every puzzle sets in its place, it is time to devise a flawless marketing strategy. Without the right growth ideas, you cannot expect your profits to multiply. Also, the competition in UAE markets is growing exponentially. It is crucial to have a professional marketing agency up your sleeve.

They begin by analyzing the needs and wants of your customers. Next, they find where your target market is found. For instance, research tells that 63% of Instagram users log in at least once a day. After scrutinizing your prospects’ approach, the company crafts a marketing plan to gain their attention.

Final Thoughts

The process of starting an online business in Dubai or UAE requires thorough information about the region. You should know about cultural sensitivities, government policies, and the competition before working on your idea.

We hope our blog helped you gain some perspective. Feel free to leave your comments below!